Indian Customs Gold Duty, Allowance And Rules (2023 Guide)

Indian Customs Gold Duty Allowance And Rules

The NRI Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 30 October 2023.

From gold jewellery gifted at weddings to investments in gold coins, Indians have a deep-seated affection for the yellow metal, driven by several factors.

A significant advantage of gold as an asset is its high liquidity and portability. It can be easily converted to cash in emergencies and readily exchanged as needed.

Indian expatriates, in particular, have a penchant for purchasing gold from abroad due to its lower prices and superior quality. Nevertheless, in recent years, stringent conditions and customs duties on gold imports have dissuaded many from bringing gold to India.

This article explains the Indian Customs gold duty, the latest rules, regulations, and procedures to follow while taking gold in and out of India.

The below information has been prepared after studying the Indian Baggage Rules and traveller guidelines issued by the Central Board of Indirect Customs and Taxes.

Indian Customs Gold Duty Rules

To answer your questions, we will divide this into two parts:

  • Part 1: Carrying gold to India during travel (duty-free allowance)
  • Part 2: Importing gold to India as baggage (by paying customs duty)

Part 1: Carrying Gold To India During Travel


Let’s start with the most obvious question:

Yes, it is entirely legal for Indian nationals to carry gold jewellery to India. However, the amount you can bring and the customs duty you need to pay depend on your residency status and the time you’ve spent abroad.

2. How much gold can I carry to India without paying customs duty?

If you have lived abroad for more than a year, you can bring gold jewellery up to a certain weight without paying customs duty.

  • For male passengers, the limit is 20 grams, with a maximum value of Rs. 50,000.
  • For female passengers, the limit is 40 grams, with a maximum value of Rs. 100,000.

Please note that since the current market price of gold per gram is more than Rs 5,000/gram, you cannot take 20/40 grams. So the limit will be the value of Rs 50,000/Rs 100,000.

Passenger TypeStay AbroadGold TypeMaximum Value
Male Indian passengerMore than one yearGold JewelleryUp to a value of Rs 50,000
Female Indian passengerMore than one yearGold JewelleryUp to a value of Rs 100,000
Male or FemaleLess than one yearAnyNo free allowance

3. Is the allowance applicable to children as well?

Yes, the duty-free allowance on gold jewellery also applies to children, provided they have stayed abroad for one year or more.

4. Can I bring a gold coin, gold biscuit or gold bar within the allowance?

No, the duty-free allowance only applies to gold jewellery. Other forms of gold, like coins, biscuits, or bars, are subject to customs duty.

5. What are the conditions for carrying gold to India as a duty-free allowance?

Here are the main conditions you need to know:

  • You must be an Indian citizen.
  • You should have stayed abroad for one year.
  • The gold must be in the form of jewellery, not in the form of coins, biscuits, or bars.
  • The maximum duty-free allowance is Rs. 50,000 for men and Rs. 100,000 for women.
  • Gold above this limit is subject to customs duty.

6. How much is the customs duty on excess gold jewellery?

If you’ve stayed abroad for more than a year and carry gold beyond the duty-free allowance, you will be required to pay a discounted duty of 13.75%.

7. Do I have to declare the gold if I am not asked about it?

Yes, if you have gold exceeding the standard duty-free allowance, you must declare it. Failing to declare it can lead to confiscation, penalties, and even legal consequences.

8. Do I have to pay duty if I bought the jewellery from India?

Any gold jewelry purchased in India is exempt from duty if you declare it correctly and obtain an export certificate at the customs desk before leaving the country.


Part 2: Importing Gold As Baggage


1. Who can import gold as baggage?

“Passengers of Indian origin or a passenger holding a valid Indian passport, coming to India after a minimum of six months abroad, can import gold as baggage.

Short visits within six months are not considered if they total less than 30 days. Additionally, the passenger should not have utilized the exemption under this scheme during such short visits.

Apart from these passengers, others are not permitted to import gold as baggage.

2. How much is the Customs Duty for importing gold?

The customs duty for imported gold depends on the duration of your stay abroad:

  • One year or more: Duty-free allowance is Rs. 50,000 for males and Rs. 100,000 for females, and for gold above this limit, a 13.75% duty applies.
  • Six months to one year: No duty-free allowance, but gold up to 1 kg can be imported by paying a 13.75% duty.
  • Less than six months: No duty-free allowance and a 38.5% duty applies.
Period of Stay AbroadDuty-free AllowanceDuty Payable
One year and aboveMaximum value of Rs 50,000 for males;
Maximum value of Rs 100,000 for female
Up to 1 kg: 13.75%
Six months to one yearNo AllowanceUp to 1 kg: 13.75%
Less than six monthsNo Allowance38.5%

3. What is the maximum gold I can bring above the free allowance?

If you’ve stayed abroad for at least a year, you can bring up to 1 kg of gold on payment of duty, which can be in various forms such as jewelry, crude gold, gold coins, or gold biscuits.

