Capital
City of San Marino
Currency
Euro
Languages
Italian
Population size
0.034M
Average Monthly Salary
€1600
EU
Not a Member
Region
Southern-Europe
Gift Giving Norms
Small, high-quality items
Major Corporate Gift Days
Christmas, National Day
Customs Complexity
Low
VAT - Standard Rate
22%
Duty Free Threshold
€150
Ave Duty Rate
2%
1. Employee Merch vs. Gifts
Under San Marinese law, non-cash benefits provided to employees can be classified as taxable if they primarily serve a personal purpose rather than a work-related one. The Office for Control and Supervision of Economic Activities (and the Tax Office) oversees whether merchandise is considered part of an employee’s remuneration or a non-taxable corporate identity measure.
1.1 Merchandise for Employees
Work-Related (Generally Non-Taxable)
Uniforms & Essential Equipment
If branded uniforms or protective gear are necessary for daily tasks, they typically remain non-taxable.
Branded Accessories
T-shirts, mugs, or stationery bearing a clear company logo—given consistently to all staff—are often viewed as corporate identity items rather than personal perks.
Potentially Taxable Benefits
High-Value or Personal-Use Goods
Electronics, designer apparel, or items with minimal relevance to daily work might be treated as part of an employee’s taxable wage. The employer would then handle any applicable wage taxes or social contributions.
Frequent Gifting
Multiple gifts over a single tax year could draw scrutiny, suggesting disguised remuneration. Seek local tax advice if planning repeated merchandise distributions for employees.
1.2 Gifts for Non-Employees (Clients, Partners, Event Attendees)
Tax & Deductibility
Business gifts for promotional or relationship-building aims can be tax-deductible under specific value thresholds. Repeated or high-value gifts lacking commercial rationale may face scrutiny from the relevant authorities.
Compliance & Anti-Corruption
San Marino enforces anti-corruption standards, particularly where dealings may involve public officials. Keeping documentation of significant or repeated gifts can help avoid suspicion of improper influence.
1.3 Marketing Merch
Items (e.g., branded tote bags, T-shirts, pens) handed out at fairs, product launches, or corporate events typically qualify as marketing expenses, provided there is supporting evidence (invoices, distribution lists) confirming their promotional function.
2. Shipping, Customs & Duties
San Marino is not within the EU Customs Union. Goods entering San Marino typically pass through Italy, so Italian customs procedures may apply before San Marinese formalities.
2.1 Shipping
2.2 Importing
Import Duties & VAT/GST
Goods from outside the EU (and Italy) may be subject to duties and local taxes (e.g., import VAT or equivalents) upon arrival via Italy, then verified by San Marinese authorities.
2.3 DDP vs. DAP
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
The sender covers duties/taxes, streamlining the process for the San Marinese recipient.
Delivered At Place (DAP
The recipient pays at arrival, which could cause delays if they are unprepared for extra charges.
2.4 With Monday Merch
We ship from Rotterdam (the Netherlands). We can provide the documentation required for entry into Italy, which then applies to San Marino transit—helping keep your approach tax compliant and minimise any potential duties.
3. Cultural & Local Etiquette
3.1 Gifting customs
4. Sustainability & Local Regulations
4.1 Sustainability & Regulations
5. HR & Employee Relations Considerations
5.1 HR & Employee Relations
6. Summary and Key Takeaways
6.1 Summary & Takeaways
7. Frequently Asked Questions
7.1 Questions & Answers
Do staff uniforms get taxed?
If mandatory for work, typically no; personal items might be taxed as salary if high-value.
Are corporate gifts deductible?
Yes, if clearly promotional or goodwill-focused, with careful cost records.
Local nuance?
San Marino’s environment is small and traditional—gifts should be tasteful, modest, and respectful.
