Compliance Management
Group Policy
Pursuing Open and Aboveboard Business Activities
Based on its Group corporate philosophy, the Sysmex Way, and its Shared Values, Sysmex defines compliance as “the conduct of open and aboveboard business activities based on the observance of laws and regulations and high ethical standards.” In accordance with this definition, we have established the Global Compliance Code, in which particularly important rules and behavioral guidelines for all Group executives and employees are detailed. This code, written in Japanese, has been translated into multiple languages, including English, so all Group executives and employees can understand and adhere to it.
Compliance Promotion Structure
Sysmex considers compliance violations to be the most serious type of risk that could damage the trust that society places in us. Under the Group-wide risk management structure, we have established a Compliance Committee as the central oversight body to promote and enhance compliance. The chairperson of the Compliance Committee drives initiatives throughout the Group as the Group Compliance Officer. Under the Group-wide policy, each Group company, both in Japan and overseas, has appointed its own compliance leader to spearhead local initiatives. The Compliance Committee monitors Group-wide compliance promotion activities and their progress. We also conduct an annual internal audit of compliance based on risk assessment results. In fiscal 2025, these internal audits covered compliance matters, including adherence to the Antimonopoly Act concerning collusion and cartels. Furthermore, our compliance promotion structure is annually assessed by a third party as part of our internal controls.
In the event of a major or potential compliance violation that would significantly affect the Group or any Group company, the compliance leader of the relevant company promptly reports it to the Group Compliance Officer. Upon receiving such a report, the Group Compliance Officer reports the matter to the Internal Control Committee, chaired by the President, as well as the Directors serving as Audit and Supervisory Committee Members. We also appropriately disclose information on matters requiring disclosure in accordance with our information disclosure regulations.
There were 26 ethics incidents in fiscal 2025; however, no serious violations were identified.
Whistleblowing System
Sysmex has built a global system whereby all Group employees can seek advice on or report compliance issues, including bribery and human rights abuses. In fiscal 2025, to ensure Group employees understand the system more clearly and can use it with confidence when needed, we introduced “VOICES” as the collective name for our whistleblowing system. This name is derived from the initials of Value Of Integrity, Compliance, and Ethics of Sysmex. It reflects our belief in supporting the values Sysmex cherishes—integrity, compliance, and ethics—through the voices of each and every employee.
VOICES consists of regional whistleblowing hotlines and the Global Compliance Hotline (GCH) established by the Group Compliance Officer. Each regional hotline is set up and operated by the respective regional headquarters, with regional compliance leaders accepting consultations and reports from Group employees. Through the GCH, all Group employees can directly seek advice from or make reports to Sysmex Corporation headquarters. These hotlines are operated by independent external service providers separate from the Sysmex Group.
In Japan, we have established a dedicated whistleblowing hotline administered by the Audit and Supervisory Committee to receive consultations and reports on compliance issues related to the management team.
All of these whistleblowing hotlines accept anonymous consultations and reports, and any information received is handled as strictly confidential. Sysmex strictly prohibits dismissal or any other disadvantageous treatment of individuals for seeking consultation or making a report. If disadvantageous treatment against a whistleblower is confirmed, the Group executives or employees who committed the act will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the rules of their Group company and the laws and regulations of the relevant country or region.
When a report or consultation concerns a potential compliance violation, the Legal Affairs division takes the lead in investigating the facts. If a compliance violation is confirmed, corrective actions and measures to prevent recurrence are implemented without delay. We continuously raise awareness of this system through the intranet and training sessions. By striving to create an environment where employees feel safe to consult or report, we facilitate the early detection of compliance violations.
The operational status of the whistleblowing system is monitored by the Compliance Committee. In fiscal 2025, a total of 50 reports were received through the whistleblowing system across Japan and overseas.
Compliance Education
Continuing Compliance Education
Sysmex views employee education and awareness activities as the foundation for promoting and ensuring compliance, implementing them on an ongoing basis. We leverage opportunities such as new hire and rank-based training to foster an understanding of and adherence to the Global Compliance Code.
In fiscal 2025, based on the Group-wide compliance education policy, we conducted global compliance training in multiple languages for all Group employees. This training reinforced understanding and awareness regarding the importance of compliance, the Global Compliance Code, and appropriate actions to take upon detecting potential violations.