Effective as of February 2, 2026, these revised customs regulations aim to reduce airport congestion and align
import limits with the rising costs of global electronics and luxury goods. Whether you are a frequent flyer
or an NRI visiting family, these changes mark the first major overhaul of passenger baggage limits in a decade.
Major Boost for Shoppers: The New Value Limits
The headline change is the 50% increase in the general duty-free allowance. This limit applies to
articles carried in accompanied baggage for personal use or as gifts.
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Indian Residents & PIOs: Increased to ₹75,000 (from ₹50,000).
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Foreign Tourists: Increased to ₹25,000 (from ₹15,000).
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Airline Crew: Remains at ₹2,500.
Note: These exemptions apply only to passengers arriving by air or sea. If you are entering
India via land borders, no general duty-free allowance is permitted.
Jewellery Rules: Shifting from Value to Weight
One of the most praised reforms in the Baggage Rules 2026 is the removal of the "value cap" on gold
jewellery. Previously, customs officers assessed both the weight and the volatile market price of gold,
often leading to disputes at the counter.
Under the new "weight-only" system, eligible passengers (those who have resided abroad for over one year)
can bring:
By focusing on weight rather than price, the government has eliminated the stress caused by fluctuating
gold rates, ensuring a more transparent and faster clearance process.
Laptops, Pets, and Essential Electronics
The 2026 update also brings much-needed clarity to high-tech and personal items:
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Laptops: Passengers aged 18 and above are entitled to bring one laptop duty-free, which
does not count toward the ₹75,000 limit.
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Pet Policy: For the first time, pets are explicitly mentioned in the duty-free category,
provided they meet health and import compliance regulations.
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Valuables: For items like professional cameras or expensive watches being taken out and brought
back, customs now issues a Temporary Baggage Certificate to ensure you aren't taxed twice.
Faster Clearance via Digital Declarations
To cut down on "Red Channel" wait times, the Ministry of Finance has mandated the use of the ICEGATE portal and the Atithi app. Travellers can now file their baggage declarations electronically
before they even land.
By submitting an advance digital declaration, passengers receive a QR code that allows for a "contactless"
experience, potentially reducing customs processing time by up to 30%.
Conclusion
The Baggage Rules 2026 reflect a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) mindset—prioritizing ease of
travel and trust in the citizen. With a higher duty-free allowance and simplified jewellery
norms, the Indian customs experience is finally catching up with global standards.
