Top News

If you are returning to India from abroad and bringing goods with you, it is very important to understand the new customs rules. The new Baggage Rules 2026, which came into effect from February 2026, have replaced the old rules. The purpose of these changes is to provide some relief to the passengers, but at the same time to strictly enforce the rules. In such a situation, a little carelessness can land you in heavy fine.

Now passengers have been given more relaxation than before. Indian travelers coming by air or sea can bring goods up to Rs 75,000 without any custom duty. This limit was earlier Rs 50,000. However, this exemption applies only to goods for personal use and not to goods related to business. Whereas for foreign tourists this limit has been fixed at Rs 25,000. The rules for crew members are the same as before and they get a rebate of only Rs 2,500.

You can bring this much gold

A major change has been made in the rules regarding gold jewellery. Earlier its limit was decided on the basis of price, but now it has been linked to weight. Female passengers can bring gold jewelery up to 40 grams and male passengers up to 20 grams without duty. However, this facility will be available only to those Indians or people of Indian origin who are returning after staying abroad for at least one year. Keep in mind that gold coins, bars or biscuits are not included in this exemption and it is necessary to declare them separately.

The government has also started a digital system to simplify the customs process. Now passengers can give information about their luggage online in advance, which will save time at the airport and provide relief from the long process. Due to this the investigation has also become faster and transparent. Choosing the right channel is also very important. If you have goods that are subject to duty, you should go through the red channel. Whereas if you have nothing worth declaring, then the green channel will be appropriate. If a passenger does not follow the rules and hides his luggage, his luggage may be confiscated and he may also be fined up to three times the duty. Legal action is also possible in serious cases.