India’s New Baggage Rules 2026: Complete Guide to Duty-Free Jewellery Allowance

Starting February 2, 2026, India has implemented a major overhaul of its customs regulations for travelers, especially concerning gold and silver jewellery. If you’re an NRI, a returning resident, or a frequent international traveler, understanding these new rules is essential to avoid surprises and make the most of your baggage allowances. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll detail everything you need to know about India’s Duty-Free Jewellery Allowance India 2026, including limits, procedures, and practical tips.

What Are the New Baggage Rules in India for 2026?

India’s government announced the Baggage Rules, 2026 in the Union Budget on February 1, 2026, which came into effect the next day. These rules mark a significant shift from previous customs regulations, especially regarding gold and silver jewellery. The key change is the removal of value-based caps, replacing them with straightforward weight-based limits, simplifying compliance for travelers.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Baggage Rules

No value caps on jewellery; limits are now based solely on weight.
Duty-free limits for jewelry:
- Women: up to 40 grams
- Other passengers: up to 20 grams
Increased duty-free allowances for other goods:
- Residents & Indian origin travelers: Rs 75,000 (up from Rs 50,000)
- Foreign tourists: Rs 25,000 (up from Rs 15,000)
- Travelers with non-tourist visas: Rs 75,000
- Crew members: Rs 2,500
Land border arrivals have no intrinsic duty-free allowance.

Understanding Duty-Free Jewellery Limits in 2026

Previously, travelers could carry a certain value of gold and silver jewelry without duty, but this often meant carrying purchase invoices and declaring goods, which was cumbersome. The new rules eliminate these complexities and instead focus solely on weight limits, making it easier for travelers to carry jewelry legally.

Jewellery Definition in the New Rules

The rules define jewellery as articles of adornment usually worn on the person, made of gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals, whether studded or not. This broad definition includes rings, necklaces, earrings, bangles, and other personal adornments.

Why Are These Changes Important?

These updates are a big relief for Indian expatriates and NRIs in the UAE, the Middle East, and around the world. The previous value-based restrictions created bureaucratic hurdles, requiring invoices and declarations, which were often inconvenient. The shift to weight-based limits simplifies compliance and reflects modern travel realities, allowing more flexibility in carrying personal gold and silver jewellery.

Who Benefits Most from These Rules?

NRIs and returning residents – Gain greater freedom and ease in bringing their jewellery without complex documentation.
Frequent travelers – Can carry more jewellery within the specified weight limits.
Jewellery industry – Can expect increased demand and growth opportunities due to relaxed regulations.

Practical Tips for Travelers Under the New Rules

Know your weight limit before packing – 40 grams for women, 20 grams for others.
Properly pack and declare jewellery if you exceed the duty-free limit, adhering to customs procedures.
Keep receipts for jewellery purchased overseas to simplify any future declarations if needed.
Understand the definition of jewellery under the rules to avoid misclassification.
Be aware of border-specific rules as arriving by land border has different allowances.

Comparison Table: Old vs. New Baggage Rules

Aspect	Old Rules (2016)	New Rules (2026)
Jewellery Duty-Free Limit (women)	40 grams (value capped at Rs 100,000)	40 grams (no value cap)
Jewellery Duty-Free Limit (others)	20 grams (value capped at Rs 50,000)	20 grams (no value cap)
Value Cap on Jewellery	Yes	No
Duty-Free Allowance for Other Goods	Rs 50,000 (residents), Rs 15,000 (tourists)	Rs 75,000 (residents), Rs 25,000 (tourists)

FAQs on India’s 2026 Baggage Rules

1. How much gold jewellery can I carry duty-free to India in 2026?

You can carry up to 40 grams for women and 20 grams for other passengers without paying duty, with no value caps under the new rules.

2. Are there any value caps on jewellery now?

No, the new Baggage Rules entirely remove value caps, focusing solely on weight limits to simplify regulations.

3. Do I need to carry purchase invoices for jewellery?

No, under the new rules, documentation is not required unless you exceed the duty-free weight limits, in which case declaration procedures apply.

4. What about arrivals via land border — are there allowances?

No, travelers arriving by land borders currently have no duty-free allowances for personal jewellery under these rules.

5. Can I carry other gifts or goods along with jewellery?

Yes, other goods have increased duty-free allowances—Rs 75,000 for residents and Indian-origin travelers, Rs 25,000 for tourists, according to the new regulations.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

The introduction of the India Baggage Rules 2026 marks a progressive step toward simplified customs procedures. The removal of value caps on jewellery and the emphasis on weight limits make it easier for NRIs, returning residents, and travelers globally to carry personal gold and silver without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Be sure to plan your packing accordingly, keep receipts handy if needed, and stay informed about border-specific regulations.

In summary, if you are planning a trip to India, familiarize yourself with these rules to maximize your duty-free allowances and avoid unexpected customs issues. The new framework reflects a progressive approach to modern travel needs, fostering greater flexibility and convenience for millions of Indian travelers around the world.