How much firearms can I bring to India?

Prohibited without import licence. Source: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

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Firearms 🇮🇳 India

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

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Arms Act restricts all firearms; import permit extremely difficult

ANSWER

Can I bring Firearms into India?

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

Arms Act restricts all firearms; import permit extremely difficult

QUANTITY / LIMITS

Prohibited without import licence

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

cbic.gov.in

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Full details

India restricts firearm ownership under the Arms Act 1959. Import of firearms requires an extremely difficult to obtain import licence. Foreign nationals cannot import firearms except for approved sporting events with prior government authorization. Penalties include imprisonment up to 7 years.

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Import licence extremely difficult to obtain. Foreign nationals should not attempt to bring firearms.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-04-25

cbic.gov.in

RULE DETAILS

QUANTITY LIMITS

Prohibited without import licence

LEGAL REFERENCE

Arms Act 1959

CUSTOMS AUTHORITY

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)

SHOW AT CUSTOMS

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AIR TRAVEL IS SEPARATE

This page covers destination customs rules in India. Whether you can carry firearms through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.