India New Customs Rules 2026: What’s Duty-Free?

New Delhi, February 3, 2026: In a significant move to modernize travel and account for nearly a decade of inflation, the Government of India has officially implemented the Baggage Rules, 2026. Effective from February 2, 2026, these updated regulations replace the 2016 framework, offering higher duty-free limits and simplified procedures for international travelers.

If you are flying back to India, here is everything you need to know about what you can bring home without paying a paisa in customs duty.

1. General Duty-Free Allowance

The most notable change is the hike in the general duty-free limit. This allowance covers “bona fide” (genuine) baggage, which includes new items or gifts you’ve purchased abroad.

Passenger Category	New 2026 Limit	Previous 2016 Limit
Indian Residents (returning from abroad)	₹75,000	₹50,000
Tourists of Indian Origin	₹75,000	₹50,000
Foreigners (on non-tourist visas)	₹75,000	₹50,000
Foreign Tourists	₹25,000	₹15,000

2. Jewellery: Weight Over Value

The 2026 rules have brought massive relief to jewellery lovers. Previously, passengers had to navigate both weight and value caps (e.g., ₹1 lakh for women). Because gold prices have skyrocketed, the government has removed the value cap entirely, focusing solely on weight.

To qualify for this, the passenger must have resided abroad for more than one year.

• Female Passengers: Up to 40 grams of gold or silver jewellery (duty-free).
• Male Passengers: Up to 20 grams of gold or silver jewellery (duty-free).

This “weight-only” rule simplifies the process significantly, as travelers no longer need to worry if the current market price of their 40g necklace exceeds a specific Rupee threshold.

3. Electronics and Laptops

Electronics are often the biggest point of contention at the Green Channel. The new rules provide much-needed clarity:

• Laptops/Notepads: Every passenger aged 18 or above is allowed to bring one new laptop or notebook computer duty-free, in addition to the general ₹75,000 allowance.
• Used Personal Effects: Your used personal items (clothes, toiletries, personal gadgets already in use) do not count toward your ₹75,000 limit.

4. The “Sin Tax” Items: Alcohol and Tobacco

The government maintains strict limits on items considered luxury or harmful. The following quotas remain unchanged in the 2026 update:

• Alcohol: Up to 2 litres of liquor or wine.
• Cigarettes: Up to 100 sticks (reduced from the historical 200).
• Cigars: Up to 25 cigars.
• Tobacco: Up to 125 grams.

If you exceed these quantities, you must declare them and pay the applicable duty, which can be as high as 100% or more for excess alcohol.

5. Prohibited and Restricted Items

Even with the higher limits, some items are strictly off-limits or require special permits:

• Flat Panel TVs: Televisions (LCD/LED/Plasma) are not part of the duty-free allowance. You must pay duty on the full value of the TV.
• Gold Bars/Coins: The jewellery allowance does not apply to gold bars, coins, or “raw” gold.
• Firearms: Strictly prohibited unless you have a specific license and prior DGFT permit.
• Drones: While small toy drones are often overlooked, professional drones require WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) clearance.

6. Digital Declarations

To speed up airport exits, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced the New Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026.

• Advance Filing: Travelers can now file their customs declarations electronically before they even land.
• Green vs. Red Channel: If you are within the ₹75,000 limit and have no restricted items, you can walk through the Green Channel. If you exceed any limits, you must head to the Red Channel.