INDIAN CUSTOMS
ATTENTION: PASSENGERS TRAVELLING ABROAD
Passengers travelling abroad are requested to take note of the following important features of Baggage Rules, 2006 and other relevant Acts and regulations.
FREE ALLOWANCE:
Indian residents and foreigners residing in India coming from countries other than China, Myanmar, Nepal or Bhutan after a stay of at least three days in abroad are eligible for a free allowance of Rs.35,000/- in addition to their used personal effects. Children below 10 years are eligible for Rs.15,000/-.
However, free allowance is not applicable to alcoholic drinks in excess of two liters, Cigarretts exceeding 200 or cigars exceeding 50 or tobacco exceeding 200 grams, catridges of arms exceeding 50, Fire arms, gold or silver other than ornaments.
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco products imported in excess of the above limits are chargeable to customs duties applicable to commercial imports. For instance, Alcoholic Liquor attracts customs duty @ 160% (including addl.duty).
The free allowance shall not be pooled with the free allowance of any other passenger.
One laptop computer over and above the said free allowance is allowed duty free if imported by a passenger of the age of 18 years and above.
In case the value of goods exceeds free allowance limit, customs duty @ 36.05% (including education cess) is chargeable on the excess value.
IMPORT OF GOLD BARS/ COINS:
As per existing provisions, Passengers can import Gold Bars/ Coins up to a quantity of One Kilogram in to India subject to following conditions:
1. He/she should be holding a valid Indian Passport or a person of Indian origin
2. He/she should be coming to India after a period of at least six months stay in abroad
3. Import duty of 8% on the value of gold bars is payable on the gold bars bearing manufacturers / refiners engraved serial number and weight expressed in metric units. Gold bars other than above attracts 10% of duty. However, Gold Coins attracts 8% of import duty.
4. The customs duty should be paid only in convertible foreign currency.
IMPORT OF GOLD JEWELLERY
Indian passenger who has been residing abroad for over one year shall be allowed clearance free of duty jewellery up to an aggregate value of Rs.50,000/- by a gentleman passenger and Rs.Rs.1,00,000/- by a lady passenger. Gold ornaments other than ornaments studded with stones and pearls in excess of eligible limits attract duty @10% payable in convertible foreign currency.
EXPORT CERTIFICATE
In respect of valuable goods being taken out of India by out bound passengers and if the same are intended to be brought back in to India, it is advisable to obtain Export Certificate at the Customs counter located at International departure hall in order to avoid payment of duty on the said goods at the time of arrival. However, for issuance of export certificate the goods are required to be produced before the customs officer in charge.
IMPORT & EXPORT OF INDIAN /FOREIGN CURRENCY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
INDIAN CURRENCY: Any resident in India can take out of India and bring into India (other than to and from Nepal and Bhutan) Indian Currency up to an amount of Rs.7,500/- (Rupees Seven Thousand Five hundred) only.
FOREIGN CURRENCY/ EXCHANGE: (A) EXPORT: Travelers going to all countries other than Iraq, Libya,Iran, Russia and other CIS countries can carry foreign currency of US $ 3,000 or its equivalent only. In respect of foreign exchange other than foreign currency, passengers can carry as per the limits prescribed vide FEMA and other relevant legal provisions depending on the purpose of their visit. Further, the foreign currency/ exchange should be drawn from Authorised Dealers only. (B) Import: A person coming in to India from abroad can bring with him foreign currency/ exchange without any limit. However, if the aggregate value of the foreign exchange in the form of currency notes, bank notes, travelers cheques etc brought in exceeds US$ 10000 or its equivalent or foreign currency alone exceeds US$ 5000 or its equivalent, it should be declared to customs authorities at the Air Port and obtain a copy of Currency Declaration Form(CDF).
PROHIBITIVE / RESTRICTIVE ITEMS:
Passengers should take note that carrying prohibitive items like Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances, counterfeits, wild life products and pornographic materials attract confiscation and penal provisions. Passengers are also to take note that restrictive items like Arms and Ammunition, communication equipment beyond eligible frequencies, certain plants and their produce, medicines and drugs and any other goods in commercial quantities are not eligible to carry in their baggage and are required to ascertain eligibility conditions before carrying with them in order to avoid penal provisions.
Note: The rates and limits are as per existing provisions and are subject to change from time to time.
Disclaimer: The above information is not exhaustive and provided for general guidance purpose only. For further details refer to relevant acts and regulations or visit
www.cbec.gov.in.
Hyderabad Customs Airport
Assistant Commissioner of Customs
contact-040-24003031