What you can legally carry into India and how to avoid penalties, gold smuggling, india, customs, duty-free, gold, import, rules, currency, Customs Rules, Cash, jewel
The issue of gold smuggling has once again come to the forefront with the recent arrest of Kannada actress and daughter of a Karnataka IPS officer, Ranya Rao. Rao was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) with 14.8 kg of gold hidden in her body, sparking renewed attention on the ongoing problem of illegal gold smuggling into India.
As reports of gold smuggling incidents flood the news, even ordinary international travellers have begun expressing concerns over the legal limits of gold and cash they can carry while travelling abroad. Many are unaware of the customs regulations and limits imposed on the amount of gold, currency, and other goods they can legally bring back into India.
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Customs Clearance Process
When passengers arrive in India by air, they are required to undergo customs inspection after completing immigration procedures and receiving their luggage. There are two primary channels available for customs clearance: the ‘Green Channel’ and the ‘Red Channel. ‘
- Green Channel: This is for passengers who are not liable to pay any duties or taxes and are not carrying any prohibited items. Travellers entering through this channel are exempt from any customs checks.
- Red Channel: If passengers are carrying goods that are subject to duties, prohibited items, or are exceeding duty-free limits, they must use the Red Channel. Travellers entering through this channel are required to fill out a customs declaration form, which can also be completed via a mobile app.
Failing to declare items exceeding duty-free allowances or carrying prohibited goods through the Green Channel may lead to penalties, confiscation of items, and legal prosecution.
Gold and jewellery limit:
One common concern among travellers is the amount of gold and jewellery that can be legally carried into the country. Indian travellers returning from abroad are allowed to bring in limited amounts of gold duty-free.
An Indian male traveller returning from a stay abroad of over a year can bring in up to 20 grams of jewellery, with a maximum value of Rs 50,000. Female travellers on the other hand are allowed to bring in up to 40 grams of jewellery, with a maximum value of Rs 1 lakh.
Travellers also need to be aware of the customs regulations regarding foreign and Indian currency:
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency an Indian traveller can bring into India, but if foreign currency notes exceed USD 5,000, they must be declared. If the total foreign exchange (including currency) exceeds USD 10,000, it must also be declared to customs.
However, Indians returning from abroad can bring in up to Rs 25,000 in Indian currency, while foreign nationals are prohibited from carrying Indian currency.
