【India】New Baggage Rules: How Much Gold and Silver Jewellery Can Be Carried Duty-Free to India

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Editor’s Note

This article outlines India’s updated baggage regulations for international travelers, which take effect in February 2026. The revised rules increase duty-free allowances for items like jewellery and aim to streamline customs processes through digital declarations.

Revised Rules and Objectives

The Indian government has revised baggage rules for international passengers, widening duty-free allowances for personal goods, including gold and silver jewellery, under the Baggage Rules, 2026, effective February 2, 2026. These rules aim to simplify customs procedures, enable electronic declarations, and ensure smoother clearance at airports and seaports. They also introduce provisions for temporary import and re-import of personal items, other than basic necessities.

Duty-Free Jewellery Allowance

Returning residents and tourists of Indian origin (residing abroad for more than one year) can now carry jewellery based on weight, not value:
– Female passengers: Up to 40 grams duty-free
– Other passengers: Up to 20 grams duty-free

General Duty-Free Allowances for Other Goods

Passenger type and duty-free limit (₹):
– Resident: 75,000
– Tourist of Indian origin: 75,000
– Foreigner (non-tourist visa): 75,000
– Tourist of foreign origin: 25,000
– Crew members: 2,500
Passengers arriving via land borders do not have general duty-free allowances.

Impact and Industry Response

The new rules aim to reduce customs delays, improve passenger convenience, and reflect modern travel realities. For the jewellery sector, weight-based duty-free allowances could simplify returns for residents and tourists alike.

“The baggage rules’ relaxation, combined with recent reductions in reciprocal tariffs to 18%, comes as a significant relief to the Indian gems and jewellery sector. The USA, a key consumer market, will likely respond positively, helping restore confidence among Indian manufacturers, exporters, and buyers.” – Colin Shah, MD, Kama Jewelry
“With the new baggage rules simplifying customs procedures and shifting to weight-based jewellery allowances, travellers now have more certainty and less stress when returning with personal pieces. This is a step in the right direction for easing travel experiences, particularly for those who buy jewelry abroad and bring it home to loved ones.” – Arthi Ramalingam, Founder and CEO, Eternz
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⏰ Published on: February 03, 2026