Budget 2026: Duty-Free Baggage Limit Hiked Under New Baggage Rules, 2026; Everything you Need To know

In the Budget 2026, a major relief came in for international travellers as the Government of India has significantly increased the duty-free baggage allowance under the newly notified Baggage Rules, 2026, which will replace the decade-old regulations introduced in 2016. The revised norms come into effect from February 2nd.

As per the new rules, the duty-free allowance for Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin arriving by air or sea has been raised to Rs. 75,000, up from the earlier limit of Rs. 50,000 under the Baggage Rules, 2016.

The government has clarified that the allowance applies only when goods are carried on the person or in bona fide baggage, and not through unaccompanied shipments as per PTI.

Higher Duty-Free Limit for Foreign Tourists

Foreign tourists visiting India have also received a boost, with their duty-free baggage allowance increased to Rs. 25,000 from Rs. 15,000 earlier.

Jewellery Allowance Rationalised

The Baggage Rules, 2026 also clearly define and rationalise duty-free jewellery limits for returning residents or tourists of Indian origin who have lived abroad for more than one year.

Under the new norms, Female passengers are allowed duty-free clearance of jewellery up to 40 grams while Other passengers (including men) are allowed duty-free jewellery up to 20 grams

Jewellery has been defined as articles of personal adornment ordinarily worn by a person and made of gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals, whether studded with stones or not, provided they are carried in bona fide baggage.

"We view the Union Budget 2026-27 as a constructive and growth-oriented step for the gems and jewellery sector, with an emphasis on ease of doing business. The budget eases the traveller baggage rules and personal buying of Jewellery. Overall, the Budget meaningfully advances competitiveness, compliance simplicity, and sustainable growth for the industry and end consumers." said Ghanshyam Dholakia, Founder & Managing Director, Hari Krishna Exports and KISNA Diamond & Gold Jewellery.

Items Excluded From Duty-Free Allowance

Despite the enhanced limits, several items remain ineligible for duty-free clearance under the Baggage Rules, 2026. These include Firearms and ammunition, Alcohol exceeding 2 litres, Tobacco products beyond permissible limits (100 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 125 grams of tobacco). Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments, Televisions and certain other restricted electronic items

Passengers carrying these goods beyond the specified limits will be required to pay applicable customs duty.