BIG Relief For Gold Buyers Post Budget 2026! Govt Hikes Customs Duty-Free Limit; What It Mean for You?

The central government on Sunday announced major relief for international travellers by raising the duty-free allowance on goods imported into India. Under the revised baggage rules, effective from Monday, passengers can now bring in goods worth up to Rs 75,000, up from the earlier limit of Rs 50,000. The move is expected to benefit Indians returning from abroad, especially those planning to purchase gold and silver jewellery overseas.

"To rationalise the customs duty structure for goods imported for personal use, I propose to reduce the tariff rate on all dutiable goods imported for personal use from 20% to 10%," said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget 2026 speech on Sunday.

Gold Rate Rally

Gold and silver rates in India and abroad have jumped significantly over the last year. The gold price rally just hit another gear in January, where prices jumped more than 25%.

As the recent price correction in gold and silver prices indicates volatility, the revision in baggage rules is likely to bring relief for those who are planning to buy gold and silver jewellery items from Dubai and other destinations abroad.

How Much Gold, Silver, Platinum Can You Bring in India From Dubai And Other Destinations Abroad?

The government had earlier fixed the limit for passengers to bring duty-free imported goods into India to Rs 50,000. The limit has now been increased to Rs 75,000. Hence, people can bring gold, silver or platinum jewellery items worth up to Rs 75,000 without paying any customs duty.

Which Items Are Excluded From the Customs Duty-Free Limit?

The customs duty-free limit is only applicable to certain items. But this does not apply to firearms, televisions, cartridges of firearms exceeding 50, cigarettes exceeding 100 sticks, cigars exceeding 25, tobacco exceeding 125 grams, alcohol more than 2 litres, or any other form of gold and silver except jewellery.

Same Rules Applicable On Air Crew Members

The revised customs duty rules are also applicable to crew members who are engaged in a foreign-going conveyance. As per the rule, a crew member of a vessel or an aircraft is allowed to carry items like chocolates, cheese, cosmetics, and other gift articles for their personal use or for the purpose to gift the item to their family members. However, the value of the item should not exceed Rs 2,500.

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