The Union government has notified significant changes to rules governing the import of gold, jewellery, and personal goods by passengers arriving from abroad. The revised provisions, introduced under the Baggage Rules 2026, will come into effect from February 2, 2026, and are aimed at simplifying customs procedures and reducing disputes at airports.

One of the key changes relates to gold and silver jewellery, where the duty-free allowance has been shifted from a value-based system to a weight-based limit, eliminating ambiguity over pricing and valuation.

Revised Duty-Free Limit for Jewellery

Under the new rules:

• Female passengers are permitted to bring up to 40 grams of gold or silver jewellery duty-free




• Male passengers and others may bring up to 20 grams duty-free

The jewellery must be strictly for personal use. Items suspected to be intended for sale will attract customs duty. Importantly, this exemption does not apply to gold bars, coins, or silver bullion, which will continue to be governed by separate regulations.

Officials say the change is expected to benefit NRIs and long-term overseas residents, who previously faced frequent valuation disputes at ports of entry.

Higher Duty-Free Allowance for Goods

The government has also increased the duty-free allowance for general goods:

• Indian citizens and foreign residents of Indian origin may now bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 duty-free, up from ₹50,000 earlier




• Foreign tourists are allowed duty-free goods worth up to ₹25,000

The allowance applies to personal items, gifts, and shopping purchases. The exemption is individual-specific and cannot be pooled among passengers.

Enhanced Benefits for Long-Term Overseas Travellers

Special concessions have been announced for individuals returning after extended stays abroad:

• Stay up to 1 year: goods worth up to ₹1.5 lakh




• Stay of 1–2 years: goods worth up to ₹3 lakh




• Stay exceeding 2 years: goods worth up to ₹7.5 lakh

These provisions are expected to ease the return of professionals and families relocating back to India after long overseas assignments.

Relief for Electronic Devices

Under the revised rules, passengers aged 18 years and above may bring one new laptop or notebook duty-free, provided it is for personal use. Existing regulations under the Foreign Exchange Management Regulations, 2015, will continue to apply to the import and export of currency.

Compliance Still Mandatory

Customs officials have reiterated that all duty-free items must be for personal use. Importing quantities beyond prescribed limits will attract applicable customs duties and penalties.