New Baggage Rules: Jewellery Allowance Now Based on Weight, Not Value
The Government of India has revised customs rules for passengers arriving from abroad. The duty-free allowance for Indian citizens has been increased to ₹75,000, and jewellery import rules will now be determined based on weight rather than value.
According to the Ministry of Finance, these changes will make airport customs clearance faster and more transparent by reducing paperwork. The new rules have come into effect from February 2, 2026.
Who Gets How Much Duty-Free Allowance
Different categories have been defined for passengers arriving by air or sea. The general duty-free limit has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. However, passengers entering India by road will not be eligible for general duty-free allowance.
- Indian residents: Goods worth up to ₹75,000 can be brought duty-free.
- Persons of Indian origin: Duty-free limit of ₹75,000.
- Foreign nationals (non-tourist visa): Duty-free allowance up to ₹75,000.
- Foreign tourists: Limit increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.
- Airline crew members: Limit remains ₹2,500.
Simplified Jewellery Rules: Weight-Based Allowance
The customs department has removed the value-based limit for jewellery. Allowance will now be calculated purely on weight for individuals who have stayed abroad for more than one year:
- Female passengers: Up to 40 grams of jewellery duty-free.
- Other passengers: Up to 20 grams duty-free.
Changes in Essential Items Category
- Laptop: Every passenger aged 18 years or above can bring one laptop duty-free. Bringing a second laptop will attract applicable customs duty.
- Pets: Pets are now included under the duty-free category, subject to compliance with animal import regulations.
- Temporary Certificate: Customs will issue a "Temporary Baggage Export/Import Certificate" for valuable items taken abroad temporarily, preventing issues during re-entry.
Transfer of Residence: Benefits Up to ₹7.50 Lakh
For individuals shifting back to India after completing work abroad, the valuation will now be based on the duration of stay instead of a detailed item list:
- Up to 12 months: Limit of ₹1.50 lakh.
- 1 to 2 years: Limit of ₹3 lakh.
- More than 2 years: Limit of ₹7.50 lakh.
Digital Declaration via App and Portal
To speed up customs procedures, the government has introduced digital declarations. Passengers can now submit electronic declarations through the ICEGATE portal or the official government app, reducing waiting time at red and green channels at airports.
