The NRI Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 20 October 2023.
Indian citizens who are staying abroad on a visa or foreign citizens of Indian origin are entitled to certain duty-free allowances while travelling to India.
Similarly, foreign citizens who stay in India or travel to India as tourists are also entitled to certain duty-free allowances.
However, duty-free baggage allowance rules may vary based on the country of residence, duration of stay abroad, duration of stay in India, and a few other factors.
This article explains the Indian Customs Duty Free Allowance for Indian citizens, NRI, foreign citizens residing in India as well as foreign tourists.
Table of Contents
Indian Customs Duty Free Allowance
Used personal effects travel souvenirs and articles other than those mentioned in Annexure I, up to the value of Rs. 50,000 if these are carried on the person or in the accompanied baggage of the passenger.
The duty-free allowance for travellers to India can be summarised as below:
| Traveller Type | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Indian Residents and foreigners residing in India (coming from Nepal, Bhutan or Myanmar) | Articles up to the value of Rs 15,000 |
| Indian Residents and foreigners residing in India (coming from other countries) | Articles up to the value of Rs 50,000 |
| Tourists of Foreign Origin | Articles up to the value of Rs 15,000 |
In addition to the above allowance, used personal effects and travel souvenirs can also be brought. However, they should not include the below items:
- Firearms
- Cartridges of firearms exceeding 50
- Cigarettes exceeding 100 sticks or cigars exceeding 25 or tobacco exceeding 125 gms
- Alcoholic liquor or wines or beers in excess of two litres
- Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments
- LCD/LED/Plasma television (flat screen) of any screen size
Important Points To Note
- Only used personal effects shall be allowed duty-free for infants.
- The free allowance of a passenger under this rule shall not be allowed to be pooled with the free allowance of any other passenger.
Under the rules, goods that are not restricted or prohibited may only be imported for bona fide personal use and not for commercial purposes.
Over and above the free allowances, the goods will be charged a duty of 35% + 3.5% surcharge, which works out to be 38.5%. Whenever an item’s value exceeds the free allowance, only the excess of the allowance will be liable for duty.
Difference Between Residents and Tourists
A resident is a person holding a valid passport issued under the Passports Act of 1967 and normally residing in India.
A tourist means a passenger who is not normally a resident in India; but who enters India for a stay of not more than six months in the course of any twelve-month period for legitimate non-immigrant purposes.
Below are the items that are restricted in nature with their maximum allowable values :
Indian Customs Rules For Gold
An Indian passenger who has been residing abroad for over one year is allowed to bring jewellery, free of duty in his bonafide baggage up to an aggregate weight of :
- 20 grams subject to a maximum value of Rs 50,000 in the case of male passenger*
- 40 grams subject to a maximum value of Rs 100,000 in the case of female passenger*
| Traveller Type | Gold Allowance | Maximum Value |
|---|---|---|
| Male passenger residing abroad for one year | 20 grams | Rs 50,000 |
| Female passenger residing abroad for one year | 40 grams | Rs 100,000 |
NOTE: Gold or silver in any form, other than ornaments – such as coins, biscuits etc – are not entitled to allowances.
Customs Duty on Gold
Concessional rate of duty @ 12.5% + Social Welfare Surcharge @ 1.25% is applicable for gold to Indian Passport holders and persons of Indian origin if the stay abroad is for more than 6 months. Short visits up to a total of 30 days during the six months shall be ignored.
In cases other than those mentioned above, the normal rate of Customs Duty @ 38.5% will be charged. However, the weight of gold (including ornaments) should not exceed 1 kilogram per person.
Here is our complete guide to customs duty on gold.
Indian Customs Rules For Electronic Items
Most electronic items can be included under the duty-free allowance of Rs 50,000. However, there are certain items (like LCD/LED/ Plasma Televisions) that cannot be included under this allowance. Read our detailed guide on Indian Customs Rules For Electronic Items.
Indian Customs Duty on TV
- Flat Panel (LCD/LED/Plasma) Television is NOT included under the duty-free allowance.
- All Flat Panel TVs are subject to customs duty, irrespective of their screen size (since 2013).
- Customs Duty is calculated @ 35% + surcharge of 3.5% (effective rate is 38.5%).
