Indian Govt Notifies Baggage Rules 2026: Duty-Free Limit Raised to ₹75,000

The Government of India has notified the Baggage Rules, 2026, revising duty-free allowances for passengers arriving in the country.  

The new rules came into force from midnight on February 2, 2026, replacing the Baggage Rules, 2016, which had been in place for nearly ten years. 

Higher Duty-Free Limit for Indian-Origin Passengers 

Under the revised framework, a resident Indian or a tourist of Indian origin arriving in India other than by land will be allowed to bring imported goods worth up to ₹75,000 without payment of customs duty. This represents an increase from the earlier limit of ₹50,000. 

The exemption applies only to goods carried on the passenger or included in their bona fide accompanied baggage. 

Provisions for Foreign Tourists 

The rules also revise the duty-free allowance for tourists of foreign origin. Such passengers, excluding infants, will now be permitted duty-free clearance of articles valued up to ₹25,000. This limit was ₹15,000 under the earlier baggage rules notified in 2016. 

Jewellery Limits for Returning Residents 

Specific limits have been laid down for jewellery brought into the country by residents or tourists of Indian origin who have lived abroad for more than 1 year.  

Female passengers will be allowed to bring jewellery weighing up to 40 grams without duty. For passengers other than females, the duty-free limit has been fixed at 20 grams, provided the jewellery is carried in bona fide baggage. 

Definition of Jewellery 

For the purpose of the Baggage Rules, 2026, jewellery has been defined as articles of adornment ordinarily worn by a person. This includes items made of gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals, whether studded or not. 

Replacement of the Earlier Framework 

The Baggage Rules, 2026 replace the previous rules notified in 2016. The updated provisions revise duty-free thresholds and clarify allowances across different categories of passengers, including residents, Indian-origin travellers, and foreign tourists. 

Read More: India’s Cotton Imports Surge 158% YoY in December Quarter Amid Duty-Free Import! 

Conclusion 

With the notification of the Baggage Rules, 2026, duty-free limits for passengers arriving in India have been revised, updating thresholds for imported goods and jewellery carried as part of accompanied baggage. 

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