India’s duty-free luggage rules have been modified, and the new guidelines will take effect on February 2, 2026. In addition to introducing a defined allowance for carrying one laptop, the revisions raise the value of products that travelers may bring into the nation without paying customs tax. Depending on the status of the traveler and the method of arrival, the restrictions apply accordingly.
As long as they are not meant for sale, travelers are permitted to transport old personal goods that they require for everyday use without paying tax under the new system. The general free allowance for other things is now Rs. 75,000 instead of Rs. 50,000. Residents of India, visitors of Indian descent, and international nationals with valid visas are all subject to this cap.
Who Is Eligible for the Allowance?
A stated by the government, only travelers arriving in India by air or water are qualified for this benefit. Under Indian law, it applies to adults who are at least eighteen years old. To be eligible for duty-free clearance, passengers must either carry the products on their person or in authorized traveling luggage.
The previous payment of Rs. 15,000 for foreign visitors coming by air or sea has been raised to Rs. 25,000. Infants are not eligible for this benefit.
Guidelines for Laptops and Arrivals
Passengers entering India via land borders are still subject to more regorous rules. They are only permitted to carry used personal effecys that they require for duty-free everyday living. Other things must be carried on the person or in following luggage, and there is no financial provision for land arrivals.
Passengers are able to transport one new laptop duty-free, which is a significant change to the regulations. Travelers who are 18 years of age or older are covered by this clause, with the exception of crew members. The laptop needs to be transported in legitimate luggage.
Customs Inspections and Limitations
In addition, customs officials have reaffirmed that duty-free allowances cannot be shared or mixed by travelers, even family members. According to officials, the updated regulations ensure that legitimate travelers have fewer problems during regular screening while strengthening risk-based inspections to avoid misuse.
India Customs Duty-Free Allowance Rules (Effective February 2, 2026)
| Category | Old Rule | New Rule (2026 Update) |
|---|---|---|
| General Duty-Free Allowance (Air/Sea Travelers) | ₹50,000 | ₹75,000 |
| Eligible Travelers | Adults (18+) | Adults (18+) arriving by air or sea |
| Infants | Not eligible | Not eligible |
| Foreign Visitors (Air/Sea) | ₹15,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Mode of Arrival Eligible | Air & Sea | Air & Sea only |
| Land Border Arrivals | Limited personal effects | Only used personal items; no value-based allowance |
| Personal Used Items | Allowed duty-free | Allowed duty-free if not for resale |
| Laptop Allowance | No clear provision | One new laptop allowed duty-free |
| Laptop Eligibility | Unclear | Passengers aged 18+ (excluding crew) |
| Laptop Carriage | — | Must be carried in bona fide luggage |
| Pooling of Allowance | Not allowed | Strictly not allowed, even for families |
| Goods Carriage Rule | — | Items must be on person or in accompanied baggage |
| Risk-Based Screening | Limited | Enhanced intelligence-led inspections |
| Penalty for Misuse | Applicable | Confiscation, penalty, or legal action |
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