15/05/2026
If you are coming to India as an NRI or Indian origin traveller from a foreign country — you can bring up to 1 kg of gold, and you may be eligible for concessional duty at customs.
India recently hiked the general gold import duty from 6% to 15%, and gold prices in India went up. But many don’t know that eligible passengers can still get concessional treatment when bringing gold from abroad.
Everyone knows up to 20g for men & 40g for women in jewellery can be tax-free, subject to conditions. But Indian passport holders or persons of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for at least 6 months can bring up to 1 kg of gold — including bars and coins — at a concessional duty rate. This applies to both NRIs and residents who are returning.
Generally, the tax applicable for non-eligible cases is much higher around 36% .But if you declare it at the Red Channel with proper purchase invoices, eligible passengers pay concessional duty of around 15% following which includes 10% basic customs duty + 5% Agriculture & Infrastructure Development Cess. on the full value.
Remember — duty must be paid in foreign currency like USD, EUR, AED, etc. You also need documents proving you stayed abroad for more than 6 months and that the gold is not for commercial use.
