Capital
Tokyo
Currency
JPY
Languages
Japanese
Population size
125 million
Average Monthly Salary
~$2,300
Region
Asia
Gift Giving Norms
High-quality, polite gift culture, ships from EU warehouse
Major Corporate Gift Days
New Year, Golden Week
Customs Complexity
Moderate
VAT - Standard Rate
Consumption tax 10%
Duty Free Threshold
¥10,000 personal threshold
Ave Duty Rate
Varies by product
1. Employee Swag vs. Gifts
Under Japanese tax law, non-cash benefits provided to employees can be taxable if they serve as purely personal perks rather than work necessities. The National Tax Agency (NTA) dictates whether items qualify as part of an employee’s wage or a legitimate business tool.
1.1 Swag for Employees
Work-Related (Generally Not Taxable)
Uniforms & Essential Tools
If branded attire or gear is mandatory for daily tasks (e.g., safety clothing, a corporate uniform), it usually remains non-taxable.
Branded Accessories
T-shirts, mugs, or stationery featuring a noticeable company logo, distributed consistently across employees, can often be considered a corporate identity item rather than a personal benefit.
Potentially Taxable Benefits
High-Value or Personal Items
Electronics, premium clothing, or items not directly related to daily work might be taxable. Employers then handle any corresponding wage tax or social insurance contributions.
Frequent Gifting
Repeated distributions of swag in a single fiscal year risk being seen as disguised remuneration. Seek local tax advice if planning to give gifts multiple times annually to staff.
1.2 Gifts for Non-Employees (Clients, Partners, Event Attendees)
Tax & Deductibility
Gifts provided for promotional or goodwill reasons can be tax-deductible in one’s home jurisdiction if properly documented. In Japan, the cost might also be deductible if you have a local entity—though large, frequent gifts without a clear business purpose can be scrutinized by the NTA.
Compliance & Formality
Japan’s business culture places high importance on protocol and formality. Maintaining records for high-value corporate gifts is prudent, especially if recipients are government-related or in regulated industries.
1.3 Marketing Swag
Promotional Swag
Items like branded T-shirts, stationery, or small gadgets given out at trade shows or product launches generally qualify as marketing expenses if properly documented (invoices, distribution logs) showing their promotional function.
2. Shipping, Customs & Duties
While Japan is not in the EU, it has an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU that may reduce or eliminate customs duties on certain goods if rules of origin apply.
2.1 Shipping
2.2 Importing
Import Duties & Japanese Consumption Tax
The United States imposes customs duties on many imported items—though many may be zero under the EPA—and a consumption tax of 10% on (value + duties + shipping). Some goods have special rates (e.g., alcohol, tobacco).
2.3 DDP vs. DAP
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
The sender covers import taxes/fees, simplifying delivery for the Japanese recipient.
Delivered At Place (DAP)
The recipient pays duties/taxes on arrival, risking possible delays if they are unprepared for these costs.
2.4 With Monday Merch
We dispatch from our EU warehouse, and we ensure an easy, tax compliant process.
3. Cultural & Local Etiquette
3.1 Swag 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
Is corporate uniform taxed for employees?
If strictly mandatory for work, usually not taxed; personal-value goods might be taxable salary.
Do business gifts get deducted?
Yes, if they’re used for genuine promotion or relationship-building within reason—keep records.
Shipping method to Japan?
We send from the EU warehouse; customs duties & consumption tax (10%) can apply on import over thresholds.
