India overhauls duty-free baggage rules: All to know about new customs limits

In a major overhaul of India’s customs regime for international travellers, the Government of India has notified the Baggage Rules, 2026 along with the Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026, replacing the decade-old framework. The rules came into force on 2 February 2026 and form part of the wider customs rationalisation measures announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 to simplify clearance, enhance passenger facilitation, and reflect modern travel and economic realities.

Policymakers say the update was necessary because international travel has grown sharply, global travel shopping patterns have evolved, and the previous rules — last updated in 2016 — were no longer aligned with current market conditions or travellers’ expectations.

Higher duty-free allowance for travellers

One of the headline changes under the Baggage Rules, 2026 is a significant increase in the general duty-free baggage allowance — the value of goods a passenger can bring into India without paying customs duty.

Under the revised framework for passengers arriving by air or sea:

• Residents of India: up to ₹75,000 duty-free


• Tourists of Indian origin: up to ₹75,000 duty-free


• Foreign nationals with a valid visa (other than a tourist visa): up to ₹75,000 duty-free


• Tourists of foreign origin: up to ₹25,000 duty-free


• Airline crew members: ₹2,500 duty-free

Previously, the duty-free limit for most returning Indian travellers was ₹50,000, while for foreign tourists it was ₹15,000. This revision reflects changes in travel spending and inflation since the last major update nearly a decade ago.

Travellers entering India via land borders do not receive a general duty-free allowance; only used personal effects are exempt from duty.

Jewellery allowance simplified

Under the Baggage Rules, 2026, the long-standing value cap on jewellery has been removed and replaced with a weight-based system. This is a notable change, particularly for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and tourists of Indian origin returning from abroad.

For eligible travellers who have lived abroad for more than one year:

• Female passengers: up to 40 grams of jewellery duty-free


• Other passengers: up to 20 grams of jewellery duty-free

Gold or silver in forms other than personal jewellery — such as bullion — continues to be excluded from duty-free entitlements and remains subject to import policy and declaration requirements.

Used personal effects and special items

Used personal effects such as clothing, travel souvenirs, and other items required for daily use are fully exempt from customs duty without any value cap.

Each eligible passenger is also permitted one new laptop (including a notebook computer) duty-free, separate from the general allowance.

Items such as firearms, alcohol beyond prescribed limits, tobacco in excess of specified quantities, televisions, and precious metals in non-jewellery form are explicitly excluded from duty-free allowances and are governed by separate customs rules if brought into the country.

Transfer of Residence (TR) framework modernised

The Baggage Rules, 2026 also revamp the Transfer of Residence (TR) benefits for passengers shifting their residence to India after a long stay abroad.

Under the simplified approach, multiple fragmented lists have been replaced with a single consolidated duty-free ceiling linked to the period spent overseas, making TR claims easier to assess and process at customs.

Digital declarations and faster clearance

To reduce queues and procedural delays at airports:

Passengers carrying dutiable or prohibited goods must now complete an electronic baggage declaration — potentially up to three days before arrival — using platforms such as the ICEGATE portal or the Atithi mobile/web application.

The new rules consolidate around 35 older circulars and notifications, enabling clearer operational guidance and more uniform implementation across customs formations.

This digital framework is designed to make customs processing more efficient, transparent, and predictable for travellers.

Additional passenger-friendly provisions

Beyond value limits and duty waivers, the new rules improve passenger convenience in several ways:

Temporary import / re-import certificates: Travellers can obtain formal certificates for goods they intend to bring in temporarily (for example, for events or professional use), helping to avoid unnecessary detention.

Consolidated master circular: Alongside the rules, a master circular has been issued to guide customs officers and passengers on implementation, clarifying areas that previously caused confusion.

What travellers should know before arrival

Before landing in India:

• Declare any dutiable or prohibited items electronically where required.


• Ensure jewellery brought from abroad is within the permitted weight allowances, or declare it as necessary.


• Carry documentation for high-value items (such as export certificates) if returning after extended travel.

On arrival:

• Use the Green Channel if you have no dutiable or prohibited goods to declare.


• Use the Red Channel if you have goods that require declaration or duty payment.

Passengers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new regime well in advance of travel to avoid delays or penalties at customs.

Why this matters

The Baggage Rules, 2026 represent one of the most comprehensive updates to India’s customs baggage policy in nearly a decade. By increasing duty-free limits, removing outdated jewellery value caps, and introducing digital declaration mechanisms, the government aims to align customs practices with evolving travel behaviour and improve the experience at ports of entry.

For millions of returning Indians, NRIs, foreign professionals, and tourists, the reforms are expected to make travel more convenient and cost-effective — particularly for those bringing back purchases or relocating.