They say ‘all that glitters is not gold’. Well that’s true, ‘coz sometimes it can be silver! As silver prices continue to rise, many have been investing in this white metal. The world knows how deeply Indians value both gold and silver. From jewelry and crockery to ceremonial gifts, these metals are not just an investment but a part of tradition. With the Government of India announcing new baggage rules 2026 and introducing clear weight-based allowances for precious metals, it is natural to wonder how much silver can I carry, whether traveling from USA to India or from India to USA.

New Customs Baggage Rules India for Silver

As per the new baggage rules 2026, passengers arriving in India are allowed to bring certain personal items up to a specified value without paying customs duty. These rules include a general ₹75,000 duty-free limit for imported goods carried in accompanied baggage for eligible passengers. 

However, silver in physical form (coins, bars, or loose metal) is treated differently from regular personal baggage and does not automatically enjoy a duty-free allowance under this general value limit. For silver, the rules focus more on weight limits and customs duty payable rather than value thresholds.

How much silver jewelry can you bring under India’s new baggage rules 2026?

If you are wondering, how much silver can I carry, here’s the answer. Under the updated baggage regulations effective 2 February 2026, India has revised the duty-free allowance for precious metal jewelry carried by passengers of Indian origin. The allowance is now determined by weight rather than value, which makes it easier for travelers to understand what they can legally bring. This rule applies to both resident Indians and Indians living overseas.

As per the revised norms, women may carry up to 40 grams of gold or silver jewelry and men may carry up to 20 grams when returning from an international trip. The same weight limits also apply to Indian-origin women and men who have been residing abroad for more than one year, allowing them to bring gold or silver jewelry within these limits without paying customs duty.

Also Read: Can I Carry Jewelry in My Luggage from USA to India? 

How much silver can you bring to India from USA?

As per the latest customs guidelines, you can bring up to 10 kilograms of silver per eligible passenger when traveling to India. However, this is subject to customs duty. This maximum weight represents the highest amount allowed under baggage import rules and not a duty-free exemption.

What is the customs duty if I carry silver exceeding the duty-free jewellery allowance?

If you carry silver beyond the duty-free jewellery limits (20 grams for men or 40 grams for women) or bring silver in non-jewellery forms such as bars, coins, or bullion, customs duty will apply. Eligible passengers who have stayed abroad for at least six months generally pay around 6% customs duty on the tariff value of silver. If you do not meet eligibility conditions, the duty may be significantly higher, sometimes going up to around 36%. All such silver must be declared on arrival, and duty must be paid before clearance.

Knowing how much silver can I carry when traveling from USA to India helps avoid surprises at customs. Indian Eagle travel not just focuses on getting you the most competitive airfares but also ensures you travel seamlessly through such a guide on carrying silver on international flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much silver is allowed from USA to India without duty?
Only silver jewellery within the weight limits, i.e., 40 grams for women and 20 grams for men, can be brought duty-free. All other forms like bars, coins, or bullion will incur customs duty.

How much silver can I carry on an international flight?
Passengers of Indian origin or valid passport holders can carry up to 10 kg of silver (non-jewellery) as baggage. However, customs duty applies.

Can I carry silver jewellery?
Yes, silver jewellery is allowed duty-free within the prescribed limits, i.e., 40 grams for women and 20 grams for men. Any amount beyond this must be declared and duty paid.

Is there a duty-free allowance for silver when entering India?
No. Unlike small amounts of jewellery, there is no separate duty-free allowance for silver bullion, bars, or coins. You can bring up to 10 kg of silver, but it will attract customs duty.

Should I declare the silver idols I am carrying on an international flight?
Yes. Any silver items that are not just worn as jewellery must be declared. Customs typically assesses their weight and tariff value before duty is calculated.

How do I declare silver at Indian Customs?
Before landing, fill out the Indian Customs Declaration Form. On arrival, go through the Red Channel and present all silver items with receipts or certificates. Customs will assess the tariff value, calculate duty, and you must pay it in convertible foreign currency before clearing the airport.

What exactly counts as “eligible” passengers for lower duty?
To qualify for the standard 6% duty rate on silver brought as baggage, a passenger must be of Indian origin or hold a valid passport and have stayed abroad for at least six months prior to arrival. Short visits of less than 30 days during that period are usually ignored.

What happens if I don’t meet eligibility criteria for lower duty?
If you do not meet the eligibility conditions, you could be treated as a “non-eligible passenger,” which may subject your silver imports to a much higher duty rate (as high as ~36% under some regulations).

Will Customs value the silver based on market price?
Yes. Customs computes duty based on the official silver rates, which can move up or down depending on notifications issued periodically. This isn’t the same as the spot market price, it’s a specific valuation Customs uses.

Does the ₹75,000 general duty-free goods allowance apply to silver?
The newly introduced general allowance for imported goods (₹75,000 value) does not apply to silver bullion or coins. That limit is mainly for regular goods like electronics, apparel, etc. Silver must be declared and duty paid irrespective of this general value cap.

What forms of silver are most practical to carry?
Small silver jewellery may fall into jewellery exemptions. Silver bars, coins, and bullion are practical for investment but always attract duty and require declaration. Additionally, silver gifts (like small idols) are okay if declared and within weight limits, but invoices help. 

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