Passport and Visa Services

Import regulations by India customs

Required to Declare:

(a) where the value of foreign currency notes exceed US $ 5000 or equivalent
(b) where the aggregate value of foreign exchange including currency exceeds US $ 10,000 or equivalent

A tourist arriving in India shall be allowed clearance free of duty articles in his bonafide baggage to the extent as mentioned below:-
Articles allowed free of duty
I Tourists of Indian origin other than those coming from Pakistan by land route (i)Used personal effects and travel souvenirs, if -

(a) These goods are for personal use of the tourist, and

(b) These goods, other than those consumed during the stay in India, are re-exported when the tourist leaves India for a foreign destination.

(ii) duty free allowances applicable to Indian Residents.
II Tourists of foreign origin other than those of Nepalese origin coming from Nepal or of Bhutanese origin coming from Bhutan or of Pakistani origin coming from Pakistan.


(i) Used personal effects and travel souvenirs, if

(a) These goods are for personal use of the tourist, and

(b) These goods, other than those consumed during the stay in India, are re-exported when the tourist leaves India for a foreign destination.

(ii) Articles upto a value of Rs-8000/- (Rs.2500/- for tourists of Indian origin) for making gifts.
III Tourists of Nepalese origin coming from Nepal or of Bhutanese origin coming from Bhutan. No free allowance.
IV Tourists of Pakistani origin or foreign tourists coming from Pakistan or tourists of Indian origin coming from Pakistan by land route (i) Used personal effects and travel souvenirs, if

(a) These goods are for personal use of the tourist, and

(b) These goods, other than those consumed during the stay in India, are re-exported when the tourist leaves India for a foreign destination.

(ii) Articles upto a value of Rs-6000 for making gifts.

(a) Used personal and household articles other than those listed at Annex I or Annex II, but including (the articles listed at Annexure-III and) Jewellery upto Rs. 10000 by a gentleman passenger or Rs. 20000 for a lady passenger (1) Minimum stay of two years abroad, immediately preceding the date of his arrival on transfer of residence

(2) Total stay in India on short visits during the 2 preceding years should not exceed 6 months, and

(3) Passenger has not availed this concession in the preceding three years.
(a) For condition (1) Shortfall of upto 2 months in stay abroad can be condoned by Deputy / Assistant Commissioner of Customs if the early return is on account of -
(i) terminal leave or vacation being availed of by the passenger, or
(ii) any other special circumstances.

(b) For condition (2) Commissioner of Customs may condone short visits in excess of 6 months in deserving cases.

(c) For condition (3) No relaxation.
(b) Jewellery taken out earlier by the passenger or by a member of his family from India. Satisfaction of the Assistant Commissioner of Customs regarding the jewellery having been taken out earlier from India. ---------------


An Indian passenger who was engaged in his profession abroad shall on his return to India be allowed clearance free of duty, in addition to the aforesaid allowances, articles in his bonafide baggage to the extent as mentioned below:-
(a) Indian passenger returning after atleast 3 months (i) Used household articles (such as linen, utensils, tableware, kitchen, appliances and an iron) upto an aggregate value of Rs.12000/-

(ii) Professional equipment upto a value of Rs.20,000/-
(b) Indian passenger returning after at least 6 months (i) Used household articles (such as linen, utensils, tableware, kitchen, appliances and an iron) an aggregate value of Rs.12000/-

(ii) Professional equipment upto a value of Rs.40,000/-
(c) Indian passenger returning after a stay of a minimum of 365 days during the preceding two years on termination of his work and who has not availed this concession in the preceding three years. Used household articles and personal effects (which have been in the possession and use abroad of the passenger or his family for at least six months) and which are not mentioned in Annex.I , Annex. II & Annex. III upto an aggregate value of Rs.75,000/-(including one unit each of specified articles* on payment of 15% advalorem + 2% education cess)

For passengers coming from countries other than
(a) Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Hongkong or China.
(b) Pakistan by Land Route

Duty Free allowance for bonafide baggage consisting of


For passengers of age

10 years and above


below 10 years

(i)
Used personal effects (excluding jewellery) required for satisfying daily necessities of life

Free


Free
(ii) Other articles carried in person or in accompanied baggage
(a) if Stay abroad for more than three days

(b) if Stay abroad upto three days



Valued upto Rs.25000/-

Valued upto Rs.12000/-



Valued upto Rs.6,000/-

Valued upto Rs.3000/-

For passengers coming from

(i) Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Hongkong or China, other than by land route

(ii) Pakistan by land route

Duty Free allowance for bonafide baggage consisting of


For passengers of age

10 years and above


below 10 years
(i)


(ii) Used personal effects (excluding jewellery) required for satisfying daily necessities of life

Other articles carried in person or in accompanied baggage
(a) Stay abroad for more than three days
(b) Stay abroad upto three days


Free


Valued upto Rs.6000/-

Nil

Export regulations by India customs

Other India customs information

http://www.cbec.gov.in/travellers.htm