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Travelers arriving in India from overseas now have more flexibility when it comes to bringing gold jewellery and personal items, thanks to the new Baggage Rules 2026, which came into effect on February 2, 2026. The revised customs norms increase the duty-free allowance and clearly define limits for gold jewellery, electronic items, and personal belongings.

The move is expected to benefit frequent international travelers, overseas Indians, and non-resident Indians (NRIs) who often shop abroad and carry gifts, jewellery, or essential items while returning to India.

Higher Duty-Free Allowance for Incoming Passengers

Under the updated rules, Indian residents, overseas citizens of Indian origin, and foreign nationals holding valid visas (excluding tourist visas) can now bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 without paying customs duty. Earlier, this exemption limit stood at ₹50,000.

This increased allowance applies to passengers arriving in India by air or sea routes, offering significant relief to those carrying personal shopping items such as clothes, watches, gifts, and accessories.

The government’s decision reflects rising global travel costs and higher prices of consumer goods, making the old limit less practical.

Separate Rules for Foreign Tourists

Foreign tourists visiting India are covered under a different duty-free framework. As per the new rules:

• Foreign tourists arriving by air or sea can bring goods worth up to ₹25,000 duty-free

• The items must be carried either on the person or in accompanying baggage

This limit is intended to cover basic personal belongings and small gifts and does not apply to commercial goods.

Clear Guidelines on Gold Jewellery Imports

One of the most important clarifications under the Baggage Rules 2026 relates to gold jewellery brought from abroad.

According to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin who have stayed overseas for more than one year are allowed to bring a limited quantity of gold jewellery without paying customs duty, provided it is for personal use and not for sale.

The permitted limits are:

• Female passengers: Up to 40 grams of gold jewellery

• Male passengers: Up to 20 grams of gold jewellery

The jewellery must be part of personal effects and should not be intended for commercial purposes. Any quantity beyond these limits will attract applicable customs duty as per prevailing rates.

Laptop and Electronic Items: What’s Allowed

The new baggage rules also provide relief to travelers carrying electronic devices. Any passenger aged 18 years or above, excluding crew members, is permitted to bring one laptop or notebook duty-free.

The device must be meant for personal use and can be either new or used. This provision is particularly beneficial for students, professionals, and remote workers returning from overseas.

Important Rule: Duty-Free Limits Cannot Be Combined

Customs authorities have clearly stated that duty-free allowances are individual-specific. This means:

• One traveler’s unused exemption cannot be transferred to another passenger

• Family members cannot pool their limits to bring higher-value items duty-free

Each passenger’s eligibility is assessed independently at customs clearance.

Currency Rules Remain Unchanged

While baggage allowances have been revised, currency import and export rules remain the same. Travelers must continue to follow the Foreign Exchange Management Regulations, 2015, which govern how much foreign currency or Indian currency can be brought into or taken out of the country.

Passengers are advised to declare currency where required to avoid penalties or confiscation.

What This Means for Travelers and NRIs

The revised customs rules offer greater clarity and convenience, especially for:

• NRIs returning home with jewellery and personal items

• Indian travelers shopping abroad

• Students and professionals carrying laptops

• Families bringing gifts for personal use

By increasing the duty-free threshold and clearly defining gold jewellery limits, the government has reduced confusion at airports and minimized disputes during customs checks.

Key Takeaway

With the Baggage Rules 2026 now in effect, travelers can legally bring higher-value goods and limited gold jewellery into India without paying customs duty, provided they stay within the prescribed limits. Understanding these rules in advance can help passengers avoid unexpected charges and ensure a smoother arrival experience.