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 30 October 2023.
From gold jewellery gifted at weddings to investments in gold coins, Indians have a deep-seated affection for the yellow metal, driven by several factors.
A significant advantage of gold as an asset is its high liquidity and portability. It can be easily converted to cash in emergencies and readily exchanged as needed.
Indian expatriates, in particular, have a penchant for purchasing gold from abroad due to its lower prices and superior quality. Nevertheless, in recent years, stringent conditions and customs duties on gold imports have dissuaded many from bringing gold to India.
This article explains the Indian Customs gold duty, the latest rules, regulations, and procedures to follow while taking gold in and out of India.
Table of Contents
The below information has been prepared after studying the Indian Baggage Rules and traveller guidelines issued by the Central Board of Indirect Customs and Taxes.
Indian Customs Gold Duty Rules
To answer your questions, we will divide this into two parts:
- Part 1: Carrying gold to India during travel (duty-free allowance)
- Part 2: Importing gold to India as baggage (by paying customs duty)
Part 1: Carrying Gold To India During Travel
Let’s start with the most obvious question:
1. Is carrying gold to India legal?
Yes, it is entirely legal for Indian nationals to carry gold jewellery to India. However, the amount you can bring and the customs duty you need to pay depend on your residency status and the time you’ve spent abroad.
2. How much gold can I carry to India without paying customs duty?
If you have lived abroad for more than a year, you can bring gold jewellery up to a certain weight without paying customs duty.
- For male passengers, the limit is 20 grams, with a maximum value of Rs. 50,000.
- For female passengers, the limit is 40 grams, with a maximum value of Rs. 100,000.
Please note that since the current market price of gold per gram is more than Rs 5,000/gram, you cannot take 20/40 grams. So the limit will be the value of Rs 50,000/Rs 100,000.
| Passenger Type | Stay Abroad | Gold Type | Maximum Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male Indian passenger | More than one year | Gold Jewellery | Up to a value of Rs 50,000 |
| Female Indian passenger | More than one year | Gold Jewellery | Up to a value of Rs 100,000 |
| Male or Female | Less than one year | Any | No free allowance |
3. Is the allowance applicable to children as well?
Yes, the duty-free allowance on gold jewellery also applies to children, provided they have stayed abroad for one year or more.
4. Can I bring a gold coin, gold biscuit or gold bar within the allowance?
No, the duty-free allowance only applies to gold jewellery. Other forms of gold, like coins, biscuits, or bars, are subject to customs duty.
5. What are the conditions for carrying gold to India as a duty-free allowance?
Here are the main conditions you need to know:
- You must be an Indian citizen.
- You should have stayed abroad for one year.
- The gold must be in the form of jewellery, not in the form of coins, biscuits, or bars.
- The maximum duty-free allowance is Rs. 50,000 for men and Rs. 100,000 for women.
- Gold above this limit is subject to customs duty.
6. How much is the customs duty on excess gold jewellery?
If you’ve stayed abroad for more than a year and carry gold beyond the duty-free allowance, you will be required to pay a discounted duty of 13.75%.
7. Do I have to declare the gold if I am not asked about it?
Yes, if you have gold exceeding the standard duty-free allowance, you must declare it. Failing to declare it can lead to confiscation, penalties, and even legal consequences.
8. Do I have to pay duty if I bought the jewellery from India?
Any gold jewelry purchased in India is exempt from duty if you declare it correctly and obtain an export certificate at the customs desk before leaving the country.
Part 2: Importing Gold As Baggage
1. Who can import gold as baggage?
“Passengers of Indian origin or a passenger holding a valid Indian passport, coming to India after a minimum of six months abroad, can import gold as baggage.
Short visits within six months are not considered if they total less than 30 days. Additionally, the passenger should not have utilized the exemption under this scheme during such short visits.
Apart from these passengers, others are not permitted to import gold as baggage.
