If you’re from India or have family there, you’ll know that from weddings to festive gifts, carrying gold while flying home is super common. But the tricky part? Indian customs has strict rules, and if you don’t know them, you could end up paying a hefty duty, or worse, get your gold seized. That’s where I come in to make sure your next travel journey is worry-free. I have all the important details about what is and is not allowed when carrying gold into India, so keep reading to find out more.
Also read: How Much Cash Can You Travel In & Out Of UAE With As An Indian?
How Much Gold Can You Carry Without Paying Duty?
This is probably the biggest question travellers ask. The answer depends on who you are. If you’re a woman, you can bring up to 40 grams of gold jewellery duty-free, as long as it doesn’t exceed a value of ₹100,000. For men, the limit is 20 grams, with a value cap of ₹50,000.
It’s important to note that these allowances apply only to jewellery. So if you’re carrying bangles, earrings, or a necklace for personal use, you’re covered. As long as you stay within those limits. Anything above that? Customs will charge you duty.
What About Gold Bars & Coins?
Here’s where many travellers get caught out. Duty-free rules don’t extend to bars, coins, or bullion. Even if you’re carrying a small coin that weighs less than the jewellery allowance, it doesn’t count. These items must always be declared, and customs will charge duty on them. So, if you’re planning to buy gold biscuits abroad, don’t expect to breeze through the Green Channel. You’ll definitely need to declare them.
Customs Duty On Gold In India
So what happens if you exceed the allowance? Currently, passengers bringing gold to India must pay an effective 6% duty. This is made up of a 5% basic customs duty plus a 1% Agriculture and Infrastructure Development Cess. The rate is applied to the value of the gold you’re carrying, which customs officers will assess based on invoices, purity, and international gold prices.
In simple terms. If you’re carrying more gold than allowed, be ready to pay up at arrivals.
Can NRIs Bring Gold Duty-Free?
Yes, Non-Resident Indians (AKA, NRIs) can also bring gold under the same duty-free limits, but there’s a condition. You should have been living abroad for a qualifying period, usually a minimum of one year, to claim this benefit. Without this, the allowances may not apply, and you’ll need to pay duty. So, if you’re an NRI visiting home, keep your passport stamps, visas, or residence proof handy to show at customs.
Why Do Men & Women Have Different Rules?
Many people wonder why men and women have different limits. The reason goes back to cultural norms in India where jewellery is traditionally seen as a bigger part of women’s possessions. That’s why women get to carry twice as much gold jewellery duty-free compared to men.
Do You Need to Declare Gold At Customs?
Here’s the golden rule: if you’re unsure, always declare.
- Jewellery within the duty-free limit? You can walk through the Green Channel.
- Jewellery above the limit, or any gold coins, bars, or bullion? You must head to the Red Channel and declare it.
If you don’t, and customs officers discover undeclared gold, they can seize it and impose fines. To save yourself the drama, carry invoices, purity certificates, and ID with you.
Are Duty-Free Shop Purchases Exempt?
Buying jewellery or coins at a duty-free shop during your journey might feel like a clever idea, but remember: India’s customs rules still apply. Duty-free receipts don’t mean you can skip declaring at arrivals. The same weight and value limits for men and women apply, and bullion is still taxable.
Can You Carry Gold In Your Hand Luggage?
Yes, you can. In fact, many travellers prefer to keep jewellery and small gold items in their carry-on for safety. Airlines and airport security allow it, but you may be asked to remove the items during security checks. If you’re carrying a large amount, customs officers may stop you at arrival anyway.
Pro tip: keep your receipts handy in your hand luggage too, so you don’t have to dig through bags if someone asks.
Tips To Keep Your Journey Smooth
- Stick to the limits: 40 g (women) and 20 g (men) for jewellery, with the value caps in place.
- Always declare: If you’re carrying more than the allowance, or if it’s bullion, head to the Red Channel.
- Keep paperwork ready: Invoices, purity certificates, and residency proof (for NRIs) will save you a lot of stress.
- Don’t try to hide gold: Smuggling cases are on the rise, and customs has been cracking down hard. Getting caught can lead to confiscation, fines, and even legal trouble.
Ready? Set. GOLD!
So the next time you’re packing for a trip, remember the golden rules: know your limits, keep your receipts, and when in doubt, declare. That way, you’ll land with your jewellery intact, and without a stressful run-in at the arrivals gate.
