India has always had a cultural affinity for gold — be it for weddings, festivals, or investment purposes. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and international travellers, bringing gold into India is common. However, to avoid penalties, confiscation, or legal trouble, it's crucial to understand the latest customs regulations. This blog explores the Indian customs rules for gold in 2024, covering allowances, duties, and procedural guidelines for travellers.

1. Who Can Bring Gold to India?

As per indian customs rules for gold 2024, only Indian citizens or persons of Indian origin (PIOs) returning from abroad after a minimum stay of 6 months (180 days) are allowed to bring gold to India under permissible limits.

2. Duty-Free Gold Allowance 2024

Passengers are allowed to bring in a limited quantity of gold jewellery without paying customs duty, depending on their gender and residency status.

• For Men: Duty-free gold jewellery worth up to ₹50,000 (approx. USD 600)

• For Women: Duty-free gold jewellery worth up to ₹1,00,000 (approx. USD 1,200)

🟡 Important: The duty-free allowance is only for jewellery, not for gold bars, coins, or bullion.

3. Gold Bars and Coins – Customs Duty

If you're bringing gold in forms other than jewellery (e.g., bars, coins, or bullion), duty must be paid as per 2024 guidelines:

Customs Duty on Gold in 2024:

• Basic Customs Duty (BCD): 12.5%

• Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC): 2.5%

• Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS): 10% of BCD (i.e., 1.25%)

➡️ Total effective duty: Approximately 16.05% of the gold's value

4. Limit on Quantity of Gold

As per the latest guidelines:

• A male passenger can bring up to 20 grams of gold (maximum ₹50,000)

• A female passenger can bring up to 40 grams of gold (maximum ₹1,00,000)

These quantities are only for jewellery and are duty-free if they fall within the value limits.

For gold bars or coins:

• Maximum allowed: 1 kg of gold per passenger

• Subject to full customs duty payment

5. Declaration Process at Indian Airports

Travellers must declare their gold at the customs counter upon arrival in India if:

• The gold exceeds the duty-free limits

• It is in the form of bars, coins, or bullion

Steps:

1. Fill out the Customs Declaration Form (CDF)

2. Pay applicable customs duty in Indian currency

3. Obtain a Bill of Entry from the customs officer as proof of legal import

6. Carrying Gold on Arrival – Points to Remember

• Always carry purchase receipts/invoices for gold items

• Gold should be carried on person or in checked luggage, not via courier/mail

• Keep X-ray visibility in mind; concealment may lead to seizure

• Concealing gold or failing to declare may lead to penalties, confiscation, and arrest

7. NRIs and Gold Import

NRIs returning to India are often under scrutiny for gold. Here are some tips:

• Make sure you’ve stayed abroad at least 6 months continuously to claim exemption

• NRIs planning to settle in India should consider declaring and paying duty properly

• If bringing family gold, retain old receipts or declarations

8. Customs Seizure and Penalties

If you violate customs rules:

• Gold may be seized without return

• A penalty up to 5x the duty amount may be charged

• You may face prosecution under the Customs Act, 1962

Conclusion

With gold being a sensitive and high-value item, the Indian government has laid down clear customs rules in 2024. If you're travelling to India with gold, especially from the UAE, USA, UK, or Gulf countries, be well-informed about the quantity limits, duty charges, and declaration requirements.

It’s always better to declare, pay the applicable duty, and keep your travel hassle-free. Stay updated with customs notifications before your travel and consult a legal or tax advisor for large gold consignments.