Effective February 2, 2026, the Indian government has revised the Baggage Rules, 2026, increasing the duty-free allowance for returning residents and tourists of Indian origin from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. Foreign tourists can now carry goods worth ₹25,000 duty-free, while personal daily-use items remain fully exempt. The move simplifies customs and eases travel.
The Union Budget 2026–27 has brought welcome relief for international passengers with the notification of the Baggage Rules, 2026. Announced by the Ministry of Finance and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the new rules replace the decade-old framework, aligning allowances with modern travel and consumption patterns.
Under the revised rules, Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin arriving by air or sea can now bring in goods worth ₹75,000 duty-free, up from the earlier ₹50,000. Foreign tourists are allowed duty-free clearance of goods worth ₹25,000, an increase from ₹15,000. Additionally, passengers above 18 years can carry one new laptop duty-free.
Major Takeaways
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Higher allowance: Duty-free limit raised to ₹75,000 for residents and Indian-origin tourists.
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Foreign tourists: New limit set at ₹25,000.
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Laptop exemption: One new laptop allowed duty-free for passengers above 18.
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Personal effects: Daily-use items remain fully exempt.
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Implementation date: Rules effective from February 2, 2026.
The updated baggage rules aim to ease customs hassles, reflect rising overseas travel trends, and enhance passenger convenience, making international journeys smoother for millions of travelers.
Sources: Times of India, India Today, TaxGuru, Today News