Travelers from Dubai to India are permitted to bring a certain amount of gold without incurring customs duty, with specific limits set based on gender and age. These allowances are primarily for gold jewelry intended for personal use.
The customs duty on gold from Dubai to India depends on the quantity of gold and the duration of your stay.
Who can import gold as baggage?
Any passenger of Indian Origin or a passenger holding a valid passport, issued under the Passport Act, 1967, who is coming to India after a period of not less than six months of stay abroad; and short visits, if any, made by the passenger during the aforesaid period of six months shall be ignored if the total duration of stay on such visits does not exceed thirty days.
Conditions
- The duty shall be paid in convertible foreign currency. The current rate of duty for the Gold in any form as per Notification No. 12/2012- Cus dated 17.03.2012 is 10%.
- The weight of gold (including ornaments) should not exceed 1 kg. per passenger.
- The passenger can either bring the gold himself at the time of arrival or import the same within fifteen days of his arrival in India as unaccompanied baggage.
- The passenger can also obtain the permitted quantity of gold from Customs bonded warehouse of State Bank of India and Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation subject to conditions (1) and (2) above. He is required to file a declaration in the prescribed Form before the Customs Officer at the time of arrival in India stating his intention to obtain the gold from the Customs bonded warehouse and pay the duty before clearance.
Value of gold and silver is to be taken as per the Tariff value fixed for the item through notification from time to time.
Customs Duty Rates
- Up to 20 grams: Duty-free
- 20–50 grams: 3% customs duty
- 50–100 grams: 6% customs duty
- Over 100 grams: 10% customs duty
Duration of stay
- Less than 1 year: 38.50% customs duty
- 6 months to 1 year: 13.7% customs duty up to 1 kg
- More than 1 year: 13.7% customs duty up to 1 kg, plus a duty-free allowance of up to Rs 50,000 for men and Rs 1,00,000 for women
Other restrictions
- Gold coins and bars can’t weigh more than 1 kg
- Passengers who’ve stayed abroad for less than 6 months must pay 36.05% customs duty
- Gold bars must have details like the weight, serial number, and manufacturer’s name
Children under 15 years old can bring duty-free gold up to 40 grams. They must also show proof of their relationship to the adult they’re traveling with
Duty-Free Allowances
Male Passengers
Male passengers traveling from Dubai to India are allowed to bring up to 20 grams of gold jewelry without incurring any customs duty. However, the total value of this gold must not exceed ₹50,000. If the quantity or value surpasses these limits, the excess amount will be subject to customs duty as per Indian regulations. It is important for travelers to ensure that they comply with these guidelines and declare any additional gold to avoid penalties or confiscation by customs authorities.
Female Passengers
Female passengers traveling from Dubai to India are permitted to carry up to 40 grams of gold jewelry without attracting any customs duty. However, the total value of this gold must not exceed ₹100,000. If the quantity or value exceeds these prescribed limits, the excess amount will be subject to applicable customs duty. To ensure a hassle-free experience at customs, travelers should adhere to these guidelines and declare any additional gold as required by Indian regulations.
Children (under 15 years)
Children under the age of 15 traveling from Dubai to India are allowed to carry up to 40 grams of gold jewelry without incurring any customs duty. Unlike adult passengers, there is no specific monetary limit mentioned for children within this allowance. However, if the gold quantity exceeds the permitted limit, the excess will be subject to customs duty as per Indian regulations. Parents or guardians should ensure compliance with these rules to avoid any issues during customs clearance.
It’s important to note that these duty-free allowances apply solely to gold jewelry. Other forms of gold, such as coins, bars, or biscuits, are not eligible for duty-free concessions and will attract customs duty.
Customs Duty on Excess Gold
If the quantity of gold jewelry carried by a traveler exceeds the specified duty-free limits, the excess amount is subject to customs duty as per Indian regulations. The applicable duty rates vary based on the passenger’s category and the amount of gold being carried beyond the permissible limit.
For male passengers, a 3% duty is levied on gold weighing between 20 grams and 50 grams, 6% duty applies to gold between 50 grams and 100 grams, and any amount exceeding 100 grams incurs a 10% duty. Similarly, for female passengers, gold jewelry between 40 grams and 100 grams is subject to a 3% duty, between 100 grams and 200 grams attracts a 6% duty, and quantities above 200 grams are charged a 10% duty.
For children under 15 years, the same duty structure applies—3% for gold between 40 grams and 100 grams, 6% for gold between 100 grams and 200 grams, and 10% for any amount exceeding 200 grams. Travelers should be mindful of these regulations and declare any excess gold at customs to avoid penalties or confiscation.
These rates are calculated based on the quantity of gold exceeding the duty-free allowance.
Importing Gold Bars and Coins
Indian residents who have lived abroad for more than six months are allowed to bring up to 1 kilogram of gold (including bars and coins) into India. However, this import is subject to a customs duty of 13.75% of the gold’s value. It’s essential to declare such imports upon arrival and provide valid proof of purchase to the customs authorities.
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