India sets duty-free gold jewellery limits for returning residents
Passengers from abroad can bring limited quantities of gold jewellery into India without customs duty under new baggage rules.
At a glance
- Women can bring 40g of gold jewellery duty-free; men and other passengers 20g
- Rules apply to residents and tourists of Indian origin who have lived abroad for over one year
- Allowance covers jewellery made of gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals
- Larger quantities can be imported through a separate scheme with duty payment
India's Baggage Rules, 2026, which took effect in February, establish weight-based allowances for gold jewellery brought into the country duty-free. Eligible residents and tourists of Indian origin who have lived abroad for more than one year can import up to 40 grammes of jewellery if female, or up to 20 grammes if male or other passengers, without paying customs duty.
The allowance applies to jewellery made of gold, silver, platinum or other precious metals and is based on weight rather than value. Travellers wishing to bring in larger quantities of gold can use a separate import facility, subject to eligibility conditions and the payment of customs duty.
Why it matters
The rules clarify customs procedures for travellers, particularly during peak gold-buying seasons when demand for jewellery increases.
Original reporting
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