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.
Table of Contents
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:
1. Is carrying gold to India legal?
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 Type | Stay Abroad | Gold Type | Maximum Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male Indian passenger | More than one year | Gold Jewellery | Up to a value of Rs 50,000 |
| Female Indian passenger | More than one year | Gold Jewellery | Up to a value of Rs 100,000 |
| Male or Female | Less than one year | Any | No 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 Abroad | Duty-free Allowance | Duty Payable |
|---|---|---|
| One year and above | Maximum 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 year | No Allowance | Up to 1 kg: 13.75% |
| Less than six months | No Allowance | 38.5% |
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.
Related Articles:
- Duty-Free Allowance At Indian Airports
- Indian Airport Customs Duty On LCD/LED TV
- Indian Customs Rules for Electronic Items
- Transfer of Residence to India: Customs Rules for NRI
- Indian Customs Cash Limit And Rules
- 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
Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DG Pixels, holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
I am a non-Indian American spending a lot of time in Gujarāt state and like to buy gold as savings. What are the laws as far as taking gold with me (to prevent theft at the domicile where I stay at) out of Bhārat and back here? Do I need the Export Certificate? I know the laws for declaration at American ports, but not for Bhārat ports (on the assumption that I have previously bought the gold within Bhārat and have all the receipts for them).
Hi Stephanie, You should get a valuation certificate from an approved jeweller in India and then get an export certificate from customs officials before leaving India.
What exactly is the process for doing that? I tried to do that at the Indira Gandhi airport, even with the help of airport staff, and we did not find the customs officials on the way to boarding the flight. Fortunately, I had only one biscuit with me. It went through security 4 times (each leg of the flight out and back to my city), and nobody said anything. Also, I was told by the jeweller that I only needed my receipts and not the valuation certificate.
Hi Stephanie, For a jewellery valuation certificate, you need to search online for Government Approved Jewellery Valuer in your city. There are more than 1000 approved valuers in India.
PS: Our advice is not to carry gold biscuits or coins while travelling to India as they are not included in the duty-free allowance. Even if the officials don’t notice them doesn’t mean it is legal.
Is platinum a way around customs? Disclaimer: my money that I get from the US gov’t is post-tax dollars, free to do whatever I want with it.
Does the platinum have to be declared? It appears that there are limits for duty-free entry on EVERYTHING, with the exception of bullion. If you have high-value, low-volume items such as this or anything else, it has to be declared. Right? Platinum is not mentioned in customs documents ANYWHERE, but again, they mention “in general” anything that is valued over a certain amount has to be declared. Again, is that correct?
hi, can i bring silver bar gcc country to india what about silver allowance
Hi,
Our Jewelery are cheassed by Customs in Chennai and they asking 38.5% Duty due less than 6 Months Stay Outside India. we are unable to pay this charges. we are planning to return the same country, Can you please advise what’s the procedure for Re Export.
Thanks & Best Regards.
Hi,
Three family members and having OCI card with US passport, planning to take two gold coins(total of 62.2 gms) from USA to India and bring back as Jewelery, Is that allowed? Do I need a export certificate for this? will there be any tax need to be paid at India?
Sir,
I am here in abroad for more than 2.5years, Now i am planning to visit my home country India. How much grams of gold is eligible as a duty free for myself to carry???
Legally 20 Grams. But you can carry some more in the form of Chain, two or three Rings etsc
Today’s gold price is 51000. If anyone bring 20 grams to come to 102,000.00. So do he has to pay for difference ?. What is use of 20 grams free allowance with cap of 50,000. This is insane.
Hi
What if a family is coming to India on vacation and the lady of that family is wearing excess jewelry then the specified limit and she will be taking those back after returning from vacation. Does she still needs to pay duty?
I AM A GOLD SELLER PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION
Hi sir I’m planning to take 30gm of Gold bar to India but as I came to know that it’s not allowed to take that much so what should I do ?
Hi IAM working from 6 years in abroad how much gold I can take ? Only 20 grams ?? Is it possible to take more than that?? It’s 218 dirhams now. ..it means only 12 grams… Equal to 50000rs
Right??