Customs officials charge the duty based on the assessed value. The assessed value is determined by the model, year of make, and condition of the TV. There is also an internal database with the prices of popular models.
You can read our detailed guide to Customs Duty on Televisions and use the duty calculator here.
Indian Customs Rules For Bringing Mobile Phones
There is no special allowance for bringing mobile phones to India. Normally Customs Officers do not mind if you are carrying one used mobile phone for your personal use. If you are carrying extra mobile phones in your baggage, they may be considered under the Rs 50,000 duty-free allowance.
However, some expensive mobile phones like iPhones will not be covered under this allowance due to their high cost. In such cases, you may be asked to pay the duty on excess value.
Customs Duty For Bringing Laptop To India
Any passenger above the age of 18 years can import one laptop computer (notebook computer) over and above the free allowance mentioned above.
Customs Regulations For Bringing Drones To India
The Indian government has banned the import of drones on 9 February 2022, except for use in research, military, and security purposes.
According to the order by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the import of drones that are completely built-up, semi-knocked-down or completely knocked-down form is now prohibited.
Indian Customs Alcohol Allowance
Following quantities of Alcoholic drinks and Tobacco products may be included for import within the duty-free allowances admissible to various categories of incoming passengers:
| Item | Maximum Allowance |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic Liquors or Wines or Beer | 2 litres |
| Cigarettes | 100 cigarettes |
| Cigars | 25 cigars |
| Tobacco | 125 grams |
The rate of duty applicable on these products over and above the above-mentioned free allowance is as under :
- Cigarettes BCD @ 30% + social welfare surcharge @ 3%+ CVD+NCCD+IGST (as applicable)
- All alcoholic beverages other than beer and inclusive of wine BCD @ 150%
- Beer BCD @ 100% + Social Welfare Surcharge 10%
NOTE: The imported goods should have a proper pictorial warning on them as prescribed by Cigarettes and Tobacco Products Packaging and Labelling Rules, issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Here is our detailed guide on Indian Customs Alcohol Allowance and Duty.
Indian Customs Cash Limit
Foreign Currency
Any person can bring with them into India foreign exchange without any limit. However, a declaration of foreign exchange/currency is required to be made in the prescribed Currency Declaration Form in the following cases:
- Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$ 5,000 or equivalent.
- Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange including currency exceeds US$ 10,000 or equivalent.
Indian Currency
Import of Indian currency is prohibited. However, in the case of passengers, who are residents of India and are returning from a visit abroad, Indian currency up to Rs. 25,000 is allowed. Here is our guide on how much currency you can carry to India.
Allowances for Transfer of Residence
Following are the entitlements of a passenger who is transferring residence to India:
| Period of Stay Abroad | Aggregate Value Allowed |
|---|---|
| 3-6 months | Rs. 60,000 |
| 6 months- 1 year | Rs 100,000 |
| Minimum 1 year during the preceding two years | Rs 200,000 |
| Minimum stay of two years or more | Rs 500,000 |
These allowances are subject to fulfilment of conditions and are only available on specific items. For further details, please check customs rules for NRI regarding the transfer of residence to India.
Indian Customs Baggage Rules
Difference Between Green Channel and Red Channel At Indian Airports
Passengers entering India must pass through the Customs checkpoint after first being cleared by an Immigration Officer and receiving their baggage from the conveyor belts. They can pass through either Green Channel or Red Channel depending upon the baggage they are carrying.
- Green Channels are designated for passengers who do not have dutiable goods to declare.
- Red Channels are designated for passengers who must declare dutiable goods.
So if you are a passenger who is carrying goods in excess of the above allowance, you are liable to pass through the Red Channel. If passengers choose the Green Channel with dutiable/prohibited goods, they may be prosecuted and their goods may be seized.
Please note that ignorance of the law is not a valid reason for wavering of penalty.
Indian Airport Customs Declaration Form
If passengers have prohibited or dutiable goods in their possession or goods in excess of their Duty-Free allowance, they must complete the Indian Customs Declaration Form and check the boxes to verify that the goods are not prohibited or dutiable.
Additionally, passengers can use the ATITHI mobile app to declare Indian customs any dutiable items and cash even before boarding the flight to India.
