How much gold can I bring from Dubai to India?

April 1, 2016 onwards male passengers returning to India from Dubai or elsewhere and have been residing abroad for atleast one year can bring in gold jewellery upto 20 grams but not costing more than 50,000 Indian rupees as a duty free allowance. Similar, for female passengers the limit is been set to 40 grams of gold jewellery and should not cost or valuate more than 100,000 Indian rupees.

No restrictions are applicable for passengers declaring gold jewellery at the customs and paying an import duty of 36%. Further depending whether you are a resident or non resident and the period you have stayed abroad certain concessions are applicable on 1 kilogram of gold and more. You can further check the official customs website or contact the Indian customs for more details as rules change though not frequently.

Going forward Indian expats in foreign countries may soon be able to carry more gold to India without paying customs duty once the new customs clearance framework is ready and implemented by the government of India. Currently, Indian expats from Dubai or any other country need to go through an elaborate process to carry gold even if they are returning after a long period. Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) is reportedly working on a new set of guidelines to ensure hassle free customs clearances for such travelers from or to India if the jewellery is for personal use.