Gold and silver import duty hiked: How much jewellery you can bring from Dubai and abroad?

The total customs duty on gold was approximately 6% until recently, but the most recent increase has more than doubled the cost of imports. The action is intended to reduce non-essential imports and relieve pressure on the nation's growing import bill, particularly in light of the ongoing global unpredictability that keeps gold prices high.

Many Indians who work overseas are still permitted to bring back gold or silver jewellery for their own or their families' use, whether they are in Dubai, the Gulf countries, or somewhere else.

Under the updated framework, the rules do not separately classify gold or silver jewellery; instead, they use the broader term “jewellery”, bringing all personal ornaments under a single category for customs declaration and processing.

Under India’s baggage allowance, a returning passenger can bring personal jewellery duty-free up to 40 grams for women and 20 grams for men. This includes both gold and silver ornaments, as long as they are clearly meant for personal use. Within this limit, no customs duty is payable, provided the passenger meets the eligibility conditions under the baggage rules.

However, once you cross this free allowance, the cost impact becomes significant. Any additional jewellery is subject to customs duty, which is now effectively 15% for gold and silver imports, compared to the earlier 6% regime.

Passengers are also required to fill out the Indian Customs Declaration Form and declare jewellery at the airport if it exceeds the permitted limit.

For NRIs and frequent travellers, it’s still allowed to bring jewellery back home, but the process has become costlier and more tightly regulated. With higher import duties now in place, even small quantities can add up in cost.