Our compliance system

The JT Group Compliance Committee and Divisional Compliance Committees play a significant role in the Group’s governance. Their aim is to ensure that all directors and employees fully comply with applicable laws, our Articles of Incorporation, cultural expectations, and other compliance standards. The roles of the compliance committees are as follows:

The head of the JT Group Compliance Committee is the CEO, and the committee includes the external expert and Executive Vice President. The committee meets regularly two times every year. Among the matters discussed are initiatives to promote compliance throughout the Group, and these initiatives are executed based on the Annual Compliance Action Plan. The action plan includes maintaining and enhancing the compliance system, taking action on priority issues, carrying out training and seminars, handling the Reporting Concerns Mechanism, and holding Compliance Promotion Month, which takes place in June every year. The aim is to raise employees’ awareness of this important subject, through information sessions in every workplace, e-learning, and seminars for managers.

The Legal and Compliance Division oversees all divisions to ensure that compliance is functioning appropriately. It also promotes compliance by running various training programs for executives and employees. Employees can report any violations or consult about possible violations of the Codes of Conduct by calling internal or external hotlines. The Legal and Compliance Division is responsible for investigating reported cases, and in the case of proven violations, each work division must implement corrective measures. Serious cases are reviewed by the JT Group Compliance Committee and reported to the Board of Directors as necessary.

Similarly, in our tobacco business* we have our own Compliance department led by the JTI Chief Compliance Officer. JTI Compliance department supports employees with various compliance programs and training courses to guide them to act with integrity and make decisions in compliance with all applicable laws and internal policies, and to mitigate reputational, legal and financial risks for our international business.