Only passengers who are carrying dutiable or prohibited goods are required to fill out a Customs Declaration Form or use the ATITHI mobile app to file a declaration of dutiable items as well as currency with Indian Customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much liquor is allowed on international flights to India?
International passengers are allowed to take up to 2 litres of Alcoholic Liquors, Wines or Beer without paying any Customs duty.
How many phones can I carry to India?
Normally you are allowed to carry one mobile phone for your personal use and any other phone may be included under the Rs 50,000 duty-free allowance.
How much electronics can I take to India from abroad?
You can carry articles up to the value of Rs 50,000 as a duty-free allowance. However, LCD/LED TV cannot be included in this.
Related Articles:
- Indian Customs Rules For Gold
- Indian Airport Customs Duty On LCD/LED TV
- How Much Cash Can You Carry on Flights To India
- Indian Customs Declaration Form
Copyright © NRIGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited. The information provided on this website is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, and travellers are encouraged to verify visa requirements and travel advisories through official government sources before making any travel arrangements.
Reference: Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Baggage Rules 2016
Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DG Pixels, holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
I have been living in US for more then 2 years & have a lot of personnel items like 4K TV, perfumes, 2 X Bose home theater system, sofa set, kitchen utensils, watches, perfumes & also have a motorbike 2009 model
Is motorbike which is registered on my name also liable for duty charge?
Hi Vickram, If you have stayed abroad for more than 2 years, you can bring “USED” household items valued up to Rs 500,000. However, TV and motor bike is liable for duty.
HI Sir this is shamim work in uae.I want to buy led samsung 40 inch india amount is around 35000.so how much can be charges plz explain to me.thanks
Hi Shamim, Please check this link for questions related to TV : http://nricafe.com/2016/02/indian-customs-duty-lcd-led-tv/
HI , The article is good but when I searched more, I found another article (Link Removed) This makes me confuse further. I have to bring television whether on excess amount custom will apply or on total???
Hi Rahul, The article you referred in an old one. Duty will be 36.05% on full amount. Please check this : http://nricafe.com/2016/02/indian-customs-duty-lcd-led-tv/
Hello NRI cafe.I am residing in South Korea for the past 8 months on spouse visa. I will be returning next month to India and am planning to buy one midrange dslr in korea amounting to 1lac INR(with lens) for personal use.I will be unboxing and using it for a few days in Korea. Will I be required to pay duty fee for this.
Hi Pradeep, Camera for personal use is fine (unless it looks very expensive).
Hello NRI cafe…do I have to pay custom on vaccum cleaner? If yes, then how much?
Hi Jay, No special duty on vaccum cleaner.
Hello Nri café for nri how much gram saffron allowed on every trip & please tell about gold & silver jewellary is non duty
Hi Pradip, Small quantity of saffron for personal use (few grams) is fine. For gold allowance, please check : http://nricafe.com/2016/02/indian-airport-customs-duty-gold-import/
I am a NRI working in Africa. I have purchased a reconditioned vehicle 2011 model 2500 cc costing me 10 lacs in INR approximately. Can I take the car to India when i go back permanently. i have used this car for more than a year over here. Will I be required to pay duty and if so how much. ( Land Cruiser- Parado).
Dear NRI cafe ,
Thank You For Your Services … I wanted to know if only our hand baggages are sent through the X Ray Scanner after Immigration or do we have to put our hand baggage and checked baggage on the X Ray Belt after Immigration i.e during the Green Channel Checking . Few people told me that only the hand baggage are X rayed in the Green Channel and our checked luggages are usually scanned before we get them . Is this true or is it that Customs at the Green Channel ask us to put both Hand and Checked Luggages at the Scanner in the Green Channel . … I will be Landing in Bangalore International in 5 days btw … I just wanted to be sure since I am bringing some stuff from USA .
Hi Ram, Only hand baggage will be screened in front of you. Checked in baggage is already scanned and will be marked if something is suspicious.
Hi,
I thank u for speedily enlightening us on our various queries. I am being given to understand that an Indian Traveller returning from overseas can bring two bottles of liquor along with him. In this connection, please advise me the quantum of the liquor which me and my spouse can bring along with us and if it is two litres per person, can we bring six bottles of liquor of 750ml each? Will there be a customs duty for the excess quantum of 500ml and if yes, what will be the rate of customs duty?
