To make customs procedures easier for foreign travelers arriving in India, the Central Government has issued the Baggage Rules, 2026, and the Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026.
Under the revised rules, the general duty-free allowance has been increased. Indian residents, people of Indian origin, and foreign nationals holding valid non-tourist visas can now bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 without paying customs duty. Tourists of foreign origin are allowed duty-free goods worth up to ₹25,000, while crew members are entitled to an allowance of ₹2,500. However, passengers arriving through land borders are not eligible for any general duty-free allowance.
One of the most important clarifications in the new rules is the duty-free allowance for laptops. Passengers above 18 years of age are now clearly permitted to carry one laptop for personal use without paying customs duty. This allowance is in addition to the general duty-free limit, which means travellers do not need to include the laptop while calculating the value of other items they are carrying.
The Baggage Rules, 2026, also introduce provisions for the temporary import and re-import of personal items. These provisions are expected to help professionals and frequent travellers carrying high-value items, as customs authorities may issue temporary import or export certificates to avoid delays during arrival, departure, or re-entry into India.