2. How much is the Customs Duty for importing gold?
The customs duty for imported gold depends on the duration of your stay abroad:
- One year or more: Duty-free allowance is Rs. 50,000 for males and Rs. 100,000 for females, and for gold above this limit, a 13.75% duty applies.
- Six months to one year: No duty-free allowance, but gold up to 1 kg can be imported by paying a 13.75% duty.
- Less than six months: No duty-free allowance and a 38.5% duty applies.
| Period of Stay Abroad | Duty-free Allowance | Duty Payable |
|---|---|---|
| One year and above | Maximum value of Rs 50,000 for males; Maximum value of Rs 100,000 for female | Up to 1 kg: 13.75% |
| Six months to one year | No Allowance | Up to 1 kg: 13.75% |
| Less than six months | No Allowance | 38.5% |
3. What is the maximum gold I can bring above the free allowance?
If you’ve stayed abroad for at least a year, you can bring up to 1 kg of gold on payment of duty, which can be in various forms such as jewelry, crude gold, gold coins, or gold biscuits.
4. I have visited India for a few days in the last six months. Can I qualify to bring gold?
Short visits to India (less than 30 days) within the preceding six months are not counted when determining eligibility to bring gold. You can import up to 1 kg of gold on payment of duty.
5. What if I did not complete six months of stay abroad?
If you haven’t stayed abroad for six months, a duty of 38.5% may be charged on all the gold you bring with you.
6. Do I have to carry the gold with me while travelling?
You can either bring the gold yourself upon arrival or import it as unaccompanied baggage within fifteen days of your arrival in India. There are no restrictions on selling gold in India.
The passenger can also obtain the permitted quantity of gold from the Customs bonded warehouse of the State Bank of India and Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation. This is subject to the same conditions.
8. How is the gold price calculated? Can I show the purchase receipt?
The price of gold is calculated based on the value notified by the government of India at the time of travel. While a purchase receipt can help prove the source, the value of the gold is determined based on the date of travel.
Payment of Gold Duty
To pay customs duty at a discounted rate, you must use foreign currency. Paying in Indian Rupees incurs a duty rate of 38.5%.
If you can’t provide authentic information about the gold jewellery or the means to pay the duty, customs officials may detain the jewellery and offer you the choice of paying the duty or re-exporting the gold when leaving India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to carry small jewellery for daily use?
Generally, customs officials usually do not object to ladies wearing small, daily-use jewelry (e.g., a small chain, a pair of earrings, etc.). To ensure a smooth experience, you can obtain an export certificate before leaving India.
Is jewellery studded with stones included in the duty-free allowance?
The duty-free allowance applies exclusively to pure gold jewelry. Jewelry adorned with stones does not qualify for this allowance.
How much gold is allowed on international flights to India?
The duty-free gold allowance for male passengers is 20 grams (with a maximum value of Rs. 50,000), while for female passengers, it’s 40 grams (with a maximum value of Rs. 100,000).
How much gold is allowed from Dubai to India?
Male passengers returning to India from Dubai can bring gold jewelry weighing up to 20 grams, valued at not more than Rs. 50,000. Female passengers are permitted to bring up to 40 grams of gold jewelry, valued at no more than Rs. 1 lakh. Exceeding these limits requires payment of customs duty.
How much gold jewellery can I carry to the USA from India?
According to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), there is no specific limit on the amount of gold jewelry that can be brought into the United States. However, if the value of the jewelry exceeds $10,000, it must be declared to a CBP officer on a FINCEN 105 form upon entry. If the jewelry is a personal possession being brought back to the US, there is no need to declare it.
Related Articles:
- Duty-Free Allowance At Indian Airports
- Indian Airport Customs Duty On LCD/LED TV
- Indian Customs Rules for Electronic Items
- Transfer of Residence to India: Customs Rules for NRI
- Indian Customs Cash Limit And Rules
- 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.
