🔗 Share this article ‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant opposed regulations in Africa that are law in UK Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK. Zambian lobbying efforts Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed. The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws. Anti-tobacco campaigner response “As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner. More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations. The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations. International corporate influence worries It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations. “We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday. Likely impacts “If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.” The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging. Company alternative suggestions In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes. Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces. Scented product controversy BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020. The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”. Corporate defense In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.” Campaigner rebuttal The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”. The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented. “We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.” Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.” Official corporate statement A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.” The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine. “We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”. The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.