Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** The Indian government has revised customs duty rules under the Baggage Rules 2026, effective February 2, 2026, simplifying duty-free limits and jewelry regulations for returning passengers. The changes aim to enhance transparency and reduce disputes for travelers.
If you travel abroad or reside overseas for work and wish to bring gold, jewelry, or other items back to India, there is good news. The Indian government has recently made significant changes to the duty-free limits and jewelry regulations for returning passengers under the Baggage Rules 2026. These changes came into effect on February 2, 2026, aiming to make the rules simpler, more transparent, and dispute-free for travelers.
Previously, returning passengers had to pay customs duty based on the value of the jewelry. Travelers often faced disputes at airports regarding the price and value limits of jewelry. They frequently had to prove that the items were for personal use and not for sale. However, under the new policy, the duty-free limit for gold and silver jewelry is now weight-based, and the price no longer matters.
According to the new rules, female passengers can now bring up to 40 grams of jewelry duty-free. Male passengers and others can bring up to 20 grams of jewelry duty-free. The jewelry must be for personal use only. If it is considered to be brought for sale, customs duty will apply. Gold bars, gold coins, or silver bars are not covered under this duty-free allowance and are subject to separate rules. This change will significantly benefit NRIs and travelers of Indian origin who have been living abroad for a long time. Now, there will be no hassle at airports regarding the value of jewelry; duty will be assessed solely based on weight.
The government has also increased the duty-free limit for general goods, not just jewelry. Indian citizens and foreign residents of Indian origin can now bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 duty-free, up from the previous limit of ₹50,000. Foreign tourists can now bring goods worth up to ₹25,000 without duty. This allowance includes small gifts, personal use items, and shopping items. However, this limit cannot be shared among travelers.
If you have lived abroad for more than a year, the duty-free limit has been increased for you. A person who has lived abroad for up to 1 year can bring goods worth up to ₹1.5 lakh. A person who has lived abroad for 1 to 2 years can bring goods worth up to ₹3 lakh. A person who has lived abroad for more than 2 years can bring goods worth up to ₹7.5 lakh. This will greatly benefit travelers returning after a long period abroad, especially those bringing expensive jewelry or electronic items.
The new rules also provide relief for technology users. Travelers aged 18 years or older can bring one new laptop or notepad duty-free for personal use. The rules for bringing currency into or out of India remain as per the old Foreign Exchange Management Regulations, 2015. Duty-free goods must be for personal use only, and bringing items exceeding the specified limit will attract customs duty and penalties.
