India customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

India's customs enforcement focuses on cash declarations and gold restrictions. Cash or negotiable instruments exceeding INR 1,00,000 (approx. USD 1,200) must be declared. Gold jewellery over 1 kg (men) or 2 kg (women) attracts 36% duty plus 10% surcharge. Beef and beef products are banned except with FSSAI permit. All travellers must pass through green or red channel based on declarations.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
2.0 L
2L of wine/beer OR 1L of spirits (over 22% ABV). Must be 18+.
Tobacco
100 cigarettes
or 25 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$1,200
Declare if total currency/negotiable instruments exceed INR 1,00,000 (approx. USD 1,200) or USD 10,000 equivalent. Use Customs Declaration Form (CDF) at red channel.
Goods duty-free
$600
Duty-free allowance for personal goods up to INR 50,000 (approx. USD 600) for non-residents. Above that, 36% duty plus 10% social welfare surcharge on the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except with permit)
  • Beef and beef products (import banned except for personal consumption with permit from FSSAI)
  • Pornography and obscene material
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Wildlife trophies, ivory, and products from endangered species (CITES)
  • Satellite phones (require government license)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Gold (over 1 kg for men, 2 kg for women as personal jewellery; above that requires RBI permit and 36% duty)
  • Firearms and ammunition (require Ministry of Home Affairs license)
  • Live plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Drones and UAVs (require DGCA approval)
  • Radio transmitters and walkie-talkies (require WPC license)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After baggage claim, enter customs hall. If nothing to declare and within duty-free limits, use green channel. If goods to declare or exceed allowances, use red channel and fill Customs Declaration Form (CDF). Officers may randomly stop anyone.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

India does not have a tourist VAT refund scheme for goods purchased locally.

Bringing medication

Personal medications in reasonable quantities allowed. Carry prescription for controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam). Narcotics and psychotropics require permit from Narcotics Commissioner. Modafinil and tramadol are strictly controlled.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, meat, dairy, and animal products must be declared. Banned: pork products from countries with African swine fever, beef from countries with BSE. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and live plants require phytosanitary certificate.

Rules worth knowing

Gold allowance for non-residents

Non-residents can bring up to 1 kg of gold (men) or 2 kg (women) as personal jewellery duty-free if arriving after at least 6 months abroad. Above that, 36% duty + 10% surcharge applies.

Cash declaration threshold lower than USD 10,000

You must declare any currency or negotiable instruments exceeding INR 1,00,000 (approx. USD 1,200) in value, even if the total is below USD 10,000.

Beef import ban

Import of beef and beef products is banned except for personal consumption with a permit from FSSAI. Many travellers have had beef jerky confiscated.

Duty-free allowance for electronics

One laptop and one tablet are allowed duty-free for personal use. Additional electronics (e.g., a second phone) may attract duty.

Frequently asked questions

One laptop and one mobile phone are allowed duty-free for personal use. If you bring two phones or a second laptop, the excess is subject to 36% duty plus 10% surcharge on the value above INR 50,000.
Yes, but only up to 1 kg for men and 2 kg for women as personal jewellery if you have been abroad for at least 6 months. Above that, you need RBI permission and pay 36% duty. Gifts of gold are not exempt.
Codeine is a controlled substance in India. You must carry a valid prescription and a doctor's letter stating the condition and dosage. Quantity should not exceed 3 months' supply. Without documents, it may be confiscated and you could face legal action.
Undisclosed currency can be seized and you may face penalties up to 100% of the value. You could also be prosecuted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Always declare at the red channel.
Drones require prior approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and a Unique Identification Number (UIN). Bringing a drone without approval is illegal and it will be confiscated.
Yes, but you must declare them. Dry fruits and spices for personal consumption are generally allowed. However, fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds are prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate.
Yes, if the total value exceeds INR 50,000 (approx. USD 600). You can declare it on the Customs Declaration Form and may be asked to provide proof of purchase or valuation. If it's personal jewellery worn, it's still subject to the gold allowance limits.

Official source

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India before travelling.