Great news for Indians traveling abroad! The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced major relief for international passengers in the Union Budget 2026.
If you love shopping during your foreign trips or bringing gifts for your family, here is an update that will save you money. The government has officially increased the duty-free baggage allowance for travelers arriving in India. This move is part of the new Baggage Rules, 2026, which aim to simplify customs procedures and reduce disputes at Indian airports.
Here is everything you need to know about the new limits for electronics, jewelry, and personal items.
What Are the New Duty-Free Limits?
According to the latest notification by CBIC, the duty-free allowance has been raised significantly. This is the maximum value of goods you can bring into India without paying any customs duty.
- For Indian Residents & Tourists of Indian Origin: The limit has been increased to ₹75,000 (up from the previous limits). This applies when you arrive by air.
- For Foreign Tourists: The duty-free allowance is now set at ₹25,000.
- For Infants: The new rules clarify that even infants are allowed duty-free clearance for their used personal effects.
This change means you can now bring back more gadgets, clothes, and gifts without worrying about paying extra taxes at the airport, as long as the total value is within ₹75,000.
Read more: Union Budget 2026
Big Change for Gold Jewelry Allowances
One of the most confusing parts of customs rules has always been gold jewelry. The CBIC has made a historic change in 2026 by removing the value cap on gold jewelry. Previously, there was a limit on the value (price) of gold you could bring, which became outdated as gold prices soared.
Under the new 2026 rules, the allowance is based only on weight:
- Female Passengers: Can bring duty-free gold jewelry up to 40 grams.
- Male Passengers (and others): Can bring duty-free gold jewelry up to 20 grams.
Condition: This applies only to passengers who have resided abroad for more than 1 year.
By removing the monetary limit (the price cap), travelers no longer have to worry about the rising price of gold affecting their allowance. As long as your jewelry weighs less than the limit (40g or 20g), it is duty-free.
“Personal Effects” Clarified to Reduce Harassment
A common issue travelers face is customs officers questioning their used personal items, like an old laptop or a camera.
The CBIC has now updated the definition of “personal effects” to explicitly include personal jewelry and other used items. This specific update is intended to stop unnecessary questioning and harassment by customs officials. If you are carrying used personal items that you took with you from India or use daily, they should not be counted in your duty-free limit.
Bonus Update: Boost for E-Commerce Exporters
Apart from travelers, the CBIC also had good news for small business owners. Effective from January 15, 2026, the government has extended export incentives to shipments sent via Post (India Post).
If you run an e-commerce business and send products abroad using the postal route, you can now claim benefits under schemes like RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products). This will make it cheaper for small sellers in India to sell their goods globally.
Why This Matters
For years, the duty-free limit had not kept pace with inflation. With the rupee depreciating and global prices increasing, the old limits allowed travelers to buy very little. Raising the limit to ₹75,000 is a realistic move that acknowledges the current cost of goods.
The removal of the “value cap” on gold is perhaps the biggest relief, as it eliminates the confusion caused by fluctuating gold rates.
What Should You Do Next?
- Check Your Receipts: When traveling, always keep receipts for expensive items you buy abroad. It proves the value is under ₹75,000.
- Weigh Your Gold: If you are bringing jewelry, ensure it is strictly within the 40g/20g weight limit to avoid paying heavy customs duty.
- Read the Form: Be honest on your Customs Declaration Form. With the higher limits, there is less reason to hide items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new duty-free baggage allowance for India in 2026?
The new duty-free allowance for Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin is ₹75,000. For foreign tourists, it is ₹25,000.
2. Can I bring gold jewelry to India without duty?
Yes, if you have lived abroad for at least 1 year. Women can bring up to 40 grams, and men can bring up to 20 grams. There is no longer a limit on the value (price) of this gold, only the weight matters.
3. Do I have to pay customs on my used laptop or phone?
Generally, one laptop is allowed duty-free as a personal effect. The new rules have further clarified “personal effects” to ensure travelers are not harassed for carrying their used daily items.
4. When do these new rules start?
These changes were announced with the Union Budget 2026 and are effective immediately as per the CBIC notification.
5. Does the ₹75,000 limit include alcohol and cigarettes?
No, alcohol and tobacco products usually have separate specific limits (e.g., 2 liters of liquor) and are not covered under the general ₹75,000 allowance for other goods.