The Government of India has introduced significant reforms to customs procedures for international travellers with the notification of the Baggage Rules, 2026, the New Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026, and a consolidated Master Circular. These changes, effective from February 2, 2026, aim to streamline airport customs clearance, reduce paperwork, enhance transparency, and make processes faster and more passenger-friendly.
The Ministry of Finance, through the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), announced these updates to reflect current economic realities, rising international travel, and passenger needs. The new framework replaces the decade-old Baggage Rules of 2016 and consolidates over 35 earlier circulars into a single, clearer operational guide.
### Key Highlights of the Reforms
Passengers can now declare their baggage electronically, including in advance, through digital platforms. This trust-based system is expected to significantly cut waiting times at customs counters and minimize physical paperwork.
The general duty-free allowance (for goods other than restricted items) has been enhanced for passengers arriving by air or sea (excluding land routes):
Residents, tourists of Indian origin, and foreigners with valid non-tourist visas: Increased to ₹75,000 (from ₹50,000).
Foreign-origin tourists: Raised to ₹25,000 (from ₹15,000).
Crew members: Remains at ₹2,500.
This higher limit allows travellers to bring more personal items, gifts, or purchases without incurring customs duty.
Special provisions for jewellery have been simplified by shifting from value-based caps to weight-based limits (for eligible returning residents or tourists of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than one year). Duty-free jewellery allowances are now:
- Female passengers: Up to 40 grams.
- Other passengers: Up to 20 grams.
This change removes outdated value restrictions, reduces disputes at customs, and focuses assessment purely on weight for bona fide personal use.
In a notable addition, passengers aged 18 years and above can now bring one laptop (or similar device) duty-free as part of their accompanied baggage.
Other benefits include improved concessions for transfer of residence (e.g., higher limits for personal effects for those returning after extended stays abroad, up to ₹7.5 lakh in some cases) and explicit duty-free provisions for pets under prescribed conditions. The rules also introduce clearer guidelines for temporary imports/exports of valuables.
These reforms are part of the government's broader push for ease of doing things in travel and trade, following consultations with stakeholders like airport operators and passenger groups. Travellers are advised to use official channels like the ICEGATE portal or app for declarations and to retain invoices for high-value items to avoid complications.
With international air travel booming, the updated baggage regime is set to benefit millions of passengers, NRIs, and tourists by making arrivals in India smoother and more efficient.
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