In a bid to facilitate ease of international travel and bring about hassle-free movement, the Central Government has notified the Baggage Rules, 2026, along with the New Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026, and issued a consolidated Master Circular. The changes, announced by the Ministry of Finance, are designed to reduce paperwork, enhance transparency, and significantly speed up customs clearance at Indian airports.The government states that the revised framework takes into account current economic realities, growing level of international travel and changing passenger preferences. The new rules were drafted after consultations with a number of stakeholders, including other ministries, airport operators and passengers.
PIB press release
Electronic and advance baggage declaration
Of the many changes, the implementation of electronic and advanced baggage declarations is one of the most important. Passengers flying in and out of India can now digitally declare their baggage, even during travel itself, perhaps before the flight lands at a destination too, thereby saving time at customs counters. The government had said this will lead to a more efficient process and clearance for international passengers.
The new Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 consolidate and revise 35 earlier circulars in an effort to usher a simplified approach for clearer operational guidance and uniform implementation across customs formations.
Enhanced general duty-free allowance
The Baggage Rules, 2026 introduce enhanced duty-free allowances, updated to reflect modern travel realities. The revised limits for different passenger categories are:
- Residents: INR 75,000
- Indian tourists: INR 75,000
- Foreign nations with a valid visa (other than tourist visa): INR 75,000
- Foreign tourists: INR 25,000
- Crew members: INR 2,500
The government also emphasized that passengers coming through land borders will not be entitled to any general duty-free allowance.
PIB press release
Simplified transfer of residence benefits
The new rules additionally modernise and streamline TR benefits. Instead of multiple lists specific to items, a single consolidated list of duty-free items has now been prescribed with an overall value ceiling linked with the period of stay abroad as follows:
- Up to 12 months: INR 1.5 lakh
- 1–2 years: INR 3 lakh
- More than 2 years: INR 7.5 lakh
This will not only help in avoiding confusion, but also speeding up the clearance process for the returning residents coming back to India.
Jewellery allowance revised
One other key change is on the duty free jewellery allowances. The outdated value-based caps have been dispensed, and allowances are now prescribed purely on a weight basis for eligible returning residents and tourists of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than one year:
- Female passengers: up to 40 grams
- Passengers other than female: up to 20 grams
This change is expected to simplify assessment and reduce disputes at customs.
Temporary imports, re-imports, and consolidated concessions
To address frequent issues faced by travellers carrying items temporarily, the new rules introduce provisions for temporary imports and re-imports. Customs authorities will now be able to issue temporary baggage import or export certificates for goods brought into or taken out of India temporarily, helping avoid unnecessary detention during return.The government has also formally incorporated consolidated concessions into the rules. These include the duty-free import of one laptop for passengers above 18 years of age and the duty-free import of pets, subject to prescribed conditions.
Focus on passenger facilitation
The Finance Ministry said the new baggage policy has been revised keeping in view the feedback after thoroughly examining passenger’s views and considering sentiments. An increase in the duty-free allowance, less detention of goods, digitalisation and simplified procedures are expected to enhance the travel experience without compromising regulatory aspects.The government added that the uniform implementation of these rules across airports will strengthen India’s position as a globally connected and tourism-friendly destination. The Baggage Rules, 2026 and the accompanying regulations officially come into effect following their notification, as announced by the Press Information Bureau, Delhi, on February 2, 2026.
