New Baggage Rules: India Removes The Jewellery Value Limit for Returning Passengers
Travellers arriving in India no longer need to worry about the value of jewellery in their luggage. Under the New Baggage Rules 2026, the government has simplified jewellery norms by removing monetary caps and shifting to a weight-only system. The revised rules, introduced in the Union Budget 2026 and effective from February 2, 2026, are expected to make customs clearance faster and far less complicated for returning passengers.
Jewellery Rules Made Clearer
Under the new framework, eligible passengers can now bring jewellery duty-free based solely on weight, without having to declare or justify its monetary value. This change applies to returning residents and tourists of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than one year, making compliance simpler and more predictable.
The duty-free jewellery limits are:
Crucially, there is no value ceiling attached to these limits, a significant shift from previous baggage norms.
Which Old Rules Have Been Replaced?
Explaining the earlier system, Rachit Jain, executive partner, Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan Attorneys, said:
“Earlier, a passenger residing abroad for more than one year was permitted duty-free clearance of jewellery in bona fide baggage subject to both weight and value caps, 20 grams up to Rs 50,000 for a gentleman passenger, and 40 grams up to Rs 1,00,000 for a lady passenger.”
These limits were framed years ago and had increasingly become out of sync with rising jewellery prices, leading to frequent disputes during customs checks.
Relief for Travellers and Customs
According to Prabhakar K S, Founder & CEO, Shree Tax Chambers, reliance on the old rules often resulted in seizure of even small quantities of jewellery by customs officials. He believes the revised framework will ease long-standing friction at airports.
It is widely anticipated that these new Rules will address the stressing customs clearance issues, simplify procedures, enhance transparency, electronic clearance, smooth Customs clearance, and provide over all provide modern travelling experience.
Does the Rule Apply Only to Gold?
A common question among travellers is whether the relaxed limits apply only to gold jewellery. The answer is no. The Ministry of Finance has not mentioned gold specifically in its notification. As a result, the New Baggage Rules 2026 apply to all types of jewellery, regardless of the metal or material used.
Broader Baggage Reforms
Beyond jewellery, the government has also revised duty-free allowances for multiple passenger categories, including residents, tourists of Indian and foreign origin, foreigners holding valid non-tourist visas, and crew members. These updates are part of a broader effort to modernise baggage rules and align them with current travel realities.
A More Modern Travel Experience
Overall, the New Baggage Rules 2026 aim to reduce ambiguity, limit discretionary enforcement, and improve the overall arrival experience for international travellers. By shifting to a weight-only system for jewellery and updating related allowances, the government has taken a clear step toward smoother customs clearance and a more traveller-friendly regime.
The removal of the jewellery value cap under the New Baggage Rules 2026 is being seen as a practical and long-overdue move, particularly for travellers carrying gold jewellery into India. The decision reflects the sharp rise in gold prices over the past decade and brings baggage regulations closer to present-day market realities.
Why the Old Jewellery Limits No Longer Worked
Under the earlier 2016 Baggage Rules, passengers were allowed to bring jewellery duty-free only within both weight and value limits. The cap was set at ₹1 lakh for up to 40 grams of jewellery. When these rules were framed, gold prices were far lower, making the limit reasonable for most travellers.
On April 1, 2016, gold was priced at ₹29,080 per 10 grams on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). Over the years, prices climbed steadily due to global economic shifts, inflation, and rising demand. By February 2, 2026, gold prices on the MCX had surged to ₹1,43,926 per 10 grams. This represents an absolute increase of ₹1,14,846, or a staggering 393.93% rise in less than ten years.
At current rates, ₹1 lakh is not enough to buy even 10 grams of gold, making the earlier value cap completely unrealistic—especially for families carrying traditional or inherited jewellery. Removing the value limit while retaining the weight restriction is therefore widely seen as a sensible correction.
Revised Duty-Free Allowances Under New Rules
In addition to jewellery reforms, the government has updated general duty-free allowances across passenger categories. The revised limits are designed to better match modern travel patterns and consumption trends.
The duty-free allowances under the New Baggage Rules 2026 are as follows:
It is important to note that passengers arriving by land borders are not entitled to any general duty-free allowance.
Shift from Country-Based to Passenger-Based Slabs
Earlier, general duty-free baggage limits depended on the passenger’s country of arrival. Travellers arriving from most countries were allowed ₹50,000, while those coming from Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar were restricted to ₹15,000. Foreign tourists were also limited to ₹15,000.
Explaining the change, Jain notes that the new system removes this complexity.
"The new rules simplify this into passenger-category based slabs: Rs 75,000 for residents/tourists of Indian origin and eligible non-tourist visa holders arriving other than by land, and Rs 25,000 for foreign tourists, with land arrivals limited to used personal effects," says Jain.
Consolidated Concessions for Travellers
The government has also streamlined several long-standing concessions by formally incorporating them into the new baggage framework. These include the duty-free import of one laptop for passengers above 18 years of age and provisions related to pets, which are now clearly covered under the revised rules.
A More Realistic Travel Framework
Overall, the New Baggage Rules 2026 aim to reduce confusion, limit discretionary enforcement, and create a smoother customs experience. By aligning allowances with current prices and travel realities, the updated rules are expected to bring greater clarity, fewer disputes, and a more modern arrival experience for travellers entering India.
