What Are the New Baggage Rules, 2026
The Government of India has notified the Baggage Rules, 2026 and issued new Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026.
These rules apply to people travelling to and from India and aim to make airport baggage procedures easier and faster.
Why the New Rules Were Made
The new rules will reduce paperwork at customs.
They will increase transparency and speed up baggage clearance for passengers.
They reflect changing economic conditions, more people travelling and higher passenger expectations.
Key Changes for Passengers
Duty-Free Allowance
The duty-free limit for passengers bringing goods into India has been raised from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.
This means goods worth up to ₹75,000 can be brought in without paying customs duty.
For foreign tourists, the duty-free limit is now ₹25,000.
Electronic and Advance Declaration
Passengers can now declare their baggage electronically before arriving at customs.
This helps save time at the airport and speeds up processing.
One Laptop Duty-Free: Passengers above 18 years of age are allowed to bring one laptop without paying duty.
Temporary Imports and Re-Imports: Items taken abroad and later brought back will have simpler procedures under the new rules.
Pets Allowed Duty-Free: Travellers can now bring pets duty-free, following the prescribed conditions.
Special Allowances
Jewellery: New rules include clear provisions for bringing jewellery without duty under certain conditions.
Transfer of Residence: People moving their residence to India will get clear and improved benefits for bringing goods and personal items.
Expected Benefits
The changes are expected to make customs clearance smoother and faster for international passengers.
Less verification and easier procedures will help both Indian residents and foreign tourists.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
