Good news if you’re returning to India from abroad! The government has officially raised the duty-free import limit from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 - a 50% increase that took effect from midnight on February 2, 2026.
But that’s not all. The new Baggage Rules 2026 bring several other changes that could save you thousands at customs.
What’s Changed at a Glance
| Category | Old Rule | New Rule (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Duty-free allowance | ₹50,000 | ₹75,000 |
| Customs duty on excess | 20% | 10% |
| Laptop import | Taxable | Free (1 per adult) |
| Transfer of residence limit | ~₹3.5 lakh | ₹7.5 lakh |
| Jewellery rules | Value-based | Weight-based |
Who Qualifies for ₹75,000 Duty-Free?
| Passenger Type | Duty-Free Limit |
|---|---|
| Indian residents | ₹75,000 |
| Tourists of Indian origin | ₹75,000 |
| Foreign nationals (non-tourist visa) | ₹75,000 |
| Foreign tourists | ₹25,000 |
| Airline crew | ₹2,500 |
| Land border arrivals | ₹0 (Not eligible) |
Important: If you’re entering India by land (not by air), you don’t get any duty-free allowance under the new rules.
Free Laptop for Every Adult Traveler
This is huge. The government now allows one new laptop or notebook to be imported duty-free for any passenger aged 18 or older.
Previously, laptops were taxable. Now you can bring one back without paying a single rupee in customs duty.
New Jewellery Rules (Weight-Based)
The old value-based limits are gone. Now it’s purely about weight:
| Passenger | Duty-Free Jewellery Allowance |
|---|---|
| Female passengers | Up to 40 grams |
| Other passengers | Up to 20 grams |
Requirement: You must have stayed abroad for more than 1 year to claim this allowance.
Customs Duty Halved on Excess Items
Bought more than ₹75,000 worth of goods? The customs duty on the excess amount has been slashed from 20% to just 10%.
Example:
- You bring goods worth ₹1,00,000
- Duty-free: ₹75,000
- Taxable amount: ₹25,000
- Old duty (20%): ₹5,000
- New duty (10%): ₹2,500 ✅
You save ₹2,500 on this purchase alone.
Transfer of Residence Benefits (NRIs Returning Home)
If you’ve lived abroad for more than 2 years and are returning to India permanently, you can now bring personal effects worth up to ₹7.5 lakh duty-free - more than double the previous limit.
This is a massive benefit for NRIs relocating back to India.
Digital Declarations Save Time
No more long queues. You can now submit electronic customs declarations through:
- ICEGATE portal (online)
- Official government app
Submit your declaration before landing, and breeze through the green/red channel process.
Temporary Import/Export Certificates
New provision for travelers carrying high-value or professional equipment:
- Get a temporary baggage import certificate
- Avoid detention at customs
- Useful for photographers, videographers, business travelers
What This Means for You
If you’re planning an international trip and want to shop abroad:
- Budget up to ₹75,000 for duty-free shopping
- Add a laptop (free, not counted in ₹75,000)
- Anything extra is taxed at just 10%
- Declare online before you land
Planning Your Trip?
These new rules make international travel more rewarding. If you’re applying for a visa, check our guides:
- USA Visa Guide - Shop in New York
- UK Visa Guide - London shopping
- Schengen Visa Guide - Europe duty-free
- UAE/Dubai Visa Guide - Dubai shopping festival
The new Baggage Rules 2026 replace decade-old regulations and are now in effect at all Indian international airports.