The Indian government has implemented a significant increase in the duty-free allowance for passengers arriving in the country, raising the limit to Rs 75,000 from the previous Rs 50,000. This change comes under the newly notified Baggage Rules, 2026, which were officially announced on Sunday and are set to take effect from midnight on February 2.
Enhanced Allowances for Different Passenger Categories
According to the updated regulations, any resident or tourist of Indian origin arriving in India via air or sea routes will now be permitted duty-free clearance of goods valued up to Rs 75,000. This benefit applies specifically to items that are carried on the person or are part of legitimate accompanied baggage. The new framework replaces the decade-old Baggage Rules, 2016, marking a substantial policy shift in customs regulations.
Increased Limits for Foreign Tourists
Foreign tourists visiting India will also see an improvement in their duty-free allowances. The limit for this category has been raised to Rs 25,000, up from Rs 15,000 under the previous rules. This adjustment is expected to make India a more attractive destination for international travelers and boost tourism-related spending.
Revised Jewellery Allowances for Returning Residents
The new Baggage Rules, 2026 also introduce specific provisions for duty-free jewellery allowances for returning residents or tourists of Indian origin who have resided abroad for more than one year. Female passengers will be allowed to bring in jewellery weighing up to 40 grams without incurring customs duty, while other passengers will have a limit of 20 grams, provided the jewellery is carried in bona fide baggage.
Definition of Jewellery Under the Rules
The regulations provide a clear definition of what constitutes jewellery for customs purposes. According to the rules, jewellery refers to articles of adornment that are ordinarily worn by individuals and are made of gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals. This definition applies whether the items are studded with gems or not, ensuring comprehensive coverage of personal adornment items.
Implementation and Impact
The Baggage Rules, 2026 will officially come into force at midnight on February 2, replacing the previous framework that had been in place for ten years. This policy update is part of broader efforts to modernize India's customs regulations and align them with contemporary travel patterns and economic considerations.
The increased duty-free allowances are expected to benefit millions of travelers annually, reducing the customs burden on legitimate personal imports while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight. The changes reflect the government's recognition of evolving travel habits and the need to update policies that had remained unchanged for a significant period.
