The government has made a major change in the baggage rules for passengers coming to India. Baggage Rules, 2026 have come into effect from today i.e. 2 February 2026, under which passengers coming to India by air or sea route have been allowed to bring high-value personal items duty-free. These new rules will replace the old Baggage Rules, 2016. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) gave information about these changes in the notification issued on February 1.
Main changes and duty-free limits
Indian residents, tourists of Indian origin or foreign nationals with a valid visa (except tourist visa) can now bring goods worth up to Rs 75,000 duty-free. Earlier this limit was Rs 50,000. Additionally, the duty-free limit for foreign tourists (arriving on tourist visa) has been increased to Rs 25,000. Earlier it was Rs 15,000.
Special relief on gold jewelery
Indian residents or persons of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than one year may bring back to India a limited quantity of gold jewelery (or jewelery made from other precious metals) without paying duty, provided it is for personal use and not with the intention of selling:
Female Passenger: up to maximum 40 grams
Male Passenger: up to maximum 20 grams
Discount on Laptop/Notepad
According to the news, any passenger aged 18 years or above (except crew member) can bring a new laptop or notepad duty-free in their bona fide baggage. This facility is of great relief to travelers, especially those who bring electronics from abroad.
Important Terms:
- Duty-free limits cannot be shared or combined between passengers. Every passenger will have his own discount.
- Some items (like extra cigarettes/tobacco/liquor, gold-silver bars, TV etc.) will remain out of this exemption.
- The rules for carrying currency will remain the same as before (under FEMA).
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