India has relaxed customs regulations governing gold jewellery carried by Indian expatriates in the UAE and Non-Resident Indians worldwide, marking a significant policy shift benefiting overseas Indians.
The change follows the introduction of the Customs Baggage Rules, 2026, announced as part of India’s Union Budget 2026 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1.
Under the revised framework, duty-free allowances for gold jewellery have been formally defined for returning residents and tourists of Indian origin. Female passengers may now bring jewellery weighing up to 40 grams duty-free, while male passengers are permitted up to 20 grams, provided the items are carried as bona fide baggage.
Earlier provisions allowed the same weight limits but imposed value ceilings of Rs100,000 for female passengers and Rs50,000 for male passengers, creating ambiguity in practical application.
