Under the updated baggage rules introduced in 2026, the earlier system that restricted gold imports by both weight and value has been removed. Previously, a female passenger could carry up to 40 grams of gold jewellery only if its value remained below Rs 1,00,000. As gold prices surged over the years, that limit effectively reduced the quantity travellers could legally carry. The revised rules now focus solely on weight limits, providing more clarity for passengers.
Eligible travellers, including Indian residents or persons of Indian origin who have lived abroad for more than one year, can now bring a specified quantity of gold jewellery duty-free. Female passengers are permitted to carry up to 40 grams of gold jewellery, male passengers can bring up to 20 grams, and children below the age of 15 may also carry up to 40 grams. With current gold prices, the 40-gram allowance could amount to jewellery worth roughly Rs 6,00,000 without attracting customs duty. The rules apply to jewellery items made from gold, silver, or platinum, including ornaments set with precious stones.
Despite the relaxation for jewellery, strict regulations continue to apply to raw gold. Gold bars, coins and biscuits do not qualify for any duty-free allowance and must always be declared on arrival. Travellers carrying such items must proceed through the airport’s Red Channel and follow customs procedures.
Duty rates on raw gold depend largely on how long the passenger has stayed abroad. Travellers who have remained overseas for more than six months may import up to one kilogram of gold by paying a concessional duty of about six percent, which includes basic customs duty and the agriculture infrastructure and development cess. This payment must be made in convertible foreign currency. Those who have spent less than six months outside India are subject to significantly higher charges, with duty typically around 38.5 percent.
To simplify compliance and speed up airport processing, the Ministry of Finance has integrated the new rules with the ATITHI mobile application. Passengers can submit a digital declaration before arrival, helping authorities process customs checks more efficiently. Travellers are also advised to carry original purchase invoices for all gold items to avoid disputes or delays during inspection.
Customs officials caution that failing to declare gold exceeding permitted limits, or attempting to conceal raw gold, can lead to severe penalties. These may include confiscation of the metal, financial fines and legal proceedings under the Customs Act, 1962. As demand for Dubai gold continues to rise, understanding these regulations is essential for travellers planning to bring the precious metal into India.
