New Delhi: International travellers returning to India will now benefit from a higher duty‑free allowance of ₹75,000, up from the earlier ₹50,000. The change directly reduces out‑of‑pocket costs for Indians bringing personal‑use items from abroad. The new rules take effect from 2 February 2026.
Core News Details – The Facts
According to the official CBIC notification under the Baggage Rules, 2026, the revised allowance applies to:
- Indian residents arriving by air or sea
- Tourists of Indian origin
- Infants carrying bona fide personal‑use items
Key provisions include:
- Duty‑free limit raised from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.
- Foreign tourists can bring goods worth ₹25,000 duty‑free (up from ₹15,000).
- Customs duty on goods exceeding the limit has been reduced from 20% to 10%, as announced in Budget 2026–27.
- One new laptop allowed duty‑free for passengers aged 18+.
- Used personal effects remain fully duty‑free.
- Rules replace the decade‑old Baggage Rules, 2016.
Jewellery limits (updated):
- 40g duty‑free for female passengers returning after living abroad for over one year.
- 20g for others.
- Value caps from the 2016 rules may be revised; CBIC is expected to clarify whether the earlier ₹1 lakh/₹50,000 caps still apply.
Items still not allowed duty‑free:
- Firearms
- Excess tobacco
- Liquor beyond limits
- Gold bars
- Televisions
Impact on Travellers & Official Reaction
The Finance Ministry says the update aims to modernise baggage rules and reflect rising overseas travel patterns. Customs officials emphasise that the allowance applies only to personal‑use items, not goods intended for resale.
What travellers should do now
- Keep invoices for high‑value items.
- Declare goods exceeding the ₹75,000 limit to avoid penalties.
- Review jewellery limits if returning after long‑term stays abroad.
- Crew members should note the ₹2,500 limit for personal gift items.
Key Highlights:
- New duty‑free limit: ₹75,000 for returning Indians (effective 2 February 2026).
- Who is affected: Residents, tourists of Indian origin, foreign tourists, and crew members.
- Immediate action: Keep purchase bills and declare items exceeding the limit.
FAQ Section:
A1: The Baggage Rules, 2026 come into force from midnight of 2 February 2026.
A2: Yes. The duty rate on dutiable personal imports has been cut from 20% to 10%, reducing the cost of excess goods.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information. Travellers should verify specific customs requirements before flying.
