News

If you are traveling to India, knowing what the customs regulations are, would be helpful for a seamless arrival into India. Whether you are a tourist, a resident returning home after leaving India or an expatriate, use this guide to understand how to smoothly exit Indian customs at airports.

All about Indian Customs Channels.

At an Indian airport, you will have two routes for customs clearance:

• Green Channel: For travelers that have nothing to declare (no dutiable or prohibited items).
• Channel Red: For passengers with dutiable or prohibited items.

Selecting the right channel is crucial. When you take the Green Channel with goods subject to customs duties you may be punished and the goods may be confiscated.

Duty-Free Allowances

India greets those entering the country with generous duty-free limits. Here’s what you need to know:

• General Allowance: Passengers over 10 years of age can carry goods worth up to ₹50,000 free of duty on arrival from any country (other than Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar). The limit is ₹15,000 for arrivals from these three nations.
• Alcohol: Up to two liters of liquor, wine or beer may be brought in exempt from duty.
• Tobacco: You are allowed to bring in a maximum of 100 cigarette sticks, 25 cigars, or 125 grams of tobacco free of duty.
• Electronics: Duty-free for passengers over age 18, one laptop computer, per person. Other electronics are included under the general allowance limit.
• Gold Jewelry: Passengers living outside India for more than a year can carry gold jewelry
• Worth ₹50,000 (male) or ₹1,00,000 (female) free of duty.

Customs Declaration Form

You will be given a Customs Declaration Form before you disembark. Mandatory form for passengers who carry dutiable or prohibited goods. The form must be completed accurately and truthfully. Declare all items over the duty-free allowance as well as any restricted goods.

Items Which You May Not Bring into the Country

There are certain items that are either banned from import or restricted when entering India. These include:

1. Firearms and ammunition
2. Counterfeit currency or goods
3. Wildlife products and endangered animals
4. Unauthorized satellite phones without requisite authorization

Check the most up-to-date rules before travel since what’s banned or allowed can change.

Currency Regulations

• On entering India you have to declare:
• Any amount of foreign currency worth more than USD 5,000
• Foreign exchange with a cumulative amount of token in the cumulative amount of cash currency exceeding USD 10000.
• There is no cap on bringing Indian currency to India, but amounts above ₹25,000 need to be declared.

Duty Calculation

• You will have to pay customs duty if you are carrying cargo higher than the duty free limit. The rate is 35% on the value over the allowance, with a 3.5% social welfare surcharge.
• That amounts to 38.5% duties on the value above that. Enjoying a Low-Stress Options on Customs
• Be Prepared: Bring your passport, visa and customs declaration form.
• Understand Your Allowances: Before shopping, familiarize yourself with duty-free limits. Keep Receipts: Keep receipts of high-value items that can verify its worth if questioned.
• Declare Unsure Items: If you are never sure, simply declare the items [you may have to pay for them but it’s better than facing fines]
• ATITHI App – If coming from India, you might want to use ATITHI app from Indian Customs to pre-file your declaration

Special Considerations

• Relocating in Status: Different rules would apply for household goods or personal effects as when you are relocating to India forever.
• Foreign tourists can also bring in gifts and souvenirs worth ₹15,000 and that can be duty- free.
• Professional estimates: Tools of trade can be imported duty free with some restrictions Exiting India
• For those traveling out of India, however, these different rules apply: So only ₹25,000 in Indian currency can be exported.
• Foreign currency export is unlimited, but declaration must be made for sums greater than USD 5,000 (or equivalent).
• Other items such as antiques, certain kinds of wildlife products and the gold jewelry above limits set by law require specific permissions to export.

By the way, what is the travelling experience without following the Indian customs rules and regulations? With a little knowledge and preparation, you’ll get through customs in a wink and will be on your way to the adventure of a lifetime in India (or back home) worry- free! On the other hand of these situations, always declare and ask when uncertain vs being penalized or sued.) Travel safe and make it a memorable Indian experience.