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India’s deep cultural and economic ties to gold and silver make these metals significant for travelers, whether for personal use, gifting, or investment. However, strict regulations by the Reserve Bank of India and the Indian Customs Department govern their import to manage economic impacts and prevent smuggling. This guide details the latest rules, duty-free allowances, customs duties, and practical tips for travelers bringing gold and silver into India to ensure compliance and a smooth customs process.
Gold Import Regulations
Indian nationals with a valid passport, residing abroad for over six months, can import up to 1 kg of gold (jewelry, bars, or coins), subject to customs duties. Duty-free allowances apply only to gold jewelry for personal use:
- Male Passengers: Up to 20 grams, valued at ₹50,000.
- Female Passengers: Up to 40 grams, valued at ₹100,000.
- Children (abroad for over one year): Same limits as adults, based on gender.
Gold bars or coins are not eligible for duty-free status and must be declared with payment of customs duties. Exceeding these limits or failing to declare can lead to confiscation, penalties, or legal action under the Customs Act, 1962.
[](https://www.businesstoday.in/personal-finance/news/story/customs-rules-in-india-how-much-gold-cash-are-you-allowed-to-carry-on-domestic-foreign-flights-467009-2025-03-06)Silver Import Regulations
Unlike gold, silver has no specific duty-free allowance. Indian nationals or passengers with a valid Indian passport, residing abroad for over six months, can import up to 10 kg of silver (jewelry, bars, or utensils), subject to customs duties. All silver must be declared upon arrival, with appropriate documentation like purchase receipts. Non-compliance risks penalties or confiscation.
[](https://www.immihelp.com/import-of-gold-and-silver-when-traveling-to-india/)[](https://hciabuja.gov.in/pages/MTQw)
Customs Duties on Gold and Silver
As of July 2024, the import duty on gold and silver has been reduced to 6% from 15%, per the Union Budget announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. An additional 3% GST applies, totaling approximately 9% tax on the assessed value. For gold bars or coins (20–100 grams), a 3% duty applies; for 100 grams to 1 kg, a 10% duty applies. Silver bars are taxed at ₹500 per kg, payable in foreign currency. Duty is calculated based on market value, not purchase price, under the 2007 Customs Valuation Rules.
[](https://www.fibe.in/blogs/calculate-custom-duty-on-gold/)[](https://www.gold.org/goldhub/gold-focus/2024/07/indian-gold-import-duties-reduced-lowest-level-over-decade)Tips for Travelers
Declare All Items: Use the Red Channel at customs to declare gold or silver exceeding duty-free limits to avoid penalties or confiscation.
Carry Documentation: Keep purchase receipts, invoices, or certificates of authenticity to verify the value and origin of gold and silver.
Pay in Foreign Currency: Customs duties are preferably paid in convertible foreign currency for efficiency.
Obtain Export Certificates: If planning to re-export gold jewelry, request an export certificate from Indian Customs to avoid duties upon re-entry.
[](https://www.nriguides.com/indian-customs-gold-duty-allowance-rules/)Check Latest Regulations: Verify current rules on the Indian Customs website due to frequent policy changes.
Avoid Commercial Intent: Import only for personal use, as commercial imports require licenses and face stricter scrutiny.
FAQs on Importing Gold and Silver
How much gold and silver can I carry to India?
Indian nationals residing abroad for over six months can carry up to 1 kg of gold (jewelry, bars, or coins) and 10 kg of silver, with duty-free allowances of 20 grams (₹50,000) for men and 40 grams (₹100,000) for women for gold jewelry only.
[](https://www.myticketstoindia.com/blog/how-much-gold-can-i-carry-from-usa-to-india/)[](https://hciabuja.gov.in/pages/MTQw)What is the import duty on gold and silver in India?
As of July 2024, the import duty is 6% plus 3% GST for both gold and silver. Gold bars/coins (20–100 grams) incur a 3% duty, and 100 grams to 1 kg incur a 10% duty. Silver bars are taxed at ₹500 per kg.
[](https://www.fibe.in/blogs/calculate-custom-duty-on-gold/)[](https://www.gold.org/goldhub/gold-focus/2024/07/indian-gold-import-duties-reduced-lowest-level-over-decade)Can silver be imported to India?
Yes, up to 10 kg of silver (jewelry, bars, or utensils) can be imported by eligible passengers, subject to customs duties and declaration.
[](https://www.immihelp.com/import-of-gold-and-silver-when-traveling-to-india/)How much gold is allowed in flights to India?
Up to 1 kg of gold can be carried in carry-on or checked baggage, but non-jewelry gold must be declared and is subject to duties. Jewelry within duty-free limits (20 grams for men, 40 grams for women) requires no duty if properly declared.
[](https://www.flyopedia.com/blog/guidelines-on-carrying-gold/)
Guide to Bringing Gold to India
World Gold Council: Gold Import Duty Reduction
Directorate General of Civil Aviation
