Gold Import Rules: If you’re heading abroad or working overseas and plan to bring back gold, jewelry, or other items to India, I’ve got some great news for you! The Indian government has recently updated the duty-free limits and jewelry rules for travelers coming back from abroad under the Baggage Rules 2026. These updates will kick in on February 2, 2026, and are designed to make things easier for travelers.
Until now, anyone returning from abroad had to pay customs duty based on how much their jewelry was worth. This often led to arguments at airports over the value of the jewelry and the limits on it. Travelers had to show that their items were for personal use and not for selling. But with the new policy, the duty-free limit for gold and silver jewelry will be based on weight, so the price won’t matter anymore.
What’s new with the gold jewelry rules?
Under the new guidelines, female travelers can now bring in up to 40 grams of jewelry without paying duty. Male travelers and others can bring in up to 20 grams duty-free. Just remember, the jewelry has to be for personal use only. If it’s seen as goods for sale, customs duty will apply. Also, gold bars, gold coins, or silver bars won’t be included in the duty-free allowance; different rules will apply to those items. This change is a big win for NRIs and Indian-origin travelers living abroad for extended periods. Now, you won’t have to worry about the price of jewelry at the airport; duty will only be based on weight.
Increased duty-free limit for goods too!
The government has also raised the duty-free limit for goods, not just jewelry. Indian citizens and foreign residents of Indian origin can now bring in goods worth up to Rs 75,000 without paying duty, up from the previous limit of Rs 50,000. Foreign tourists can now bring in goods worth up to Rs 25,000 duty-free. This exemption covers small gifts, personal items, and more.
Special discounts for NRIs and long-term overseas travelers
If you’ve been outside the country for over a year, the duty-free limit has been raised. People who have been abroad for up to a year can bring back goods worth up to Rs 1.5 lakh, while those who have been away for 1 to 2 years can bring back items worth up to Rs 3 lakh. If you’ve been gone for more than 2 years, you can bring back goods worth up to Rs 7.5 lakh. This is a huge advantage for travelers coming back from extended stays overseas, particularly for those carrying pricey jewelry or electronics.
Relief on laptops and electronic devices
The new rules also provide some relief for tech users. Travelers who are 18 years or older can bring in a new laptop or notepad without paying duty. Just remember, this laptop is for personal use only. The regulations regarding bringing currency in or out of India still follow the old Foreign Exchange Management Regulations from 2015. Duty-free items are meant for personal use only, and if you bring in more than the allowed limit, you’ll face customs duties and penalties.
Sweta Mitra
Working in the media for last 7 years. The journey started in the year 2018. For the past few years, my working experience has been in Bengali media. Currently working at Timesbull.com. Here I write like Business, National, and Utility News. My favorite hobbies are listening to music, traveling, food,...
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