Jewellery Rules Made Clearer
Under the new framework, eligible passengers can now bring jewellery duty-free based solely on weight, without having to declare or justify its monetary value. This change applies to returning residents and tourists of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than one year, making compliance simpler and more predictable.
The duty-free jewellery limits are:
- Females: Up to 40 grams
- Others: Up to 20 grams
Crucially, there is no value ceiling attached to these limits, a significant shift from previous baggage norms.
Which Old Rules Have Been Replaced?
Explaining the earlier system, Rachit Jain, executive partner, Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan Attorneys, said:
“Earlier, a passenger residing abroad for more than one year was permitted duty-free clearance of jewellery in bona fide baggage subject to both weight and value caps, 20 grams up to Rs 50,000 for a gentleman passenger, and 40 grams up to Rs 1,00,000 for a lady passenger.”
These limits were framed years ago and had increasingly become out of sync with rising jewellery prices, leading to frequent disputes during customs checks.
Relief for Travellers and Customs
According to Prabhakar K S, Founder & CEO, Shree Tax Chambers, reliance on the old rules often resulted in seizure of even small quantities of jewellery by customs officials. He believes the revised framework will ease long-standing friction at airports.
It is widely anticipated that these new Rules will address the stressing customs clearance issues, simplify procedures, enhance transparency, electronic clearance, smooth Customs clearance, and provide over all provide modern travelling experience.
Does the Rule Apply Only to Gold?
A common question among travellers is whether the relaxed limits apply only to gold jewellery. The answer is no. The Ministry of Finance has not mentioned gold specifically in its notification. As a result, the New Baggage Rules 2026 apply to all types of jewellery, regardless of the metal or material used.
Broader Baggage Reforms
Beyond jewellery, the government has also revised duty-free allowances for multiple passenger categories, including residents, tourists of Indian and foreign origin, foreigners holding valid non-tourist visas, and crew members. These updates are part of a broader effort to modernise baggage rules and align them with current travel realities.
A More Modern Travel Experience
Overall, the New Baggage Rules 2026 aim to reduce ambiguity, limit discretionary enforcement, and improve the overall arrival experience for international travellers. By shifting to a weight-only system for jewellery and updating related allowances, the government has taken a clear step toward smoother customs clearance and a more traveller-friendly regime.
The removal of the jewellery value cap under the New Baggage Rules 2026 is being seen as a practical and long-overdue move, particularly for travellers carrying gold jewellery into India. The decision reflects the sharp rise in gold prices over the past decade and brings baggage regulations closer to present-day market realities.
Why the Old Jewellery Limits No Longer Worked
Under the earlier 2016 Baggage Rules, passengers were allowed to bring jewellery duty-free only within both weight and value limits. The cap was set at ₹1 lakh for up to 40 grams of jewellery. When these rules were framed, gold prices were far lower, making the limit reasonable for most travellers.
On April 1, 2016, gold was priced at ₹29,080 per 10 grams on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). Over the years, prices climbed steadily due to global economic shifts, inflation, and rising demand. By February 2, 2026, gold prices on the MCX had surged to ₹1,43,926 per 10 grams. This represents an absolute increase of ₹1,14,846, or a staggering 393.93% rise in less than ten years.
At current rates, ₹1 lakh is not enough to buy even 10 grams of gold, making the earlier value cap completely unrealistic—especially for families carrying traditional or inherited jewellery. Removing the value limit while retaining the weight restriction is therefore widely seen as a sensible correction.
Revised Duty-Free Allowances Under New Rules
In addition to jewellery reforms, the government has updated general duty-free allowances across passenger categories. The revised limits are designed to better match modern travel patterns and consumption trends.
The duty-free allowances under the New Baggage Rules 2026 are as follows:
- Resident Indians: ₹75,000 (increased from ₹50,000)
- Tourists of Indian origin: ₹75,000
- Foreigners with a valid visa other than tourist visa: ₹75,000
- Tourists of foreign origin: ₹25,000
- Crew members: ₹2,500
It is important to note that passengers arriving by land borders are not entitled to any general duty-free allowance.
Shift from Country-Based to Passenger-Based Slabs
Earlier, general duty-free baggage limits depended on the passenger’s country of arrival. Travellers arriving from most countries were allowed ₹50,000, while those coming from Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar were restricted to ₹15,000. Foreign tourists were also limited to ₹15,000.
Explaining the change, Jain notes that the new system removes this complexity.
"The new rules simplify this into passenger-category based slabs: Rs 75,000 for residents/tourists of Indian origin and eligible non-tourist visa holders arriving other than by land, and Rs 25,000 for foreign tourists, with land arrivals limited to used personal effects," says Jain.
Consolidated Concessions for Travellers
The government has also streamlined several long-standing concessions by formally incorporating them into the new baggage framework. These include the duty-free import of one laptop for passengers above 18 years of age and provisions related to pets, which are now clearly covered under the revised rules.
A More Realistic Travel Framework
Overall, the New Baggage Rules 2026 aim to reduce confusion, limit discretionary enforcement, and create a smoother customs experience. By aligning allowances with current prices and travel realities, the updated rules are expected to bring greater clarity, fewer disputes, and a more modern arrival experience for travellers entering India.
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