India Increases Duty-Free Baggage Allowance to ₹75,000 for Travelers
The Indian government announced on Sunday a significant revision to the duty-free baggage rules, raising the limit for passengers bringing imported goods into the country from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. This move is designed to simplify travel regulations and bring them in line with the increasing trends in international travel and consumption patterns among Indian citizens.
New Baggage Rules Effective from February 2
Under the newly notified Baggage Rules, 2026, which will come into effect from midnight on February 2, Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin arriving by air or sea can now bring goods valued up to ₹75,000 without incurring any customs duty. This update replaces the decade-old regulations and applies specifically to articles intended for personal use and carried within their luggage.
The official notice states: "A passenger, including an infant arriving in India, shall be allowed clearance of used personal effects required for satisfying daily necessities of life and travel souvenirs, carried on the person or in his bona fide baggage, free of duty."
Duty-Free Limits for Foreign Tourists and Jewellery Provisions
In contrast, tourists of foreign origin, excluding infants, will be permitted duty-free clearance for articles up to a value of ₹25,000, an increase from the previous limit of ₹15,000 set in the Baggage Rule of 2016. Additionally, the rules include specific provisions for jewellery allowances.
For residents or tourists of Indian origin who have resided abroad for more than one year, upon their return to India, they are allowed duty-free clearance of jewellery. Female passengers can bring up to 40 grams, while others are limited to 20 grams, provided it is carried in their bona fide baggage without any intent to deceive.
Jewellery is defined in the notice as: articles of adornment typically worn by individuals, made from gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals, whether studded or not.
Extended Provisions for Crew Members
The updated regulations also extend to crew members engaged in foreign-going conveyances. They are permitted to import their baggage duty-free at the time of their final pay-off following the termination of their employment.
Furthermore, crew members of vessels or aircraft can bring items such as chocolates, cheese, cosmetics, and other gift articles for personal or family use, with a value not exceeding ₹2,500. This addition aims to accommodate the unique needs of those in the travel and transportation sectors.
This comprehensive overhaul of the baggage rules reflects the government's efforts to modernize travel policies, making them more traveler-friendly and responsive to the evolving dynamics of global mobility and consumer behavior.
