New Baggage Rules 2026: Duty-Free Limit Increased for International Passengers to Rs 75000

Baggage Rules 2026: The Government of India has announced a major relief for international travelers and Indian residents returning from abroad. In a significant move to ease travel norms, the duty-free limit for carrying personal goods into India has been hiked substantially. The new regulations, termed as ‘Baggage Rules, 2026’, will replace the decade-old norms and are set to come into effect from February 2, 2026.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the new rules and how they impact passengers:

Increased Duty-Free Limit for Residents

Under the existing rules, passengers were allowed to bring duty-free goods worth ₹50,000. Recognizing the rising costs and consumption patterns, the government has raised this limit to ₹75,000.

• Who is eligible? This applies to Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin arriving by air or sea.
• Conditions: The goods must be for personal use, daily necessities, or travel souvenirs. They must be carried in the passenger’s bona fide luggage.

Regulations for Importing Jewellery

The new notification also clarifies the rules regarding the import of gold, silver, or platinum jewellery. These benefits are applicable only to passengers (residents or tourists of Indian origin) who have stayed abroad for more than one year.

• For Female Passengers: Allowed duty-free clearance of jewellery up to 40 grams.
• For Other Passengers: Male passengers or anyone other than a female passenger can bring up to 20 grams of jewellery duty-free.

The term ‘jewellery’ refers to articles of adornment made of precious metals, whether studded or not. The baggage must be “bona fide,” meaning there should be no intention to deceive customs authorities.

Rules for Foreign Tourists

The relaxation in limits extends to foreign tourists as well.

• Tourists of foreign origin (excluding infants) arriving in India can now clear articles up to a value of ₹25,000 without paying duty.
• This is a significant increase from the previous limit of ₹15,000 set under the Baggage Rules, 2016.

Guidelines for Crew Members

The ‘Baggage Rules 2026’ also cover crew members working on foreign-going vessels or aircraft:

1. Termination of Service: Crew members can import their baggage duty-free at the time of their final pay-off upon termination of employment.
2. Daily Use/Gifts: Active crew members are allowed to bring items like chocolates, cheese, cosmetics, and other gift articles for personal or family use, provided the value does not exceed ₹2,500.

This move is expected to align baggage rules with the current economic reality of overseas travel and provide a hassle-free experience for passengers entering India.