Hi wilson here I brought some gold from India 1year back around 50grm should I pay customs since I didn’t buy it from uae
Hi Wilson, You should have got export certificate while leaving India. Since you don’t have export certificate, you will have to pay the duty.
Gold jewellery’s weight = 25 grams
Hi Nadeem, Short trips are fine. Male passengers are allowed to take up to 20 grams. So you will have to pay on the excess 5 grams only.
I am Nadeem, residing in abu dhabi since more than a year (March 2015). However, i have been to India for 5days in Dec2015, 9days in Sep2015, 17days in July2015.
I have bought gold jewellery of AED3900 approx Rs 70000.
what rate of duty is applicable to me, i am travelling to India on 13th May 2016. does my short trip in dec2015 affect rate of duty charge?
duty will be charged on 20000/- or complete 70000/-.
I will be thankful to your reply.
Gold jewellery’s weight = 25 grams
Hi Nadeem, Short trips are fine. Male passengers are allowed to take up to 20 grams. So you will have to pay on the excess 5 grams only.
Dear Rajagopal, Gold allowance is only applicable for those who stay for minimum of 1 year abroad. Since you are on visit visa, you are liable to pay duty.
Gentleman,
I am an Indian citizen staying In Dubai since one month with visiting Visa.While I am returned to India,can I bring two small Gold chains total weight of both about 30Grms with receipts , It can be attract any customs duty for this petty items of Gold.
Dear Rajagopal, Gold allowance is only applicable for those who stay for minimum of 1 year abroad. Since you are on visit visa, you are liable to pay duty.
I am from india working in doha , on my last visit when I approached the customs officer at the airport for an export certificate for my personal jewellery he said it’s not necessary , the personal jewels which I was wearing were 2rings 1 bracelet 1 chain weighing 80gms , could you elaborate on it
I am from india working in doha , on my last visit when I approached the customs officer at the airport for an export certificate for my personal jewellery he said it’s not necessary , the personal jewels which I was wearing were 2rings 1 bracelet 1 chain weighing 80gms , could you elaborate on it
Hi Jiju, Customs officials do give concessions for small ornaments (1 ring, 1 bracelet, 1 small chain etc), especially for ladies. In your case it is 80 grams which is well above the allowance. Not sure why the customs officer said so.
Dear Sir,
I stay abroad and have purchased 50gm gold. I am now going back to India after my continues 7 months of stay abroad, taking Gold along with me.
My query is in regards to where i suppose to declare my import of gold?
I will depart from Nigeria with connecting flight from Dubai to India (Mumbai). So should i declare Gold import at Nigeria while my departure?? or at Dubai customs ?? or in India on my arrival at airport ??
Hi Shridhar, You have to declare in Indian airport by filling up the declaration form.
Dear Sir,
I stay abroad and have purchased 50gm gold. I am now going back to India after my continues 7 months of stay abroad, taking Gold along with me.
My query is in regards to where i suppose to declare my import of gold?
I will depart from Nigeria with connecting flight from Dubai to India (Mumbai). So should i declare Gold import at Nigeria while my departure?? or at Dubai customs ?? or in India on my arrival at airport ??
when I was in india I bought 50grsms gold buiscut bar from Indian overseas bank Chennai and I have the original receipt but for the safety purpose I brought that 50gms to abroad . while I returning to india what will be fate of this busicut bar.? can I take back to india without duty?
Dear Sir
We are staying in abroad from past 25 years and in this period we purchase certain weight of gold jewelry for our daughter for their marriages. Now we are going India taking this gold jewelry for their marriage. Does we have to pay custom on this jewelry, which are used for personal? How much personnel jewelry we can carry with us without custom? We have to declare this in airport or no need?
Hi Shaik, Gold jewellery allowance is 20gm per male and 40gm per female. Anything above this has to be declared and paid duty. Please read above article for more info.
when I was in india I bought 50grsms gold buiscut bar from Indian overseas bank Chennai and I have the original receipt but for the safety purpose I brought that 50gms to abroad . while I returning to india what will be fate of this busicut bar.? can I take back to india without duty?
