Our compliance system

The JT Group Compliance Committee plays a significant role in the JT Group governance. Its 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 Committee are as follows:

The head of the JT Group Compliance Committee is the Chairman of the Board, and the Committee includes external experts as key members. The Committee meets regularly three 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 Company priority issues, carrying out training and seminars, handling the Reporting Concerns Mechanism, and implementing the Compliance Promotion Month. The Compliance Promotion Month 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 in our headquarters.

The Legal and Compliance division oversees departments 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 JT Group Code 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.