New Baggage Rules India 2026: Gold & Duty-Free Limits

New Regulations on International Baggage Allowances for Travellers

India updated its baggage rules to introduce higher duty-free limits for a range of personal goods like electronic devices and gold jewellery to assist international travellers. The new Baggage Rules 2026 commence on February 2, 2026. It supersede the Baggage Rules from 2016. These amended regulations increase the minimum value allowed in goods an international traveller (traveller arriving via air or sea into India) is permitted to bring into India.

Below is a summary of how these new regulations will affect international travellers. This is based on the recent news updates.

Higher Duty-Free Limits for International Travellers

The government has increased the limit on the total amount of goods (the duty free value) an international traveller can bring into India.

Any international traveller who is a resident of India or of Indian ancestry. Also, any international traveller who is not a tourist and who holds a valid visa to enter India, can bring goods into India with a total non-duty valued up to ₹75,000.

This increase from the old limit of ₹50K represents substantial increases in the value of goods international travellers may be allowed to bring into India.

This new limit applies only to items contained within a traveller’s personal luggage or accompanied baggage. The items must be for the traveller’s personal use and not for resale by the traveller for commercial purposes.

Different Quota for Foreign Travellers

A separate section of the updated regulations applies to international travellers visiting India.

Overseas travelers that arrive via land/air may import goods not exceeding Rs 25000 “free of duty”. Transit goods must be loaded onto the airline or transport ship together with the individual on whose behalf the goods are being imported.

The rules are intended to make it easier for temporary visitors to go through customs when entering the country.

Gold Jewellery – Goods Which You Can Import “Duty Free”

The proposed changes to the customs regulations contain contentious issues about gold jewellery and the limits on those items imported “free of duties”. The CBEC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) requires that:

“A woman can import no more than 40 grams of gold jewellery ‘free of duties’ (if you’re an Indian citizen). While a man may import no more than 20 grams ‘free of duties’.

To be eligible for the exemption from duty, jewellery must meet the following criteria:

• You must be an Indian citizen or of Indian heritage living abroad for at least 12 months and returning to India.
• The jewellery must be intended to be used for “bona fide personal use”.

New World Computer is also Eligible Duty Free

Another advantage of the revised Customs Act is that as of May 1, 2023, you may import a newly purchased single laptop or laptop/notebook free of duty if purchased by an adult over the age of 18. Also, it is subject to the exclusion of crew members.

• The items must be placed into suitable luggage.
• This measure is meant to help students, business people and everyday travellers.
• Combining Duty-Free Allowances is Not Permitted.
• The CBIC’s announcement clearly states that each person is entitled to a specific duty free allowance.
• No person can share or combine their duty-free allowances with another person.
• Every person’s allowance must be used on their own.
• The purpose of this clarification is to assist in preventing the misuse of the increased limits.

Currency Rules Remain Unchanged.

Currency exchanged for the purposes of importing or exporting will continue to undergo regulation by the FEMA (Regulation of Foreign Exchange Management Act). There is a requirement for all travellers to comply with present FEMA regulations while transporting cash to and from India.

The Baggage Regulations 2026 represent a relaxation of customs regulations by increasing the amount of duty-free allowances for personal belongings, gold jewellery and laptops. These changes have been widely reported on recently to facilitate ease of international travel. Therefore, it is while maintaining some level of regulatory control. Hnece, travellers are still required to verify their eligibility requirements to avoid challenges at customs upon arrival.