India updated its customs baggage regulations for gold jewellery effective February 2, 2026, introducing major changes for international travelers. The revised rules remove previous monetary value limits on duty-free gold jewellery and replace them with clear weight-based allowances. Passengers of Indian origin, OCI's, NRIs, and residents returning after staying abroad for more than one year can now bring jewellery based solely on weight. Eligible female travelers may carry up to 40 grams of gold jewellery duty-free, while male and other passengers are allowed up to 20 grams without paying customs duty. These new India gold import rules aim to simplify compliance, reduce confusion, and make customs declarations more transparent for travelers arriving from overseas.
India Duty-Free Allowance 2026Updated duty-free limits and passenger guidelines effective February 2, 2026.
Overview of the 2026 Rule Changes
Effective February 2, 2026, India revised its customs baggage regulations for gold jewellery carried by passengers arriving from abroad. The revised policy replaces previous monetary value limits with clear weight-based duty-free allowances for eligible travelers.
Duty-Free Gold Jewellery Limits (2026)
- Female passengers: Up to 40 grams duty-free
- Male/Other passengers: Up to 20 grams duty-free
These limits apply regardless of the market value of the jewellery carried.
Eligibility Criteria
The duty-free jewellery allowance applies to:
- Indian residents returning after staying abroad for more than one year
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), OCI Card Holders
- Tourists of Indian origin who have lived abroad for over one year
Scope of the Jewellery Exemption
- Applies only to wearable gold jewellery (necklaces, rings, bangles, etc.)
- Does not apply to gold coins, bars, or biscuits
- Excess jewellery above limits may be subject to customs duty
General Duty-Free Allowance for Other Goods
The general duty-free allowance for other items such as electronics and gifts has been increased to ₹75,000 per passenger, subject to standard baggage rules.
Declaration Requirements
Passengers carrying gold jewellery beyond the permitted duty-free limits must declare the items at the airport.
- Use the Red Channel for declaration
- Failure to declare may result in fines, duty penalties, or confiscation
- Proper declaration ensures smoother customs clearance
Important Travel Tips
- Carry purchase receipts or proof of ownership where possible
- Keep jewellery in personal baggage when feasible
- Declare honestly if unsure about limits
- Check airline and customs updates before travel
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new jewellery rules come into effect?
The revised customs baggage rules became effective February 2, 2026.
Are there still value limits on gold jewellery?
No. Monetary value caps have been removed and replaced entirely by weight-based limits.
Do the rules apply to tourists of Indian origin?
Yes, provided they have lived abroad for more than one year.
Are gold coins or bars included in the allowance?
No. The duty-free exemption applies only to wearable jewellery, not coins, bars, or biscuits.
What happens if I carry more than the allowed weight?
You must declare excess jewellery through the Red Channel and may be required to pay customs duty.
Import Guidelines for Gold & Valuables
How much gold can you bring to India
Traveling to India with Precious Stones
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