Navigating India’s baggage rules and customs regulations is essential for a smooth arrival at international airports like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. These rules govern what passengers can bring, including duty-free allowances for electronics, gold, alcohol, and personal items. Typically, travelers are allowed 15-30 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of carry-on, depending on the airline. Customs regulations require declaring items exceeding duty-free limits, such as foreign currency over USD 5,000 or goods valued above Rs 45,000. Prohibited items include narcotics and certain wildlife products. Understanding these guidelines ensures compliance and a hassle-free entry into India.
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The term “Prohibited Goods” is defined under sub-section 33 of Section 2 of the Customs Act as “any goods the import or export of which is subject to any prohibition under the Customs Act or any other law for the time being in force.”
Prohibited Goods
Certain goods are completely banned from import or export due to social, health, environmental, wildlife, or security concerns. These items are strictly prohibited under the Customs Act and other applicable laws, and attempting to bring them into India may lead to confiscation and penalties.
- Satellite phones (prohibited due to security concerns)
- Antiquities over 100 years old (regulated by the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972)
- Wildlife products (e.g., ivory, furs, shahtoosh)
- Human skeletons
- Specified seashells
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
- Pornographic and obscene materials
- Counterfeit and pirated goods or items infringing intellectual property rights
- Aero models (e.g., remote-controlled toy helicopters) operating on high radio bandwidths
- Indian coins covered by the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972
- Maps or literature showing incorrect Indian external boundaries
- Chemicals listed in Schedule 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993
- Beef, tallow, fat, or oil of animal origin
- Exotic birds (except specified species)
- Wild animals, their parts, and products
- Specified live birds and animals
Related: Customs Act of India
Restricted Goods
Restricted goods can be imported or exported only under specific conditions, such as obtaining permits, licenses, or certificates. Non-compliance may result in confiscation or penalties under Section 111(d) (import) or 113(d) (export) of the Customs Act.
- Drones (require DGCA approval and declaration)
- Medicines and drugs (require prescriptions or certificates)
- Firearms and ammunition (require licensing)
- Live birds and animals, including pets (require AQCS certification)
- Plants and their produce (e.g., fruits, seeds; subject to quarantine)
- Endangered species (live or dead; require CITES permits)
- Goods for commercial purposes (require import licenses)
- Radio transmitters not approved for normal usage
- Gold and silver (other than ornaments; subject to limits)
- Currency exceeding prescribed limits (e.g., USD 5,000 in cash)
- Telephone and telephony equipment on restricted frequencies
- Certain animals (e.g., camels, horses, cattle)
- Semi-processed hides and skins
- Silkworms, silkworm seeds, and cocoons
- Family planning devices (require NOC from Ministry of Health)
- Vintage products, replicas of antiques, or weapons
- Sand and soil
- Whole human blood plasma and certain blood-derived products
- Sandalwood (except handicraft products and oil)
Related: CITES Regulations
Traveling to India with Drones
Drones are restricted and require compliance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations. Travelers must declare drones at customs and may need a Unique Identification Number (UIN) or special permission. Failure to comply may lead to confiscation.
Travelling to India with Drone
Related: DGCA Drone Regulations
Taking LCD TVs to India
LCD TVs are considered high-value electronics and may incur customs duty if their value exceeds the duty-free allowance (Rs 45,000 for residents, Rs 50,000 for tourists). Declare them at the Red Channel to avoid penalties.
Taking LCD TV to India: Indian Custom Duty on LCD TV
Related: Customs Declaration Form
Toy Helicopters Ban
Remote-controlled toy helicopters operating on high radio bandwidths are prohibited due to potential interference with security communication networks. Over the past two years, approximately 6,000 toy helicopters have been confiscated from passengers.
Related: Delhi Airport Customs Guide
Export of Wildlife and Articles
Exporting wildlife products, such as ivory, musk, reptile skins, furs, and shahtoosh, is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act and CITES. Travelers should consult the Regional Deputy Director (Wildlife Preservation) in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Chennai for clarifications.
Related: Wildlife Protection Act
Prohibition on Export of Indian Coins
Indian coins covered by the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, cannot be exported. These include coins deemed to have historical or cultural significance.
Related: Antiquities and Art Treasures Act
Prohibition on Foreign Currency
Without special permission from the Reserve Bank of India, importing or exporting foreign currency exceeding USD 5,000 in cash or USD 10,000 in travelers’ cheques is prohibited. Declaration via a Currency Declaration Form is mandatory for higher amounts.
Related: RBI Currency Regulations
Currency Rules for Nepal and Bhutan
Travelers may carry currency notes of the Government of India or Reserve Bank of India (except denominations above Rs 100) to or from Nepal and Bhutan. Nepalese or Bhutanese currency notes are also permitted for import or export between these countries.
Related: RBI Foreign Exchange Rules
Import and export of certain goods may also be restricted or prohibited under laws like the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, Environment Protection Act, Wildlife Act, and Arms Act. Non-compliance may lead to confiscation under the Customs Act. Always verify the permissibility of unusual items with customs authorities at both departure and arrival ports to ensure compliance.
