What is India\u2019s duty-free allowance for electronics from USA?<\/strong><\/h3>\nUnder India\u2019s new baggage rules, 2026, the duty-free allowance has been increased to Rs 75,000 for importing electronics to India from USA and other countries. Previously, it was Rs 50,000. If you are an Indian passport holder or a foreign citizen of Indian origin residing abroad for more than 3 days prior to your scheduled travel to India, you are eligible for the enhanced duty-free allowance. Effective 2 February, you are entitled to duty-free clearance of your personal electronic items up to Rs 75,000 on the total value.<\/p>\nPC: IndianEagle.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDo I need to declare dutiable electronic imports to India and how? \u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\nIndia has digitized the dutiable baggage declaration process for international arrivals, irrespective of nationality. As per the Indian customs rules 2026, you must declare dutiable electronic imports in Form CBD-I online (www.icegate.gov.in) or the Athithi mobile app, three days before your scheduled arrival in India. Updating the electronic declaration details is allowed even after Form CBD-I is submitted.<\/p>\n
Can I carry two laptops to India without customs duty?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\nYes, you can pack in two laptops without worrying about India\u2019s customs duty at the entry airport. If one laptop is new, the other must be in use. The new baggage rules, 2026, allows duty-free clearance of one new laptop or notebook per adult passenger arriving in India. Precisely, you must be 18 years old or above, and the new laptop or notebook must be for your personal\/family use or gifting.<\/p>\n
If the second laptop is old and used, your baggage will go duty-free through Indian Customs. The customs officer may need you to open the laptop and show whether it is in use. Otherwise, you need to pay customs duty for bringing a second new laptop to India from USA or any other country. Well, the good news is that the customs duty will be cut to a flat 10% from the basic 20%, starting 01 April 2026.<\/p>\n
I purchased two laptops in the US. One is boxed and the other is open. Do I have to pay India\u2019s customs duty? <\/strong><\/p>\nIf you\u2019re an Indian or Indian-origin foreign citizen traveling back to India from USA, you may be eligible for duty-free allowances under transfer of residence, depending on the duration of your stay abroad. Your stay in the US for 3-12 months makes you eligible for duty-free clearance of your personal belongings for up to Rs 1,50,000. If you are returning after staying abroad for one to 2 years, your personal belongings may go duty-free up to Rs 3,00,000. The duty-free allowance goes up to Rs 7,50,000 under transfer of residence, if you are traveling back to India after more than 2 years of stay abroad.<\/p>\n
Customs rules to re-enter India with the same electronic items that you take abroad<\/strong><\/p>\nIn case of an international trip shorter than 3 months, you are not eligible for India\u2019s duty-free allowance under transfer of residence. You should travel abroad with valid documents so that during re-entry to India, you can prove your electronic items were purchased in India. There\u2019s another way to get duty-free clearance on arrival in India. You can declare your personal electronic items to the customs officer at the departure airport and get an export certificate before traveling to USA or any other country. The same electronic devices get customs clearance without any taxes on return to India.<\/p>\n