Duty-Free Allowances and Customs in India
Duty-free shops are outlets set up at international airports, serving passengers either arriving or departing from international flights. These stores allow outgoing travellers to shop from a wide variety of luxurious international brands without being taxed locally.
You can purchase select items without paying a duty (tax) so long as you transport them across international borders for consumption. As per customs regulations, only passengers who have an international boarding pass and valid passport are eligible to shop duty-free.
The duty-free allowances vary from country to country, so when you purchase an item duty-free, you also need to ensure that the country you are entering, allows such items at particular quantities duty-free.
What are the Duty-Free Allowance Limits in India?
If you have any dutiable goods when entering any international airport in India, you must pass through the Red Channel to declare your items.
According to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Government of India, the customs regulations and duty-free allowances are as follows:
| When entering any Airport in India, if you are | Liquor or Wine Products | Tobacco Products | Duty-free Products |
| an Indian resident/foreigner residing in India/a tourist of Indian origin and arriving from any country other than Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar | 2 litres per passport when you are arriving in India. | 100 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 125g of tobacco when you arrive in India. |
The total value of duty-free purchases cannot exceed Rs 50,000.
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- For those arriving from Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar the same allowances apply for liquor and tobacco products, but the total value of duty-free purchases cannot exceed Rs. 15,000.
- Tourists of foreign origin from any country can bring in gifts and souvenirs worth Rs. 15,000 only.
- If you are travelling with an infant, only used personal items are allowed duty-free.
- Gold and silver can be brought in only in ornamental form. An Indian passenger who has been residing abroad for over one year in any country can bring in gold jewellery of Rs.50,000 for male passengers and Rs.1,00,000 for female passengers.
- Duty-free allowances regarding electronics fall under the Rs. 50,000 limit of the total value of duty-free products. However, items like LED/LCD/Plasma TVs are not included in the duty-free allowance.
- Any passenger above the age of 18 can import one laptop/computer above the free allowance.
- Import of drones is banned except for the use of research, military and security purposes.
When departing from any airport in India, please check the customs allowance per your destination country.
Important Things to Remember When Passing Through Customs
A few important requirements to keep in mind when at customs clearance in any international airport in India are:
- A Customs Declaration Form is mandatory for passengers with dutiable goods. Ensure that you file the correct declaration of your baggage in the Customs Declaration Form and opt for the Red Channel.
- A foreign currency/exchange declaration must be made before the Customs officer where the value of foreign currency exceeds US $5,000 or where the aggregate value of foreign exchange including currency exceeds US $10,000 or equivalent.
- Passengers opting for the Green Channel with dutiable/prohibited goods are liable to prosecution/penalty and confiscation of goods.
- The free allowance shall not be pooled with the free allowance of any other passenger.
- The goods over and above the free allowances shall be chargeable to customs duty at approximately 38.5% inclusive of all charges.
What are the Different Kinds of Duty-Free Products Available in India?
There are a wide variety of products from luxury brands that you can shop for, such as:
Fashion products like clothing, footwear, accessories, watches, etc.
- Fragrances and perfumes
- Alcoholic drinks and wines
- Tobacco products
- Tea products
- Confectionaries
- Cosmetics and beauty products.
- Food and Confectioneries
- Electronics
Shopping for duty-free products in any international airport in India provides travellers with an extensive assortment of luxury brands and souvenirs to take back. When you are entering India, always remember to declare your dutiable goods and be mindful of the quantity of goods you are purchasing to avoid any complications.
FAQs about Duty-Free Customs and Allowances in India
Are there any restricted items for departure or arrival?
Although you can purchase all product categories available at duty shops, including liquors, chocolates, perfumes and cosmetics, tobacco, fashion accessories and electronics while arriving and departing at any airport in India. However, some restricted items such as liquors and tobacco, you are subject to local Customs regulations.
How does GST refund work for tourists when purchasing duty-free items?
It is important to note that GST refund for tourists will not be allowed on goods or services that they consumed while in India. The refund applies only on the supply of goods taken out of India by the tourist; hence the product remains unconsumed in India.
How much Indian currency can I bring back into the country?
Travellers who usually are residents of India returning from a visit abroad can bring in Indian currency up to Rs. 25,000.
What are the restricted and prohibited goods?
While it is not possible to list all the restricted and prohibited goods, here is a list of some of the more common items:
- Narcotic Drugs and psychotropic substances
- Pornographic material
- Counterfeit and pirated goods
- Antiquities
- Firearms and ammunition
- Wildlife products
- Counterfeit Indian Currency
- Any goods for commercial purpose
- Gold and Silver, other than ornaments (for import only)
- Satellite phones
Which is the largest duty-free store in India?
Delhi Duty-Free is India's largest duty-free retail store. You can find products in categories like liquor, tobacco, apparel, accessories, food, perfume, travel essentials and souvenirs. Delhi Duty-Free has an extensive collection featuring about 1000 brands and more than 43,000 products.