New baggage rule brings relief for UAE travellers to India: Here’s what changes

Rule Change: India has introduced revised customs baggage norms for international passengers under the Baggage Rules, 2026 and Customs Baggage Regulations, 2026, effective 2 February 2026. The changes expand duty-free limits and adjust gold carriage provisions. The measures are expected to benefit travellers arriving from the United Arab Emirates to India, including non-resident Indians and people of Indian origin.

Higher Allowance: The government has raised the duty-free limit for goods carried by air or sea to ₹75,000 per passenger. This replaces the earlier ₹50,000 ceiling. The revised threshold applies to Indian citizens, non-resident Indians, persons of Indian origin and foreign nationals holding valid visas. Foreign tourists, however, remain subject to a lower duty-free allowance of ₹25,000.

UAE Impact: The revision is significant for passengers travelling from the UAE, where items such as electronics, watches and clothing are commonly purchased. With the higher exemption limit, travellers bringing personal goods within the prescribed value are less likely to face customs duty on arrival, provided the items are not meant for commercial use or resale.

Gold Rules: Gold jewellery rules have also been amended. Authorities have removed the earlier value cap and retained only weight-based limits for duty-free carriage. This simplifies assessment at entry points and reduces valuation disputes. The concession applies only when eligibility conditions linked to duration of stay abroad are satisfied by the passenger.

Weight Limits: Under the updated norms, female passengers who have lived abroad for more than one year may bring up to 40 grams of gold jewellery duty-free. Other eligible passengers, including men, may carry up to 20 grams. Previously, both weight and value ceilings applied, which often led to additional scrutiny during customs checks.

Laptop Provision: Passengers aged over 18 years are now allowed to bring one laptop duty-free, separate from the ₹75,000 general goods limit. This device will not be counted within the main allowance. The rule recognises personal electronic use and aligns baggage treatment with common travel practices among international passengers entering the country.

Digital Filing: The regulations also introduce a system for digital baggage declarations before travel. Passengers can submit required details electronically, which is intended to speed up customs clearance at airports and seaports. The framework additionally includes provisions for temporary import and re-import of personal items beyond basic necessities under defined conditions.

Travel Advice: Travellers are advised to plan purchases according to the revised duty-free limits and gold weight rules before departure. Existing regulations continue to apply to alcohol, tobacco and commercial quantities of goods. Overall, the updated baggage framework is designed to ease arrival procedures while maintaining checks on restricted and high-duty categories.