‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa that are mandatory in UK
The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.
Campaign in Zambia
Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.
The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.
Anti-tobacco campaigner response
“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.
Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.
The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.
Worldwide lobbying patterns
It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.
“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.
Potential consequences
“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”
The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.
Company alternative suggestions
Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.
The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.
Scented product controversy
The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.
The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.
Company justification
Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”
Critic response
Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.
The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.
“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”
Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”
Standard business position
The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”
The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.
“We support evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.
Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.
