Duty-free allowances for travellers come as an added attraction in the Baggage Rules, 2026, introduced by the Central Government. The rules, along with the New Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 and a Master Circular, have been updated to make travel seamless for international passengers.

The new rules were designed to cater to passenger volumes and modern travel needs.

Residents, tourists of Indian origin, and foreigners holding valid visas (other than tourist visas) are now entitled to an increased duty-free allowance which allows them to bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 without paying customs duty.

Tourists of foreign origin are allowed duty-free goods up to ₹25,000. Crew members can carry goods worth ₹2,500.

However, passengers arriving through land borders will not have any general duty-free allowances.

It is to be noted that the new regulations and master circular consolidate and update 35 earlier circulars.

The transfer of residence benefits has been simplified for passengers moving back to India after living abroad. If they were returning after less than a year, they can bring duty-free goods up to ₹1.5 lakh. Those returning after one to two years abroad are allowed to bring goods worth ₹3 lakh. Those who have stayed for more than two years can carry goods up to ₹7.5 lakh.

The rules now include a single, rationalised list of duty-free items and clearly set value limits depending on eligibility.

Duty-free jewellery based purely on weight can also be brought by returning residents and tourists of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than a year. Women can bring up to 40 grams of jewellery, while others can carry up to 20 grams.

The new rules also make it easier for travellers to temporarily bring goods into India or take them out. Passengers can carry goods without delay or facing the risk of items being held up even as customs authorities are authorised now to issue temporary baggage import or export certificates.

Some consolidated concessions are also in favour of the international traveller, where they have the provision to carry pets. Passengers over 18 years of age can also import one laptop duty-free. – Image credit: Wikipedia – editor@nrifocus.com