NEW DELHI. The Government has notified the Baggage Rules, 2026 and issued the new Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 along with a Master Circular for passengers travelling to and from India, aimed at making airport customs procedures easier, faster and more transparent. According to the Ministry of Finance, the new framework reduces paperwork, enables electronic and advance filing of baggage declarations, and speeds up clearance at airports, while also providing enhanced general free allowance, transfer of residence benefits and special jewellery allowances, and permitting one laptop to be imported duty-free by passengers above 18 years of age. The rules further introduce simplified provisions for temporary imports and re-imports of personal items taken abroad and brought back, allow duty-free import of pets subject to prescribed conditions, and reflect the Government’s facilitative approach in line with evolving economic conditions, rising international travel and passenger expectations.
Government Notifies Baggage Rules, 2026 to Simplify Customs Procedures
