Q1239. How much gold can NRIs carry to India?

NRIs returning to India (after staying abroad for more than 6 months) can bring gold into India subject to certain duty-free allowances and conditions:

Male passengers: Up to 20 grams of gold jewelry with a value up to Rs. 50,000 is duty-free.

Female passengers: Up to 40 grams of gold jewelry with a value up to Rs. 1,00,000 is duty-free. Gold beyond the duty-free allowance can be brought in by paying applicable customs duty. As of recent rates, the duty on gold is approximately 15% (including basic customs duty, AIDC, and cess).

Gold bars and coins: NRIs can also bring gold bars or coins, but these are subject to customs duty from the first gram.

There is no duty-free allowance for gold in bar or coin form.

Important: You must declare gold at customs if it exceeds the duty-free limit. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.