Hello. I am working in Thailand on work visa. I have to visit India for 7 days after nearly 2 years. I want to carry approx 800 gms of silver decoration price with bill . Am I allowed?
dear sir / madam
i have gold gold 4 bracelet almost 50 grams how much I have to pay duty in Delhi airport
NO THEY CHARGING 36.0 % AT CHENNAI AIRPORT AS PER BAGGAGE RULE 2016
i bought 60 gram gold how much tax amount in indian money .. 1 year completed from oman and how to percentage calculation
i bought 60 gram gold how much tax amount in indian money .. 1 year completed from oman and how to percentage calculation
Morning sir…am david julius i bought 80 gram jewelry 3years don Singapore how mouch tax..need to pay our trichy air port…pls. advic me..thank u
Morning sir…am david julius i bought 80 gram jewelry 3years don Singapore how mouch tax..need to pay our trichy air port…pls. advic me..thank u
I want buy 40 Grams gold in oman. Bring to india. It is. Any problem. Oman and india. Custom. ….??? Please explain me. … Thank you…!!!
can i pay duty in indian currency?.i am indian pasport holder but i need to bring the silver from australia. is it possible?
you can bring upto 10 kg of silver provided your stay abroad is six months or more(visit to india upto 30 days are allowed during the period). Tax is 13.75% on the value which is to be paid in convertible foreign currency. Indian currency is not allowed for payment of tax at 13.75%. If you wish to pay indian currency, it will be calculated at 38.5%
If my period of stay abroad is for one month as tourist, how much of gold I can import to India as Duty free?
Gold rate of duty for passenger of Indian origin and Indian passport holder
(1) Stay abroad- one year and above (visit to India upto 30 days during the stay allowed)
(i). Free allowance – 20 grams of jewellery for gentleman passenger and 40 grams of jewellery for lady passenger. Free allowance means clearance of gold without payment of duty. Free allowance is not available for gold in primary form (coins, bars, biscuits, bits, crude chains etc ).
(ii).Rate of duty in excess of free allowance of jewellery and for the gold in primary form(coins, bars, biscuits, bits, crude chains etc )- 13.75 % of the value.(BCD-12.5% + Social welfare Surcharge 10%). Ie The passenger has to pay duty at 13.75% for the jewellery brought in excess of 20 grams by gentleman passenger and 40 grams of jewellery by lady passenger . The passenger has to pay the duty at 13.75% for entire quantity when they bring the gold in primary form (coins, bars, biscuits, bits, crude chains etc )
(iii). Value of the gold is fixed based on the notifications issued by the Govt of India
(iv). A passenger can bring upto maximum one kg of gold only and need to pay duty at 13.75%
(v). Duty is to be paid in equivalent convertible foreign currency . The passenger has to bring foreign currency on arrival*
(2). Stay abroad- Six months to one year(visit to India upto 30 days during the stay allowed)
(i). Free allowance – Not available
(ii).Rate of duty – 13.75 % of the value.(BCD-12.5% + Social welfare Surcharge 10%)
(iii). Value of the gold is fixed based on the notifications issued by the Govt of India
(iv). A passenger can bring upto maximum one kg of gold only and need to pay duty at 13.75%
(v). Duty is to be paid in equivalent convertible foreign currency . The passenger has to bring foreign currency on arrival *
(3). Stay abroad – Less than six months.
(i). Free allowance –Not available.
(ii). Rate of duty-38.5% (BCD-35% + Social welfare Surcharge- 10%)
(ii). Value of the gold is fixed based on the notifications issued by the Govt of India
(iii). Duty can be paid in any currency
*- In case foreign currency not available, they can pay duty at 38.5% in Indian currency.
Reference- (i). Baggage Rules 2016- Rule.2(vi) , Rule.5 & 5 of Annexure-I for free allowance
(ii). Tariff Notification 50/2017 –Customs dated 30.06.2017 (sl.no- 356 & condition no 41-as amended by Tariff notification 25/2019-Customs dated 06.07.2019 (sl.no.33) for rate of duty with tariff head-9803 for concessional rate of duty(13.75%)
(iii). Tariff notification no.26/2016 –Customs dated 31.03.2016 for merit rate (38.5%)
(iv). Section 108 of Finance Bill -2018 for Social welfare surcharge
(v). Regular Non tariff notifications issued by CBIC for value
Can u tell me 24 grams gold take india
good
I am a nepali citizen and travelling through dubai to delhi to bagdogra what will be my allowances for gold ?
I have gifted 2*10grms 24carrot gold biscuits, can I take to india with out worry ? May I know ? I am a nri …. job inu usa
I have gifted 2*10grms 24carrot gold biscuits, can I take to india with out worry ? May I know ? I am a nri …. job inu usa
tax is 13.75 % of value and to be paid in convertible foreign currency