As of 2025, India has specific customs rules for carrying gold and other precious metals. There are specific apply rules for returning NRI/Indian-origin passengers. These pertain to the Baggage Rules and Customs Clearance regulations (Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs). These are the operative norms you would encounter at Indian airports and ports.
Eligibility to Carry Gold (Who Qualifies)
Indian Passport Holders / Persons of Indian Origin (NRIs, OCIs)
You must satisfy this condition to bring gold into India under these concession schemes:
- Stay abroad for at least 6 months (short visits during the 6-month period totalling ≤ 30 days are excluded).
- You intend to bring the gold as checked baggage upon arrival.CBIC
Passengers who do not meet this condition may still bring gold. However, they will incur a higher duty on the entire amount.
Maximum Permissible Gold (Weight Limit)
- Total maximum gold (any form) you may bring into India per passenger is:
1 kilogram (1000 grams) (including jewellery, coins, bars, biscuits).
Anything over 1 kg is not permitted in passenger baggage and will be seized, with penalties applied.
Duty-Free Allowance
Gold Jewelry: This gold must also be declared to customs upon arrival in India. Here are the limits for goods not subject to customs duty. These limits apply to both adults and children (per passenger).
- Male passenger: Up to 20 grams of gold
- Female passenger: Up to 40 grams of gold
Gold Bars and Coins: NRIs may not have specific limits on the amount of gold bars or coins. This applies to the quantity or weight they can bring into India. However, customs duty may apply to gold bars and coins that exceed the permissible limits for jewelry.
Declaration Procedure at Arrival
When arriving in India:
- If carrying gold exceeding the duty-free jewellery limits, you must declare it at customs (Red Channel).
- Declare form, weight, value, and purchase proof (invoices/receipts).
- Customs assesses value based on Indian gold prices to compute duty.
Failure to declare can lead to confiscation, penalties, or prosecution under the Customs Act.
What if it’s my Gold?
- Without a declaration at departure, the gold will be counted as coming from another country. The limit will remain the same.
- Upon departure from India, secure the export certificate at the airport customs desk. The certificate is valid for 3 years.
- It contains your name, passport number, Gold weight and description.
- An officer may also request a purchase bill and a valuation certificate issued by an authorized valuer.
Customs Duty Rates (Current as of 2025)
- A concessional duty rate – Basic customs rates are around 5% + 1% Agriculture Infrastructure & Development Cess (total ~6%). This applies if you stay outside India for more than 6 months.
- A Social Welfare Surcharge may also apply if specified by CBIC notifications.
- A 38.5% fee will be charged for short-stay passengers.
- The passenger can either bring the gold himself at the time of arrival or import the same within fifteen days of his arrival in India
Other Precious Metals (Silver, Platinum, etc.)
Rules for other precious metals follow similar customs duty regimes:
- Silver and other precious metals are subject to duty upon import into India.
- Duty percentages and valuation follow CBIC tariff schedules (which may change).
Use the ATITHI app to make advance declarations.
You should check with the relevant authorities. Contact a qualified professional for any changes or updates in the rules and regulations about this matter.
Before bringing gold into India, verify the most up-to-date information. Check with Indian customs authorities. Alternatively, consult a reliable source.
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