There have been important changes in customs rules for people coming to India from abroad.
If you are carrying gold, jewellery, a new camera, or an expensive watch, you must understand these rules. Otherwise, you may have to pay heavy fines at the airport.
According to the Travellers Guide released by Pankaj Chaudhary, duty on jewellery will now be calculated based on its weight instead of its price.
New Rules for Gold Jewellery
There is no fixed value limit for jewellery anymore. Instead, duty-free allowance is given based on weight. This benefit is available to Indian-origin travellers or tourists who have stayed abroad for more than one year.
Up to 40 grams of jewellery can be brought duty-free.
Up to 20 grams of jewellery can also be brought duty-free.
There is no restriction on old jewellery that you normally wear every day.
Gold and Silver Import Rules
If you are bringing a large amount of gold or silver, these conditions apply:
The traveller must have stayed abroad for at least 6 months and have a valid Indian passport.
A passenger can bring a maximum of 1 kg gold and 10 kg silver.
Duty on these items must be paid in convertible foreign currency.
New Gadgets: Camera, Watch, and Laptop
If you buy new items abroad, the General Free Allowance (GFA) rules apply:
Indian residents or tourists: New goods (like cameras, watches, etc.) worth up to ₹75,000 can be brought duty-free.
Foreign tourists: Their limit is ₹25,000.
Laptop/Notepad: Any passenger above 18 years of age can bring one new laptop or notepad duty-free.
Wedding Jewellery or Valuable Items
If you are carrying heavy jewellery for an event and plan to take it back, you should get a Temporary Baggage Import Certificate at the airport. This will help you avoid problems when you return with the jewellery.
