Now, a female travelling from abroad can bring 40 grams of jewellery, and a male 20 grams, without a value cap, provided they have spent more than one year there. This is part of the new baggage rules, notified by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) late on Monday.
Value cap removed
To date, the cap has been 40 grams and 20 grams, but there were value caps of ₹1 lakh and ₹50,000. “A resident or tourist of Indian origin residing abroad for more than one year, on return to India, shall be allowed duty free clearance of jewellery upto a weight of forty grams, if brought by a female passenger or twenty grams if brought by a passenger other than a female passenger in bona fide baggage,” a notification by CBIC said.
Duty-free allowances
New rules have also changed the duty-free allowance. Accordingly, for resident Indians, tourists of Indian origin, and foreigners with a valid visa other than a tourist visa, it would be ₹75,000; for tourists of foreign origin and crew members, it would be ₹25,000 and ₹2,500, respectively.
Passenger-friendly measures
“These measures reflect facilitative and revised provisions for international passengers and in line with new economic conditions, rising travel volumes and passenger expectations. The changes have been aimed at in consultation with stakeholders including Ministries, airport operators, and feedback from passengers, etc. These Rules will simplify procedures, enhance transparency, enable electronic and advance declarations and ensure smooth clearance,” a CBIC statement said.
Transfer of residence
Under the transfer of residence benefits, a person staying abroad for up to 1 year will receive ₹1.5 lakhs. For a period between 1-2 years and above 2 years, it would be ₹3 lakhs and ₹7.5 lakhs, respectively. “The transfer of residence benefits has also been simplified and modernised by having only a single rationalised list of duty-free articles, with an overall value cap as per eligibility,” the statement said.
Laptops and pets
Further, “Duty-free import of one laptop (for passengers above 18 years) and pets incorporated into the Rules,” it said, while adding that the facility of issuance of a temporary baggage import certificate or export certificate for temporary carriage of goods brought in or taken out, respectively, has been envisioned for hassle-free clearance at arrival and to avoid unnecessary detention of goods.
Simplified procedures
“The revised framework focuses on higher duty-free limits, reduced detention, digital and simplified processes, simplified procedures to enhance passenger convenience, while strengthening India’s position as a globally connected and tourism-friendly destination through uniform implementation across Customs formations,” the statement said.
Published on February 2, 2026