New Baggage Framework Unveiled
India has officially rolled out its Baggage Rules, 2026, superseding the previous 2016 regulations. These updated guidelines, which became effective on February
2, 2026, aim to streamline the passenger clearance process at customs while ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements. Enacted under the Customs Act of 1962, this revised framework comprehensively addresses various aspects of what travellers can bring into the country. It covers everything from personal effects and travel souvenirs to specific allowances for items like laptops, jewellery, and even the nuances of transferring your residence to India. The rules also clarify procedures for unaccompanied baggage, currency regulations, and what items are strictly prohibited from entry. Passengers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes to avoid any unexpected issues upon arrival, facilitating a more efficient and hassle-free experience at Indian airports and other entry points. The Ministry of Finance has emphasized that these updates are designed to simplify compliance for both travellers and customs officials alike.
Duty-Free Allowances Explained
Your General Free Allowance (GFA) for duty-free items has been revised, with different entitlements depending on your travel method and residency status. For air or sea travellers aged 18 and above who are Indian residents, tourists of Indian origin, or foreigners holding valid non-tourist visas, the duty-free allowance is capped at ₹75,000. Foreign tourists enjoy a slightly lower allowance of up to ₹25,000. It's crucial to note that this allowance is individual; you cannot pool your duty-free entitlements with family members or travel companions. Land travellers are only permitted to bring used personal belongings necessary for their daily life duty-free. Additionally, one new laptop or notepad per passenger aged 18 and above is allowed duty-free, separate from the GFA, provided they are not part of the flight or ship's crew. These clear distinctions ensure that passengers are aware of their specific entitlements and can plan their travel accordingly.
Jewellery & Personal Items
For those travelling with personal jewellery, the 2026 baggage rules offer specific duty-free allowances. Indian residents or individuals of Indian origin who have resided abroad for over a year can bring certain amounts of jewellery duty-free in their accompanied baggage. Female passengers are permitted up to 40 grams of jewellery, while other passengers can bring up to 20 grams. Beyond these specific allowances, passengers are generally permitted to bring used personal effects and travel souvenirs duty-free, provided these items are intended for their daily use and are not listed among the prohibited goods. This includes items like clothing, toiletries, and personal accessories. Re-importing personal items you previously took out of India is also facilitated, but requires a prior declaration at departure and verification upon return. Similarly, tourists can temporarily import personal items for their use during their stay, as long as these are declared upon arrival and re-exported when they leave.
Transfer of Residence Benefits
Relocating to India brings specific benefits under the new baggage rules, particularly for returning Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin. After living or working abroad, you can import specified personal and household goods duty-free, in addition to your standard baggage allowance. These eligible items and their quantity limits are detailed in Appendix I. Similarly, foreign nationals moving to India for work or residency with valid non-tourist visas can also import certain goods duty-free, as outlined in Appendix II. This category can include items like home theatre systems, air conditioners, microwave ovens, washing machines, gas cooking ranges, personal computers, and laptops, subject to specific value limitations and conditions. It is imperative to meet the minimum residency requirements abroad; failing to do so will necessitate declaring these items to Customs and paying the applicable duties and interest.
Unaccompanied Baggage & Crew Rules
The regulations for unaccompanied baggage have also been clarified to provide greater flexibility. Baggage sent after your arrival in India can still be cleared duty-free if it belongs to you and arrives within one month of your entry, or within an extended period approved by customs. Conversely, your baggage can also arrive up to two months before you do. Customs has the discretion to allow further extensions for up to one year in exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters, illness, or travel disruptions. For crew members, the rules differ. Final pay-off crew members are covered under the general Baggage Rules, 2026. Other crew members, however, are permitted to bring small personal-use items duty-free, with an allowance of up to ₹2,500.
Prohibited Items List
It is essential to be aware of the items that are strictly prohibited from being imported into India under Annexure-I of the Baggage Rules, 2026. This list includes firearms and cartridges exceeding 50 in number. For tobacco products, you can bring a maximum of 100 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 125 grams of other forms of tobacco. The limit for alcoholic liquor or wine is 2 litres. Gold or silver can only be brought in the form of ornaments; in any other form, they are prohibited. Furthermore, television sets are also not permitted. Passengers found with these items risk confiscation and other penalties. It is always advisable to check the latest customs regulations before travelling to ensure you are not carrying any restricted or prohibited articles.
