The central government has brought great news for foreign travelers and overseas Indians. The duty-free limit or limit for items brought with them while returning from abroad has been increased in one go. As a result of this new decision of the government, bringing essential items or gifts from abroad will now be easier and more affordable. Changing the old rules that have been in place for so long, the notification ‘Baggage Rules, 2026’ has been issued, which is going to be effective from February 2, 2026.
Increase in duty-free import limit
Until now, passengers coming from abroad could bring goods worth up to Rs 50,000 into India without paying duty or customs duty. In the new rules, this limit has been increased to Rs 75,000. That is, Indian residents or tourists of Indian origin can now bring personal items and souvenirs worth Rs 75,000 duty-free. However, these items must be in the baggage carried by the passenger and must not be for sale, but for personal use.
Rules for bringing jewelry
Specific rules have also been laid down for bringing gold or silver jewelry while returning from abroad. However, to avail this facility, the concerned passenger must have lived abroad for at least one year.
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For female passengers: A female passenger can bring jewelry weighing up to 40 grams duty-free.
For male or other passengers: This limit is 20 grams for passengers other than women.
It is important to remember here that ‘jewelry’ refers to ornaments made of gold, silver, platinum or other precious metals, which are usually worn. However, this rule will be effective on the basis of ‘bona fide’ or good faith, i.e. if there is any intention to deceive, it will not be acceptable.
Rules for foreign tourists
Some changes have been made in the rules not only for Indians, but also for foreign tourists. Foreign tourists of non-Indian origin (excluding children) can bring goods worth up to Rs 25,000 duty-free when coming to India. In the 2016 baggage rules, this limit was only Rs 15,000.
Rules for crew members of aircraft or ships
The new guidelines also mention crew members of aircraft or ships. Crew members working on international routes can bring their baggage duty-free after the end of their employment or at the time of ‘final pay-off’. Besides, during normal times, they can bring chocolates, cheeses, cosmetics or other gifts for their own or family use, the maximum value of which can be up to Rs 2,500.
This step by the government is believed to have been taken in line with the increasing cost of international travel. This will reduce the hassle of passengers and make foreign travel more comfortable.
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