As we are shortly leaving from U.S.A., your immediate clarification will help us a lot.
Hi, Regret for delay in replying. Excess amount will be liable for duty.
Duty for Beer / Wine / Champagne : Basic Customs Duty @100% + Education Cess @3%.
For others like Whisky / Brandy etc : BCD @150% + ACD @4% + Education Cess @3%
I m going India from Abu Dhabi . I m carrying 24 gram gold bangles . how much custom I have to pay ? Like I have to pay for extra 4 gram or on all 24 grams?
I am leaving for india next month. I have purchased a watch that costs about 56000/- in Indian rupees. Is that taxable sir ?. Pls give me a reply.
Hi Shaji, Technically the maximum limit allowed is Rs 50,000 only. However they don’t usually check the price of watches (unless it looks very expensive).
Hello Nri cafe, I am leaving in Spain I am Spain resident with Indian passport. If I come every six month how much quantity of gold ornaments or biscuit its duty free n if I come with more than free allowance how much duty I have to pay (I come every six month or every year 1 time. Not fix),2nd question is for saffron duty free limit for coming in 6 month or 1 year if more than free allowance how much duty for saffron.thank you
Hi Pedro, For gold allowance, please refer to this : http://nricafe.com/2016/02/indian-airport-customs-duty-gold-import/
Small amount of saffron for personal use (few grams) are fine. Bigger quantity will attract duty.
Hi,
Please confirm me that, if any duty applicable for Sony home theatre system
Hi Kins, No special duty on home theatre system.
Hello NRI Cafe,
I would just like to know how strict the customs are at Bengaluru and Chennai International airport . Are we asked to put the mobiles in the tray when passing through arrival customs ? Sorry for the Re-Post .. I’m just quite nervous
Hi Jeevan, The purpose they ask you to put mobiles on tray is for security checking and screening for smuggling, gold etc. They don’t usually care about number of mobiles. Often 2 or 3 persons put their items in 1 tray. As we told before, even if they ask you, you can claim the second phone under free baggage allowance. Only problem is when you take expensive phones with their boxes. Having 2 mobile phones for personal use is very common nowadays.
I am going to India next month from US. Both me and husband are carrying our laptops and and ipad for my son who I three years old. Also we are taking a Casio keyboard, will that be taxable??
Hi, One laptop per person is allowed. IPad and Casio Keyboard can be claimed under free baggage allowance. There will be no duty.
Hi,
I moved to canada a year back..and I took my gold jewelry along with..
Since I bought it in India..Do it also falls under custom..Do I need to declare it too..
Its not clearly a import.
Hi Prags, You haven’t mentioned the amount of gold. If it is above 40 grams and unless you have a document to prove that it was bought in India, it will be considered as import. You should have got export certificate while leaving.
Hello!
I am currently in the US for a month. I intend on taking back 3 prominent electronic devices:
1) A Macbook (~INR 70,000)
2) An iPhone (~INR 50,000)
3) An iPad (~INR 45,000)
Would I need to declare any or all of these 3?
Regards,
-Pranay
Hi Pranay, 1 Laptop + 1 Phone is allowed per person. IPad can fall within the duty free allowance. So no need to declare these 3 items.
I am traveling to turkey for 8 days for fashion show we are 2 people and we will be carry more than 100 dress the value will be less than 70 to 80000 will I have to pay custom on them
Hello Khan, Are you asking about customs duty in Turkey or while returning to India?
Dear Sir,
I’m from Ras AL Khaimah. What is maximum TV size is excepted by Indian custom?
Regards
Ram Shankar
Hi Ram Shankar,
There is no limit on maximum TV size. However please note that airlines have restrictions on baggage size. Please check the maximum dimension with your airline.
For queries related to TVs, you can also check : http://nricafe.com/2016/02/indian-customs-duty-lcd-led-tv/
Hey I am traveling to Goa next week from stockholm with my wife. I am planning to buy some good wines from here as present for my friends. Can I take 5 bottles of wine in my luggage. Will the custom make a problem about it ?
Hi Kiran, Wine is considered in category of alocoholic drinks. You can carry upto 2 litres per head duty free.