4. I have visited India for a few days in the last six months. Can I qualify to bring gold?

Short visits to India (less than 30 days) within the preceding six months are not counted when determining eligibility to bring gold. You can import up to 1 kg of gold on payment of duty.

5. What if I did not complete six months of stay abroad?

If you haven’t stayed abroad for six months, a duty of 38.5% may be charged on all the gold you bring with you.

6. Do I have to carry the gold with me while travelling?

You can either bring the gold yourself upon arrival or import it as unaccompanied baggage within fifteen days of your arrival in India. There are no restrictions on selling gold in India.

The passenger can also obtain the permitted quantity of gold from the Customs bonded warehouse of the State Bank of India and Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation. This is subject to the same conditions.

8. How is the gold price calculated? Can I show the purchase receipt?

The price of gold is calculated based on the value notified by the government of India at the time of travel. While a purchase receipt can help prove the source, the value of the gold is determined based on the date of travel.

Payment of Gold Duty

To pay customs duty at a discounted rate, you must use foreign currency. Paying in Indian Rupees incurs a duty rate of 38.5%.

If you can’t provide authentic information about the gold jewellery or the means to pay the duty, customs officials may detain the jewellery and offer you the choice of paying the duty or re-exporting the gold when leaving India.


Frequently Asked Questions


Am I allowed to carry small jewellery for daily use?

Generally, customs officials usually do not object to ladies wearing small, daily-use jewelry (e.g., a small chain, a pair of earrings, etc.). To ensure a smooth experience, you can obtain an export certificate before leaving India.

Is jewellery studded with stones included in the duty-free allowance?

The duty-free allowance applies exclusively to pure gold jewelry. Jewelry adorned with stones does not qualify for this allowance.

How much gold is allowed on international flights to India?

The duty-free gold allowance for male passengers is 20 grams (with a maximum value of Rs. 50,000), while for female passengers, it’s 40 grams (with a maximum value of Rs. 100,000).

How much gold is allowed from Dubai to India?

Male passengers returning to India from Dubai can bring gold jewelry weighing up to 20 grams, valued at not more than Rs. 50,000. Female passengers are permitted to bring up to 40 grams of gold jewelry, valued at no more than Rs. 1 lakh. Exceeding these limits requires payment of customs duty.

How much gold jewellery can I carry to the USA from India?

According to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), there is no specific limit on the amount of gold jewelry that can be brought into the United States. However, if the value of the jewelry exceeds $10,000, it must be declared to a CBP officer on a FINCEN 105 form upon entry. If the jewelry is a personal possession being brought back to the US, there is no need to declare it.

  1. Duty-Free Allowance At Indian Airports
  2. Indian Airport Customs Duty On LCD/LED TV
  3. Indian Customs Rules for Electronic Items
  4. Transfer of Residence to India: Customs Rules for NRI
  5. Indian Customs Cash Limit And Rules
  6. Indian Customs Declaration Form

Copyright © NRIGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited. The information provided on this website is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, and travellers are encouraged to verify visa requirements and travel advisories through official government sources before making any travel arrangements.

Reference: Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Baggage Rules 2016


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  1. While the information presented is very helpful. Can you also please share the source of information specifically Indian government website which can help validate the information on allowance, exemptions and duty.

  2. Good Morning Sir. Your website is most helpful in clearing the doubts. However, I am unable to find total customs duty on bringing some silver coins to India. Is it same 10.3% as of gold? Is this customs duty calculated against the silver import tariff value? Your help will be highly appreciated.

  3. This gold allowance is only for indian national or a foreign national as well who is visiting india for a wedding ceremony.

  4. What is Custom Duty the for the person who stayed in abroad more than one year. and how much gold can carry with duty free And without duty.

  5. What is Custom Duty the for the person who stayed in abroad more than one year. and how much gold can carry with duty free And without duty.

  6. RIVER and ROCK MINING CO.
    Plot 112, Dandy Close, Light Industrial Estate
    Tell:+27733239103
    Email:[email protected]
    Dear sir/madam
    I am writing to you at this time to advertise the availability of our main product, alluvial gold in bulk quantities. As we represent a large number of local artisan miners, we are prepared to provide quantities of up to 400 kilograms of 22.karat alluvial gold monthly.
    Following is information concerning our product:
    Quantity: 400 kilograms available monthly
    Quality: 22. karat alluvial Au
    Origin: Ghana, West Africa
    Price: $6,500 per kilogram
    Assay reports provided by SGS Laboratories, Accra,
    Our firm is in possession of the Gold Export Certificate issued by the Government of the Republic of Ghana necessary to export gold from Ghana, thus we can provide service to any part of the world.
    We are prepared to offer the quantity of gold required to the Buyer [or their representative] upon their arrival here in Accra. After the Buyer has confirmed the quantity and the quality of the gold with their refinery, and is satisfied, only then will we accept payment, by bank transfer, from the Buyer to us. Further, we currently seek outside-based serious investors on a partnership basis in order to increase our production capacity. If you are interested in this proposal, or have any further questions, kindly contact me at the numbers listed above.Looking forward to doing business with you.
    Yours truly,
    Mr.Amose Henry
    Chief Director of Marketing!!!!

