February 26, 2025
Japan Fair Trade Commission
The JFTC’s Initiatives for the Realization of a Green Societys
Today, I would like to talk about the JFTC’s Initiatives for the Realization of a Green Society.
The JFTC formulated the “Guidelines Concerning the Activities of Enterprises, etc. Toward the Realization of a Green Society under the Antimonopoly Act,” commonly known as the Green Guidelines, in March 2023 and revised them in April 2024. The JFTC has been actively working on these initiatives, including responding to individual inquiries.
The Green Guidelines have been under continuous review even after their revision last year. To further clarify the guidelines, the JFTC will continue examining potential revisions and, if necessary, consider conducting hearings to gather input on specific needs.
The realization of a green society is an international challenge. In 2024, Australia and South Korea developed sustainability-related guidelines. Similar initiatives are expanding among competition authorities overseas.
Additionally, the JFTC has been considering its approach while engaging in discussions with overseas competition authorities. For example, at the end of January this year, the JFTC held an exchange of views between officials from the European Commission.
Regarding consultations, the number of Green-related inquiries increased from around ten cases in FY2023 to over 20 cases already in the current fiscal year. In FY2023, the JFTC published two cases: joint activities aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by constituent enterprises of a Shunan Complex and a joint research case by transport machinery manufacturers, which was included in the casebook. The JFTC intends to publish cases that may serve as references for other enterprises.
Furthermore, regarding the publication of consultation cases, the JFTC takes into accounts the circumstances of the enterprises involved and adjusts the content and timing of disclosures accordingly. However, given the significance of such publications, the JFTC seeks the understanding and cooperation of enterprises in this matter.
The JFTC remains committed to actively addressing this important issue toward the realization of a green society.
（Tentative translation）
