Duty-free allowance increased, as the air and sea travellers now get a higher duty-free limit, with different caps for residents and tourists.
Passengers aged 18 and above can now bring one new laptop without paying customs duty, if carried in accompanied baggage.
Land arrivals remain strict, as only used personal items are allowed, and pooling of allowance is not permitted.
India has updated its duty-free baggage rules, and the new rules have been implemented from February 2, 2026. Under the revised rules, the general free allowance for goods has been increased. Different limits are set for residents, visitors of Indian origin, and foreign tourists. Furthermore, a new provision has also been added that allows passengers to carry one laptop duty-free. On the contrary, rules for land arrivals now face stricter limits, and pooling of allowances remains prohibited. Officials say risk-based checks will deter misuse while protecting genuine travellers during routine screening. Here is what differs in the 2026 updated guidelines when compared to the earlier 2016 rules.
SurveyThe new guidelines state that the passengers are allowed duty-free clearance of used personal effects required for daily necessities, as long as these items are not meant for sale. For goods other than personal effects, a general free allowance has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for residents, tourists of Indian origin, and foreigners holding a valid visa.
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The authorities have clearly stated that this allowance applies to passengers landing on the Indian real estate by air or sea. They further clarified that the rule only applies to adults, as per the Indian law, anyone above 18 years. The goods must be carried either on the person or in bona fide accompanied baggage.
For foreign tourists arriving by air or sea, the authorities stated that they are eligible for a higher duty-free allowance of Rs 25,000, increased from the earlier limit of Rs 15,000. Do note that the rule can not be applied to infants.
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For passengers entering India by land, the rules remain stricter. Only used personal effects required for daily life are allowed duty-free, and no monetary allowance applies for other goods. Additionally, the authorities clarified that the goods must be carried either on the person or in bona fide accompanied baggage.
Along with a revised general free allowance for goods, the government has also given the formal permission to bring one new laptop duty-free. However, this benefit is available to passengers aged 18 years or above, except crew members, provided the laptop is carried in bona fide baggage.
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Customs officials say the rules also strengthen risk-based checks to prevent misuse while ensuring genuine travellers are not inconvenienced. Lastly, the rules also clarify that the duty-free allowances cannot be pooled between passengers, even among family members.
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Bhaskar Sharma
Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile
