India has notified a new set of baggage regulations that will apply from 2026, reshaping how international passengers declare and clear goods at airports and other entry points. The Indian Central Government has issued the Baggage Rules, 2026, alongside the Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 and a consolidated master circular, bringing together dozens of earlier instructions into a single framework.
The changes are intended to simplify procedures, improve transparency and allow electronic and advance declarations, with officials framing the overhaul as a response to rising travel volumes and evolving passenger expectations. The rules were finalised after consultations with ministries, airport operators and passenger feedback.
A key change is the increase in general duty-free allowances. Under the new rules, residents, tourists of Indian origin and foreigners holding valid non-tourist visas will be eligible for a duty-free allowance of about A$1,350 (₹75,000). Tourists of foreign origin will be allowed roughly A$450 (₹25,000), while crew members will have an allowance of around A$45 (₹2,500). Passengers arriving through land borders will continue to have no general duty-free allowance.
The transfer of residence provisions have also been revised. Passengers returning after a stay abroad of up to 12 months will be eligible for duty-free import of household articles worth about A$2,700 (₹1.5 lakh). Those who have stayed abroad for one to two years can claim up to approximately A$5,400 (₹3 lakh), while those returning after more than two years will be eligible for goods valued at around A$13,500 (₹7.5 lakh). The government has replaced multiple lists of eligible items with a single rationalised list, subject to an overall value cap based on the length of stay.
Jewellery allowances have been reworked by removing value-based limits and moving entirely to a weight-based system. Eligible returning residents and tourists of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than a year will be allowed duty-free jewellery of up to 40 grams for female passengers and up to 20 grams for other passengers.
The new framework also introduces clearer provisions for temporary import and re-import. Passengers will be able to obtain temporary import or export certificates for goods carried in or out for a limited period, aimed at avoiding detention of items on return.
Several concessions that were previously scattered across circulars have now been formally incorporated into the rules. These include duty-free import of one laptop for passengers above the age of 18 and provisions covering the import of pets.
Alongside the rules, the new declaration and processing regulations and the master circular consolidate and revise 35 earlier circulars, setting out operational details for customs officers and passengers alike. The authorities have said this consolidation is designed to ensure uniform implementation across customs formations.
The rollout of India’s Baggage Rules, 2026, is getting mostly thumbs-up reactions. Travellers are pleased with the switch to weight-based jewellery rules, and smoother digital declarations that make airport hassles a thing of the past, slashing arguments and boosting the whole experience.
Officials say the revised baggage framework focuses on higher duty-free limits, reduced detention of goods and greater use of digital processes, with the broader aim of improving passenger experience while reinforcing India’s position as a tourism-friendly and globally connected destination.
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