We have established our Quality Policy in order to “provide the best quality products and services” as stated in the Code of Conduct of the NOF Group Corporate Philosophy and Guiding Framework, and strive to carry out sound quality management.

In April 2019, NOF established the Quality Management Committee to oversee quality management and continue securing society’s trust. It is chaired by the General Manager of the Corporate Technical Division (Executive Operating Officer) and has nine other members comprising business division managers and related corporate division managers. Furthermore, in April 2023, the Quality Management Department was established in the Corporate Technical Division to maintain and improve the level of quality management across the entire Group by raising awareness of quality management and providing guidance on quality management systems (QMS*) operated by works, plants, and Group companies.

In the event of consumer complaints regarding the function or quality of NOF Group products, or consumer accidents (product liability incidents) caused by, or assumed to have been caused by product defects, we organize a business division task force and respond in accordance with the direction of the RC Committee chair. In fiscal 2025, there were no product liability incidents.

NOF’s works and plants have acquired the most appropriate QMS certification for their business from competent external bodies. The Functional Materials and Metal Coatings Businesses are certified under ISO 9001, the Explosives & Propulsion Business is certified under JIS Q 9100, and the Functional Foods Business is certified under FSSC 22000 (Food Safety Management System). The Life Science Business utilizes ICH-Q7 (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients: GMP Guidelines). Fifteen Group companies have acquired certification by competent external bodies, including ISO 9001 certification.
　

Rate of acquisition of QMS certification from competent external bodies

• FY2025：100% (17 of 17 companies) [Covered organizations：NOF Group]
• FY2025：100% (15 of 15 companies) [Covered organizations：Consolidated NOF Group]
• FY2025：70% (16 of 23 locations) [Covered organizations：NOF Group production sites]
  　

Number of product liability cases

• FY2025：0 cases [Covered organizations：NOF Group]

NOF currently handles pharmaceutical-related products under the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act) and has obtained the business licenses listed below. In order to properly carry out these licensed business operations, the Pharmaceutical Management Task Force has been established under the Quality Management Committee to appropriately manage medical supplies.

Based on the aim of the Act Partially Amending the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (Act No. 63 of 2019, “Amended Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act”), Officers with responsibility for pharmaceutical-related operations are clearly stated in the Pharmaceutical Management System. In addition, in accordance with the provisions of the same Act, for marketing (second-class marketing license for pharmaceuticals, marketing license for quasi-pharmaceutical products), a General Marketing Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, and Safety Management Manager have been appointed.
As a specialized task force of the Quality Management Committee, a deliberative body, chaired by the Chief Safety and Quality Officer, NOF established the Pharmaceutical Management Task Force under the responsible Officer to oversee pharmaceutical-related businesses Company-wide and provide integrated management of manufacturing, marketing, and wholesale of pharmaceuticals. The Pharmaceutical Management Task Force inspects compliance with GQP, GVP, and GMP ministerial ordinances and operates to ensure that the General Marketing Manager, manufacturing managers, and others appropriately submit opinions to responsible Officers on legal compliance issues and problems.

At NOF, all persons involved in pharmaceuticals take the required training every year.
Responsible Officers receive pharmaceutical-related training once a year. Personnel engaged in pharmaceutical-related operations also receive training as needed under the respective GDP, GVP, and GMP ministerial ordinances and other requirements.
After the training, a record is made and stored for use in the next fiscal year’s training plan to ensure continued acquisition of the necessary knowledge.

Although stricter procedures and the introduction of electronic systems entail risks such as initial costs and increased maintenance workloads, from a long-term perspective they create opportunities to enhance corporate value by preventing its impairment, earning customer trust, and expanding high-value-added products.

Risks and opportunities in quality assurance

• Quality targets：Zero serious complaints or inappropriate incidents
• Key issues：Ensuring proper quality management at the NOF Group