India’s New Baggage Rules 2026: Duty-Free Gold Jewellery Limit Updated

India has introduced updated baggage rules for passengers arriving in the country, increasing the duty-free allowance for several items, including gold jewellery. The Baggage Rules, 2026, came into effect on February 2, 2026, replacing the previous Baggage Rules, 2016.

Higher Duty-Free Allowance for Most Passengers

Under the new rules, Indian residents, tourists of Indian origin, and foreign nationals holding a valid visa (other than a tourist visa) can now bring goods worth up to Rs 75,000 duty-free when arriving in India by air or sea. This limit was previously Rs 50,000.

Separate Limit for Foreign Tourists

Foreign tourists arriving in India by air or sea are allowed duty-free clearance of articles worth up to Rs 25,000, as long as the items are carried on the person or in accompanied baggage.

Duty-Free Gold Jewellery: Weight Limits

The revised rules also specify the duty-free limit for gold jewellery for Indian residents or people of Indian origin who have been living abroad for more than one year and are returning to India.

According to the notification:

• Female passengers can bring up to 40 grams of jewellery duty-free
• Male passengers (or passengers other than female) can bring up to 20 grams duty-free

However, the jewellery must be part of the passenger’s genuine personal baggage, meaning it should be for personal use and not meant for resale.

One New Laptop Allowed Duty-Free

The new rules also allow passengers aged 18 years and above (excluding crew members) to bring one new laptop or notepad duty-free, as long as it is included in bona fide baggage.

Important Note: Allowances Cannot Be Combined

Customs has clarified that duty-free allowances are individual and cannot be shared between passengers. This means one person’s free limit cannot be pooled with another traveller’s allowance.

Currency Rules Remain Separate

Rules related to carrying currency into or out of India will continue to be governed under the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015, along with any related notifications.