India customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

India's customs regime is unforgiving on one point above all: the green channel is a legal declaration, not a shortcut. Walk through it with undeclared dutiable goods and you face seizure plus a penalty of up to five times the duty. Gold is the classic trap, and enforcement is heavy at major airports.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer, with a combined value cap of ₹5,000 (about US$60). Minimum age 18.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Foreign currency or INR equivalent of US$10,000 (about ₹8,30,000) or more must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) at arrival. If you carry more than US$5,000 in cash, you must also declare it.
Goods duty-free
$800
Non-residents: duty-free allowance for personal effects and gifts up to ₹50,000 (about US$600). Above that, duty is 35% flat on the excess value. Indian residents: allowance is ₹45,000 (about US$540).

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (e.g., cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD)
  • Counterfeit currency and fake Indian currency notes
  • Pornographic materials and obscene objects
  • Wildlife products (ivory, fur, etc.) and protected species items
  • Meat and meat products from countries with livestock diseases
  • Live plants and seeds without a phytosanitary certificate

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (require a permit from the Indian government)
  • Satellite phones (require a license from the Department of Telecommunications)
  • Drones (require permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
  • Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropic substances (require prior permission)
  • Gold and silver (beyond duty-free allowance, must be declared and duty paid)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving international passengers must fill a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) – either paper or electronic via the 'Indian Customs' app. After immigration, proceed to baggage reclaim, then choose the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare and are within the duty-free allowance, or the Red Channel if you have goods to declare or exceed the limits. Random checks are common; keep receipts for high-value items.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

India does not have a tourist VAT refund scheme. GST paid on purchases is not refundable at departure.

Bringing medication

You may bring personal medications for up to 3 months' use with a valid prescription. Narcotics, psychotropic substances, and some common Western drugs (e.g., pseudoephedrine, certain codeine products) require prior permission from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Carrying banned drugs like cannabis, cocaine, or heroin can lead to arrest and imprisonment.

Food, plants & animal products

All food items, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and soil are prohibited. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed if declared and inspected. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Gold and jewellery

Non-resident men can bring gold up to 20g (value ₹50,000) and women up to 40g (value ₹1,00,000) duty-free. Beyond that, duty is 35% plus GST. Gold must be declared; smuggling can lead to arrest.

Satellite phones and drones

Satellite phones and drones are strictly prohibited without prior permission from Indian authorities. They will be confiscated, and you may face legal action.

Currency declaration

If you carry cash or traveller's cheques exceeding US$10,000 (or equivalent), you must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.

Duty-free allowance for residents vs non-residents

Non-residents get a higher duty-free allowance (₹50,000) than Indian residents (₹45,000). If you are a non-resident, ensure you use the correct channel and form.

Frequently asked questions

No, drones are restricted. You need prior permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Without it, the drone will be confiscated, and you may be fined or prosecuted.
Non-resident men: up to 20g of gold worth ₹50,000; women: up to 40g worth ₹1,00,000. Indian residents: 20g for men and 40g for women, but the value limit is ₹50,000 for both. Excess gold is subject to 35% duty plus GST.
Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for personal use are generally allowed duty-free. However, if they are new and in unopened packaging, they may be considered commercial goods and subject to duty. It's safer to declare them if unsure.
If you are caught, customs will seize the goods and impose a fine up to five times the duty amount. You may also face legal action. Always use the red channel if you have anything to declare.
Packaged chocolates and cheese are generally allowed for personal use, but must be declared. Fresh food, meat, and dairy are prohibited. Failure to declare can lead to fines.
No, India does not have a VAT refund scheme for tourists. GST paid on purchases is not refundable at the airport.
If you fail to declare currency exceeding US$10,000, customs can seize the entire amount and impose a fine. In serious cases, you may face arrest under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Official source

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)

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