Editor’s Note
This article outlines India’s updated customs baggage rules, effective 2026, which set a general duty-free allowance for personal items. It highlights a key exception: physical silver (coins, bars, or loose metal) is not covered by this standard allowance and is subject to different regulations. Travelers are advised to consult official sources for precise declarations and duties.
As per the new baggage rules 2026, passengers arriving in India are allowed to bring certain personal items up to a specified value without paying customs duty. These rules include a general ₹75,000 duty-free limit for imported goods carried in accompanied baggage for eligible passengers.
However, silver in physical form (coins, bars, or loose metal) is treated differently from regular personal baggage and does not automatically enjoy a duty-free allowance under this general value limit. For silver, the rules focus more on weight limits and customs duty payable rather than value thresholds.
If you are wondering, how much silver can I carry, here’s the answer. Under the updated baggage regulations effective 2 February 2026, India has revised the duty-free allowance for precious metal jewelry carried by passengers of Indian origin. The allowance is now determined by weight rather than value, which makes it easier for travelers to understand what they can legally bring. This rule applies to both resident Indians and Indians living overseas.
As per the revised norms, women may carry up to 40 grams of gold or silver jewelry and men may carry up to 20 grams when returning from an international trip. The same weight limits also apply to Indian-origin women and men who have been residing abroad for more than one year, allowing them to bring gold or silver jewelry within these limits without paying customs duty.
As per the latest customs guidelines, you can bring up to 10 kilograms of silver per eligible passenger when traveling to India. However, this is subject to customs duty. This maximum weight represents the highest amount allowed under baggage import rules and not a duty-free exemption.
If you carry silver beyond the duty-free jewellery limits (20 grams for men or 40 grams for women) or bring silver in non-jewellery forms such as bars, coins, or bullion, customs duty will apply. Eligible passengers who have stayed abroad for at least six months generally pay around 6% customs duty on the tariff value of silver. If you do not meet eligibility conditions, the duty may be significantly higher, sometimes going up to around 36%. All such silver must be declared on arrival, and duty must be paid before clearance.
Only silver jewellery within the weight limits, i.e., 40 grams for women and 20 grams for men, can be brought duty-free. All other forms like bars, coins, or bullion will incur customs duty.
Passengers of Indian origin or valid passport holders can carry up to 10 kg of silver (non-jewellery) as baggage. However, customs duty applies.
Yes, silver jewellery is allowed duty-free within the prescribed limits, i.e., 40 grams for women and 20 grams for men. Any amount beyond this must be declared and duty paid.
No. Unlike small amounts of jewellery, there is no separate duty-free allowance for silver bullion, bars, or coins. You can bring up to 10 kg of silver, but it will attract customs duty.
Yes. Any silver items that are not just worn as jewellery must be declared. Customs typically assesses their weight and tariff value before duty is calculated.
Before landing, fill out the Indian Customs Declaration Form. On arrival, go through the Red Channel and present all silver items with receipts or certificates. Customs will assess the tariff value, calculate duty, and you must pay it in convertible foreign currency before clearing the airport.
To qualify for the standard 6% duty rate on silver brought as baggage, a passenger must be of Indian origin or hold a valid passport and have stayed abroad for at least six months prior to arrival. Short visits of less than 30 days during that period are usually ignored.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, the customs duty on silver can be significantly higher, potentially reaching around 36% of the tariff value.