Dear Sir
We are staying in abroad from past 25 years and in this period we purchase certain weight of gold jewelry for our daughter for their marriages. Now we are going India taking this gold jewelry for their marriage. Does we have to pay custom on this jewelry, which are used for personal? How much personnel jewelry we can carry with us without custom? We have to declare this in airport or no need?
Hi Shaik, Gold jewellery allowance is 20gm per male and 40gm per female. Anything above this has to be declared and paid duty. Please read above article for more info.
The 10.3% duty is applicable for jewellery more than 20g only or for gold bars, coins also same?
The 10.3% duty is applicable for jewellery more than 20g only or for gold bars, coins also same?
I am a customs official and i felt very happy after reading ur replies to questions of NRI passengers. Among numerous websites offering solutions to customs related matters, yours site appears to be authentic and trust worthy. Indeed I want to suggest ur website for NRI passengers for solutions to various doubts they come across when coming to India from foreign country. However, I just want to inform u that there is no procedure with regard to entering the details of jewellery in the passports as the same was discarded long back. The only procedure presently available is that the passenger has to prove the jewellery was from India only by showing bills or they should have to present export certificates in case there is no bill. If the passenger is not able to furnish authentic information for the gold jewellery they bought, the only course available to customs official is to detain the jewellery giving an option to the passenger to release the gold jewellery on payment of duty or to hand over the gold jewellery to the passenger when he is going to foreign country( which is called reexport). Once again I thank u for valuable information ur providing to the NRI passengers.
Dear Sir,
Thank you very much for your kind words and taking time to explain the procedure.
We shall note these points and inform our readers about the same.
Once again thanks on behalf of our NRICafe Team and our readers.
Hi Sir, Good information. Can you please provide details about the import of LED TVs? I am planning to travel from Bahrain to India. Can you provide the duty to be paid for LED TV. 43″ LG family TV.
Hi Bobby, Please check this : http://nricafe.com/2016/02/indian-customs-duty-lcd-led-tv/
mr. rao, I had a chat with a customs official at Kolkata intl airport on 20th April 2016 about carrying gold from India and getting it back. He said that I have to get a certificate of the authenticity of the gold from registered valuer etc. etc. and a sale receipt may not be enough. Can you please confirm this. I will appreciate if you send a reply to [email protected]
Dear Sir,
Please let me know the custom duty amount if i bring gold coins or biscuit. Will it be charged in grams or weight.
Hi Ashfaque, Gold coin/biscuit cannot be claimed under free allowance. The rate is 10% of the value (weight).
Can a take one gold biscuit of 24carat after one year
Hi Majid, Only gold jewellery can be taken. Biscuit/coin is not included in allowance.
Can a take one gold biscuit of 24carat after one year
Hi Majid, Only gold jewellery can be taken. Biscuit/coin is not included in allowance.
What is the payable Duty if I want to Bring my motorbike from abroad to India ??? What are the rules that one should be aware of ???
What is the payable Duty if I want to Bring my motorbike from abroad to India ??? What are the rules that one should be aware of ???
If you carry your personal ornament for function,is there any declaration form needed for OIC or other NRIs? If yes what’s the amount allowed anywhere to get the form? Residing country or in Indian airport?
Dear Dr, We are not aware of any such option to declare gold that you intend to take back. Any jewellery bought into India is considered as import and liable to duty, even if it is for temporary use. The reason is that there is no provision to make sure you take it back while leaving.
If you carry your personal ornament for function,is there any declaration form needed for OIC or other NRIs? If yes what’s the amount allowed anywhere to get the form? Residing country or in Indian airport?
Dear Dr, We are not aware of any such option to declare gold that you intend to take back. Any jewellery bought into India is considered as import and liable to duty, even if it is for temporary use. The reason is that there is no provision to make sure you take it back while leaving.