Alcohol / Spirits → India

2L duty-free; state-level restrictions apply

Details

India allows travelers to bring 2 liters of alcohol duty-free. Quantities above the allowance face customs duty of 150% or more. Some Indian states (Gujarat, Bihar, Mizoram, Nagaland) prohibit alcohol entirely — even possessing alcohol in these states is illegal regardless of where it was purchased. Enforcement in India carries fines from INR 5,000 to INR 500,000 under Customs Act 1962 s.111, s.112, s.114 (ordinary personal cases are handled as civil infringements). Leaving India with alcohol / spirits is a separate question — allowed: Spirits for personal use may be exported from India freely; destination duty-free allowances govern the arrival side.

Quantity limit

2 liters duty-free

Documentation required

• Indian Customs declaration for quantities above duty-free allowance

Legal reference

Indian Customs Act 1962, State Excise Laws

Leaving with this item

Spirits for personal use may be exported from India freely; destination duty-free allowances govern the arrival side.

Practical advice

Declare alcohol / spirits at customs on arrival in India and carry any documentation specified in the rule. Verify current requirements with Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) before travel.

Customs authority

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) · https://www.cbic.gov.in