  7. RIVER and ROCK MINING CO.
    Plot 112, Dandy Close, Light Industrial Estate
    Tell:+27733239103
    Email:[email protected]
    Dear sir/madam
    I am writing to you at this time to advertise the availability of our main product, alluvial gold in bulk quantities. As we represent a large number of local artisan miners, we are prepared to provide quantities of up to 400 kilograms of 22.karat alluvial gold monthly.
    Following is information concerning our product:
    Quantity: 400 kilograms available monthly
    Quality: 22. karat alluvial Au
    Origin: Ghana, West Africa
    Price: $6,500 per kilogram
    Assay reports provided by SGS Laboratories, Accra,
    Our firm is in possession of the Gold Export Certificate issued by the Government of the Republic of Ghana necessary to export gold from Ghana, thus we can provide service to any part of the world.
    We are prepared to offer the quantity of gold required to the Buyer [or their representative] upon their arrival here in Accra. After the Buyer has confirmed the quantity and the quality of the gold with their refinery, and is satisfied, only then will we accept payment, by bank transfer, from the Buyer to us. Further, we currently seek outside-based serious investors on a partnership basis in order to increase our production capacity. If you are interested in this proposal, or have any further questions, kindly contact me at the numbers listed above.Looking forward to doing business with you.
    Yours truly,
    Mr.Amose Henry
    Chief Director of Marketing

  8. Hi there…20grams-50000 for men and 40grams-100000 for women in form of ornaments excluding those studded with precious stones n pearls are duty free allowance. Any other gold jewelry coins bars need to b declared and should nt exceed 1kg.
    10% of the actual amount will hv to be paid as duty only in cash in terms of exhangeable foreign currency nt inr nt cards. Not declaring is subject to duty payment plus penalty payment which can go up to 100-150% the value of the gold imported plus detained goods and even imprisonment. Not knowing things is no excuse..people should consider responsible travelling be it customs gold currency health vaccines disease danger safety security etc etc
    if sumone has eating restriction, hel ask in each and every restaurant if the food contains pork/beef/allergens because he feels responsible abt his health n life…so we should start getting more aware about other countrys laws rules n regulation n customs n environment before we travel there n if not educated ask from officials.
    frm someone who travels a lot

  9. Hi there…20grams-50000 for men and 40grams-100000 for women in form of ornaments excluding those studded with precious stones n pearls are duty free allowance. Any other gold jewelry coins bars need to b declared and should nt exceed 1kg.
    10% of the actual amount will hv to be paid as duty only in cash in terms of exhangeable foreign currency nt inr nt cards. Not declaring is subject to duty payment plus penalty payment which can go up to 100-150% the value of the gold imported plus detained goods and even imprisonment. Not knowing things is no excuse..people should consider responsible travelling be it customs gold currency health vaccines disease danger safety security etc etc
    if sumone has eating restriction, hel ask in each and every restaurant if the food contains pork/beef/allergens because he feels responsible abt his health n life…so we should start getting more aware about other countrys laws rules n regulation n customs n environment before we travel there n if not educated ask from officials.
    frm someone who travels a lot

  10. Hi i stayed abroad for almost 2 years. next month I want to come to india to attend marriage. So I am planned to bring 90 grams. How much I have to pay.waiting for your reply. Tks in advance.

  11. Hi i stayed abroad for almost 2 years. next month I want to come to india to attend marriage. So I am planned to bring 90 grams. How much I have to pay.waiting for your reply. Tks in advance.

    1. Hi, You haven’t mentioned if passenger is male or female. Male passengers can bring 20 grams, while female passengers can bring 40 grams free of duty. You have to pay 10% duty on the remaining gold (at current gold price).

  12. Hi,
    My name is pranshu & iam an indian citizen. and i wanted to ask u a question regarding import of jewellery in india. Iam recently married in Feb 2016. I came to USA with my husband 10 months ago. I bought all my jewelry here which was purchased in india, didnt knew about the export certificate, dont have bills either right now..I have my 2 cousins weddings in india in jan. I want to take just 1 necklace set , can i wear it wen returning to india, I saw rules that lady passenger are allowed to take jewelry upto 1 lakh inr. Could you just help me,would staying here in America for 10 months and carrying set under 1 lakh be a problem????

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