India’s Union Budget 2026 revised the baggage rules for international arrivals, both Indian-origin and foreign-origin. It replaced the decade-old baggage regulations of 2016 by increasing the duty-free limit for imported goods to India from the US and other countries. Also, the customs duty relief on personal jewelry has got a little better for NRIs and OCI cardholders traveling to India in 2026. India’s new duty-free baggage allowance is effective starting 2 February, as per the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
Whom does India’s new baggage rules 2026 apply to?
Among the revised baggage rules, the new customs duty-free limit applies to all passengers of international flights to India from USA and other countries. It equally applies to those arriving in India by sea routes.
- Indian residents
- Tourists of Indian origin; NRIs and OCI cardholders
- Foreigners with a valid visa, other than tourist visa
- Tourists of foreign origin
- Crew members
What is the new duty-free limit for passengers to India?
In the Union Budget 2026, the government of India raised the duty-free limit to Rs 75,000 for the arriving Indian residents, NRIs, OCI Cardholders, and foreigners holding valid non-tourist visas. Earlier, Indian Customs’ duty-free allowance was limited to Rs 50,000 on the total valuation of foreign goods imported to India for personal use. Under the bonafide baggage rules, 2026, the new duty-free limit is Rs 25,000 for foreigners (non-Indian origin) arriving in India by air or sea. Earlier, it was only Rs. 15,000.
What if you carry dutiable goods to India beyond the duty-free limit?
On arrival in India, you need to pay customs duty on the amount minus the new duty-free limit of Rs 75,000, if the value of dutiable goods in your bonafide baggage exceeds the duty-free allowance.
Well, there is some good news for overseas Indians visiting the home country and resident Indians returning from an international trip. The new finance bill, under the Union Budget 2026-27, has reduced the customs duty to a flat 10% for all dutiable goods, from electronics to fashion accessories to high-end luxury items to gourmet food, that they carry for personal use or a non-commercial purpose like gifting (to a certain extent).
Effective from 1 April 2026, you will be paying only 10% as customs duty on the taxable value of imported goods, minus the duty-free limit of Rs 75,000, provided the dutiable goods are honestly declared through the Red Channel at Indian airports. Previously, taxable imports from abroad, though for personal use, attracted a basic customs duty of 20% or higher on the extra value.
“It means, starting in April 2026, the cost of bringing electronic items from USA to India for personal use or gifting will significantly drop. If you bring a new Apple laptop from USA to India, other than your personal one in use, you will have to pay a flat 10% customs duty on the laptop price minus the duty-free allowance of Rs 75,000, and a social welfare surcharge at 10% of the applicable customs duty,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.
What foreign items don’t qualify for the flat 10% customs duty in India?
The reduced customs duty won’t apply to alcoholic beverages, printed reading materials, tobacco products, cars, and items that require an import license.
How much gold jewelry can you bring under India’s new baggage rules 2026?
Under the new baggage rules effective 2 February 2026, India redefined duty-free jewelry allowance for Indians, both resident and overseas. Whether you are a resident Indian, or an NRI living abroad, you are entitled to carrying gold jewelry duty free to India within the following limits:
- 40 grams for Indian women and 20 grams for Indian men returning from an international trip
- 40 grams for Indian-origin women and 20 grams for Indian-origin men residing abroad for more than 1 year
