Based on the Life Cycle Assessment concept, Nippon Steel is taking initiatives in reducing environmental impact at various points along the supply chain. In keeping with rising demand for tighter management of chemical substances, we have created management standards for 16 toxic chemical substances, including cadmium, jointly with customers and suppliers. We then established a system to manage substances of concern contained in purchasing materials and products, including packaging materials.

In addition, as stipulated in the Charter of Corporate Behavior by Keidanren, we have set up internal rules, including an appropriate purchasing policy, which puts us on record as fully considering resource protection and environmental preservation. Moreover, we have participated in the Green Purchasing Network (GPN) since 1996, when the network was founded, in order to promote green purchasing activities. Jointly with businesses, governments, academia, local governments, and NGOs, we have taken the initiative in developing a framework to prioritize the purchasing of products and services that represent less environmental load.

Laws, Directives, Standards for Toxic Chemical Substances Management We Comply

• Act on confirmation, etc. of Release Amounts of Specific Chemical Substances in the Environment and Promotion of Improvements to the Management Thereof (the PRTR Act)
• Industrial Safety and Health Act
• GHS Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
• JIS Z 7252, 7253
• Registration Evaluation Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation
• Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) Directive
• Persistant Organic Pollutants (PoPs) Regulation