Editor’s Note
The government has revised baggage rules to significantly raise the duty-free import limit for international travelers, easing the process of bringing goods into the country.
The central government has announced significant news for foreign travelers and overseas Indians. The duty-free allowance for items brought into the country upon returning from abroad has been increased substantially. As a result of this new government decision, bringing essential items or gifts from abroad will now be easier and more affordable. Replacing the old regulations that have been in place for a long time, the notification ‘Baggage Rules, 2026’ has been issued and will be effective from February 2, 2026.
Until now, passengers arriving from abroad could bring goods worth up to Rs 50,000 into India without paying duty or customs charges. Under the new rules, this limit has been raised to Rs 75,000. This means Indian residents or tourists of Indian origin can now bring personal items and souvenirs worth Rs 75,000 duty-free. However, these items must be in the passenger’s accompanied baggage and must not be for commercial sale, but for personal use only.
Specific rules have also been established for bringing gold or silver jewelry when returning from abroad. However, to avail of this facility, the passenger must have resided abroad for at least one year.
For female passengers: A female passenger can bring jewelry weighing up to 40 grams duty-free.
For male or other passengers: This limit is 20 grams for passengers other than women.
It is important to note here that ‘jewelry’ refers to ornaments made of gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals, which are typically worn. However, this rule will be implemented based on ‘bona fide’ or good faith, meaning any intent to deceive will not be acceptable.
Changes have been made not only for Indians but also for foreign tourists. Foreign tourists of non-Indian origin (excluding children) can bring goods worth up to Rs 25,000 duty-free when entering India. In the 2016 baggage rules, this limit was only Rs 15,000.
The new guidelines also address crew members of aircraft or ships. Crew members working on international routes can bring their baggage duty-free after the end of their employment or at the time of ‘final pay-off’. Additionally, during normal operations, they can bring chocolates, cheeses, cosmetics, or other gifts for personal or family use, with a maximum value of up to Rs 2,500.
This government step is believed to have been taken in line with the increasing costs of international travel. It aims to reduce passenger inconvenience and make foreign travel more comfortable.
