India has overhauled its airport baggage norms, effective from February 2, significantly raising duty-free limits for returning residents and NRIs while simplifying customs procedures through a new digital framework.
The Centre has notified the Baggage Rules, 2026 along with the Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 and a consolidated master circular, replacing 35 earlier circulars. The changes are aimed at easing travel for international passengers amid rising traffic at Indian airports.
Under the new regime, general duty-free allowances have been revised upwards:
Residents, tourists of Indian origin and foreigners holding valid visas (other than tourist visas) can bring in goods worth up to ₹75,000 without paying customs duty.
Tourists of foreign origin are allowed goods worth up to ₹25,000 duty-free.
Crew members can carry goods up to ₹2,500 duty-free.
Passengers arriving through land borders will not be eligible for general duty-free allowances.
The government has indicated that the revised slabs are aligned with current consumption patterns and rising incomes.
The biggest change is in the transfer of residence provisions for Indians moving back after working or living abroad.
Duty-free entitlements now depend on the length of stay outside India:
Stay abroad for less than one year: goods up to ₹1.5 lakh
Stay abroad for one to two years: goods up to ₹3 lakh
Stay abroad for more than two years: goods up to ₹7.5 lakh
The earlier fragmented lists have been replaced with a single rationalised list of permissible items, with clearly defined value ceilings. This is expected to reduce disputes and delays at customs counters.
Returning residents and tourists of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than one year can now bring jewellery based on weight rather than value:
Women: up to 40 grams duty-free
Others: up to 20 grams duty-free
The shift from value-based caps to weight-based limits is intended to remove ambiguity and ease assessment.
The new framework also consolidates several concessions:
Passengers above 18 years can import one laptop duty-free.
Clear provisions have been introduced for carrying pets.
Customs authorities can issue temporary import or export certificates, enabling smoother re-import of goods taken abroad.
The regulations also introduce streamlined declaration and processing norms, with a stronger push towards digital customs clearance to cut detention time and enhance transparency.
For NRIs and frequent international travellers, the 2026 rules mark a significant liberalisation — especially for those relocating permanently — while the government positions the move as part of India’s effort to modernise border controls and improve ease of travel.
