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India duty-free allowance increase
India Boosts Duty-Free Allowance with New Baggage Rules 2026
India has unveiled major changes to its Baggage Rules 2026, bringing notable benefits for international passengers arriving by air or sea. Effective from February 2, 2026, the updated customs regulations raise the duty-free allowance and introduce new traveler-friendly measures designed to modernise luggage processing at entry points.
The revised framework, formally notified by the Ministry of Finance and included in the Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026, replaces the decade-old rules, reflecting rising travel volumes and global economic conditions.
Higher Duty-Free Allowance for Various Travellers
One of the most impactful updates is the increase in general duty-free limits for passengers arriving in INDIA:
| Passenger Category | Previous Limit | New Duty-Free Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Indian residents | ₹50,000 | ₹75,000 |
| Tourists of Indian origin | ₹50,000 | ₹75,000 |
| Foreign nationals | ₹50,000 | ₹75,000 |
| Foreign tourists | ₹15,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Crew members | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 |
Simplified Jewellery Allowance
The new baggage framework also revamps jewellery import rules:
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Female travellers may bring up to 40 grams of jewellery duty-free.
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Other travellers can carry up to 20 grams duty-free.
These limits replace older value-based caps, streamlining customs procedures and aligning allowances with current gold prices.
New Benefits: Laptops, Pets, and More
Under the updated rules, several long-standing concessions have been formally recognised:
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One laptop duty-free for travellers aged 18 and above.
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Pets can be declared without confusion under the new regulations, easing travel for animal owners.
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Temporary imports and re-imports are now easier to process with official certificates, helping professionals and frequent flyers.
Digital Declarations & Faster Customs
A major component of the Baggage Rules 2026 is the focus on digital processing and faster clearance:
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Advanced electronic baggage declarations reduce manual paperwork.
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Standardised procedures across airports mean less confusion and quicker exit times.
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The consolidation of older circulars brings consistency to how customs officials handle passenger imports.
What This Means for Travellers
In practical terms, the updated rules make travel into India:
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Less stressful for international visitors.
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More predictable with higher duty-free limits.
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Simplified at customs counters with weight-based jewellery rules.
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Better aligned with global travel practices and inflation.
These changes not only benefit residents returning from abroad but also boost convenience for tourists and business travellers worldwide. Also Read: The Hindu
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