Gold Jewellery → 🇮🇳 India

Full details

Indian residents returning from abroad may bring gold jewellery up to a duty-free allowance of INR 50,000 (male) or INR 100,000 (female). Gold beyond this allowance is subject to customs duty. Non-residents may bring personal jewellery but must declare gold above normal personal quantities. Unaccompanied gold imports require an import license.

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

At the airport

1. STEP 1Male passengers are entitled to import duty-free gold jewellery up to INR 50,000 in value; female passengers up to INR 100,000. Excess value is subject to customs duty of 15% plus surcharges.
2. STEP 2If you have gold bars, coins, or jewellery exceeding the exemption limit, proceed to the Red Channel at BOM, DEL, or your port of entry and declare the items.
3. STEP 3Present the items with purchase receipts or valuation certificates. Customs will assess duty on the excess value. Pay the assessed duty to receive a duty-paid certificate.

Leaving India with gold jewellery

Under India Customs Baggage Rules 2016 (S.O. 1070(E)) and FEMA provisions, residents may carry personal jewellery within duty-free limits on departure. Gold above the personal limit is subject to customs export assessment and proof of lawful import (duty payment receipt or manufacturing documentation) is required or item may be seized. Gold bars, coins, or bullion may not be exported privately — this requires a canalised agency (RBI-approved bank) export licence. Unlicensed gold bullion export carries confiscation and penalties under Customs Act 1962.

SURRENDER AT CUSTOMS

Available. India Customs (CBIC) allows voluntary surrender or re-export bond deposit for gold jewellery exceeding the duty-free allowance (INR 50,000 for males, INR 100,000 for females). File Form Baggage Declaration at the Red Channel. Customs will hold in bond — item can be re-exported on departure. CBIC Circular No. 26/2016-Cus applies.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-04-25