India customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

India's duty-free allowance for non-resident adults in 2026 is INR 50,000 (approx. USD 600) for personal goods, including gifts. Alcohol limit is 2 liters (18+), tobacco is 100 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250g tobacco. Cash over USD 10,000 or equivalent must be declared. Narcotics, beef products, and gold bars (unless declared) are prohibited. Gold jewelry is allowed duty-free up to INR 50,000 for men and INR 1,00,000 for women.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
2.0 L
2 liters of alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, or spirits) in total. Traveller must be 18 or older.
Tobacco
100 cigarettes
or 25 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash, traveler's cheques, or any negotiable instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Arrival Form (CDF).
Goods duty-free
$600
Duty-free allowance for personal goods (including gifts) up to INR 50,000 (approx. USD 600). Items above this value are subject to customs duty at 35-50%.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, LSD, etc.)
  • Gold bars, gold coins, and gold bullion (unless declared and duty paid; personal jewelry allowed up to INR 50,000 for men, INR 1,00,000 for women)
  • Beef and beef products (including extracts and gelatin) — import banned
  • Pornographic material (including digital media)
  • Counterfeit currency and fake goods (including pirated software and movies)
  • Wildlife products (ivory, tiger skins, rhino horn, etc.) without CITES permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use (prescription required for controlled substances; over 3 months' supply needs prior approval)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
  • Drones and UAVs (require prior approval from Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
  • Satellite phones and high-power radio transmitters (require license from Department of Telecommunications)
  • Firearms and ammunition (require import license from Ministry of Home Affairs)

Rules worth knowing

Gold and Jewelry Declaration

Non-residents can bring personal jewelry duty-free up to INR 50,000 (men) or INR 1,00,000 (women). Gold bars or coins must be declared and duty paid at 10.75% (plus cess). Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalty.

Electronic Goods and Laptops

One laptop and one tablet are allowed duty-free for personal use. Additional electronics (e.g., second laptop, camera) may be treated as commercial imports and attract duty.

Green Channel / Red Channel

Travellers with nothing to declare use the Green Channel; those with dutiable goods, restricted items, or cash over USD 10,000 must use the Red Channel. Random checks are common.

GST Refund for Tourists

Non-residents can claim a refund of GST paid on goods purchased in India (min. INR 5,000 per invoice) at the airport before departure. Goods must be taken out of India within 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages (any combination of wine, beer, or spirits) duty-free. You must be 18 or older.
The duty-free allowance is INR 50,000 (about USD 600) for personal goods including gifts. Items above this value are subject to customs duty (typically 35-50% of the excess value).
Yes, if you are carrying cash, traveler's cheques, or negotiable instruments totaling USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency), you must declare it on the Customs Arrival Form. Failure to declare can lead to seizure and penalties.
Yes, one laptop and one smartphone are allowed duty-free for personal use. Additional electronics may be treated as commercial imports and attract duty.
No, beef and beef products (including extracts, gelatin, and bone meal) are strictly prohibited from import into India, regardless of quantity.
You must declare the excess items on the Red Channel. Customs will assess duty (typically 35-50% of the value above INR 50,000). Undeclared items can be seized and you may face a penalty.

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.