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Customs duty-free baggage allowance (Baggage Rules 2026)

From 2 February 2026, residents and Indian-origin tourists flying into India can bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 duty-free. Foreign tourists get ₹25,000. Jewellery limits now go by weight: 40 g for women, 20 g for others.

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The Baggage Rules, 2026 replaced the 2016 rules from 2 February 2026. They decide how much you can bring into India without paying customs duty.

General free allowance

Passenger Duty-free value
Resident of India ₹75,000
Tourist of Indian origin ₹75,000
Foreigner with a valid non-tourist visa ₹75,000
Tourist of foreign origin ₹25,000
Crew member ₹2,500

Passengers arriving by land border get no general free allowance.

Jewellery

Limits now go by weight, not value. Residents or tourists of Indian origin returning after more than one year abroad may bring:

  • Women: up to 40 grams
  • Others: up to 20 grams

Transfer of residence

For people moving back to India, there is one combined list of duty-free goods with an overall value cap:

Time abroad Value cap
Up to 12 months ₹1.5 lakh
1–2 years ₹3 lakh
More than 2 years ₹7.5 lakh

Exact eligibility conditions are in the rules. Needs review

Other points

  • One laptop duty-free for passengers above 18.
  • Pets are now covered in the rules.
  • You can get a temporary import or export certificate for goods you take out and bring back.
  • Duty above the allowance, and items that are banned or restricted (for example, firearms or more cash than allowed): Needs review
  • Declarations can be filed electronically and in advance under the 2026 Regulations.

If you’re carrying foreign currency, see also foreign remittance (LRS).

Sources

  1. PIB: Government notifies Baggage Rules, 2026 (2 Feb 2026)
  2. CBIC: Baggage Rules, 2026 (notification)
  3. CBIC: Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026
  4. CBIC: Master circular on baggage

Last verified: 5 Nov 2026

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