New Baggage Rules 2026: Duty-Free Limit Raised to INR 75,000 for Indian Citizens Returning from Abroad

In a major move to simplify the arrival process at Indian airports, the Government of India has officially overhauled its customs protocols. Effective February 2, 2026, the new Baggage Rules, 2026 have significantly increased the duty-free allowance for Indian citizens and residents returning from overseas. This update replaces the decade-old 2016 framework, reflecting modern spending power and the needs of the global Indian traveler.

Key Conditions: Is This Applicable to Alcohol?

Before diving into the higher limits, it is crucial to understand what is not covered. If you are planning to bring back your favorite spirits, take note: The INR 75,000 duty-free allowance does not apply to alcohol.

Under the current regulations, the duty-free allowance for liquor remains strictly capped. A traveler can bring in:

• Up to 2 liters of alcoholic liquor or wine.
• Quantities beyond this limit – even if your total baggage value is under INR 75,000 – will attract the standard high customs duties or may be confiscated.
• Other Exclusions: The INR 75,000 limit also excludes firearms, cartridges (exceeding 50), cigarettes (over 100 sticks), and gold bullion.

Read on to find out how these new limits apply to your electronics, gifts, and personal jewelry.

Increased Duty-Free Allowance for Indian Residents

The most significant change in the 2026 notification is the boost to the general duty-free allowance for Indian citizens and residents returning by air or sea.

• New Limit: INR 75,000
• Previous Limit: INR 50,000

This means you can now bring back items like gadgets, designer clothes, and gifts worth up to INR 75,000 without paying a paisa in customs duty. This applies to items carried as "accompanied baggage." Additionally, if you are over 18, you are allowed to bring one laptop computer over and above this INR 75,000 limit.

Special Allowances for Gold Jewellery

For Indian citizens who have lived abroad for more than one year, the government has maintained specific weight-based exemptions for jewelry to avoid confusion at the "Red Channel":

• Female Passengers: Duty-free gold jewelry up to 40 grams.
• Male Passengers: Duty-free gold jewelry up to 20 grams.

These limits apply specifically to jewelry made of gold, silver, or platinum. Any weight exceeding these limits must be declared and the applicable duty paid.

Revised Limits for Foreign Tourists

While the focus is on Indian citizens, the rules for foreign nationals visiting India have also been scaled up to ensure a smoother entry for tourists:

• New Limit: INR 25,000 (Up from INR 15,000)

Why the Change Matters

The introduction of the Baggage Rules, 2026 is a response to several factors:

• Inflationary Adjustments: The previous INR 50,000 limit was set in 2016; the new INR 75,000 limit accounts for the rising cost of international goods.
• Seamless Transit: By raising the threshold, fewer passengers will need to queue at the Red Channel for minor purchases, speeding up the exit for everyone.
• Lower Penalties: For those who do exceed the INR 75,000 limit, the government has also simplified the duty structure, making the process more transparent and less punitive.

Summing Up

For the Indian citizen returning from a trip abroad, the 2026 rules offer a welcome increase in breathing room for shopping and gifts. While the general limit is now a generous INR 75,000, remember that "sin goods" like alcohol and tobacco are governed by their own specific quantity-based caps.

To ensure a stress-free walk through the Green Channel, keep your digital invoices ready on your phone and remember to declare any items that exceed these new thresholds.