According to the rules and regulations of Indian Customs, male passengers are allowed to carry a maximum of 20 grams of gold worth INR 50,000 from Dubai to India duty-free. Female passengers are allowed to carry a maximum of 40 grams of gold worth INR 100,000 duty-free. All Indian citizens who have lived abroad, including Dubai, for more than 6 months can carry gold coins or bars weighing up to 1 kg in their baggage while traveling to India. it should be in the form of jewelry only. Gold coins, gold biscuits or gold bars cannot form part of the duty-free allowance.
However, they will be liable to pay customs duty for carrying the amount of gold that exceeds the duty-free import limit from Dubai to India. The customs duty rates for carrying extra gold to India from Dubai are mentioned in the search results. If you bring gold within the mentioned limits from Dubai to India without residing in Dubai for up to 6 months, you will be liable to pay an additional customs duty of 36.05%. The maximum amount of gold that one person can carry or import from Dubai to India should be limited to 10 kg.
What is the customs duty on gold imported from Dubai to India.
| Duration | Duty-Free Allowance | Customs Duty Payable |
|---|---|---|
| More than 1 Year | Max INR 50k for MalesMax INR 100k for Females | Up to 1 kg: 13.7% |
| 6 Months to 1 Year | No Allowance | Up to 1 kg: 13.7% |
| Less than 1 Year | No Allowance | 38.50% |
Custom Duty Charges on Gold in India.
Gold Bars:
- Gold bars weighing less than 1 kilogram per passenger are subject to a 10% customs charge based on their value.
- No customs duty is required for gold bars weighing less than 20 grams.
- Gold bars weighing 20-100 grams are charged a 3% customs duty.
Gold Coins:
- Gold coins with a total weight of less than 100 grams per passenger are subject to a 10% customs charge.
- No customs duty is required for gold coins weighing less than 20 grams.
- Gold coins weighing 20-100 grams are charged a 10% customs duty.
Gold Jewelry and Ornaments:
- No customs tax is due on gold jewelry and ornaments if the total weight is less than 20 grams and the value is less than INR 50,000.
- If the value exceeds INR 50,000 for items weighing less than 20 grams, a 10% customs charge is applied to the excess amount.
- A flat customs charge of 10% is applied to the entire declared value of gold ornaments weighing between 20 and 100 grams.
- In addition to the basic customs duty, IGST and additional taxes must be paid.
- Proper documentation, including purchase invoices and certificates showing purity and quantity, is essential for customs clearance.
Custom Duty Calculation:
- The customs duty on gold is calculated based on the type of gold item and the quantity imported.
- Gold items are valued using current worldwide gold prices for 24K purity on the day of import.
- Duty rates range from 0% to 10% based on the assessed value.
- For example, if 1 kg of gold bars valued at INR 5 lakh is imported, a 6% customs duty is levied on the entire amount, resulting in a duty of INR 30,000. This duty amount is subject to IGST and other taxes.
Accurate documentation, including purchase invoices, purity, and quantity certificates, is crucial for customs to calculate the value correctly. Failure to provide accurate information can lead to penalties, increased duties, and potential confiscation of goods. Clear communication and proper documentation are essential to avoid issues with customs.
Duty-Free Gold Carrying Limits in India for Passengers
Male Passengers:
- Male passengers returning to India from abroad can carry up to 20 grams of gold worth INR 50,000 duty-free.
- Exemptions are applicable if the gold quantity doesn’t exceed 20 grams or the value is below INR 50,000.
- Excess gold above this limit is subject to customs duty at rates of 3%, 6%, or 10%, depending on the quantity.
- Proper purchase invoices are required for verification at Indian customs.
Female Passengers:
- Female passengers returning from abroad, like Dubai, can carry up to 40 grams of gold worth INR 100,000 duty-free.
- The limit applies to both gold jewelry and gold bars/coins.
- Excess gold above the limit is subject to customs duty, with rates of 3%, 6%, or 10% based on the quantity.
- Purchase documentation is needed for customs verification.
Children (under 15):
- Children under 15 can bring gold ornaments and bars weighing up to 40 grams duty-free.
- Excess gold is subject to duty, with rates of 3%, 6%, or 10%, based on the quantity.
- Duty is calculated using current international gold rates.
- Accompanying adults must provide identification and relationship proof with the child, along with purchase invoices for the gold items, for customs clearance.
These limits and regulations are designed to facilitate the duty-free import of gold for personal use while ensuring customs compliance.
The effective duty on gold is currently 18.45%, which includes 12.5% import duty, 2.5% agriculture infrastructure development cess and other taxes. Grey market operators, who smuggle gold and sell it for cash to avoid duties, got a boost when government raised the basic import duty on gold to 12.5% from 7.5% in July. Non-resident Indians visiting India after a minimum stay of six months abroad and carrying gold above the duty-free limit need to pay customs duty on gold import in convertible foreign currency. If you bring gold within the mentioned limits from Dubai to India without residing in Dubai for up to 6 months, you will be liable to pay an additional customs duty of 36.05%. The customs duty charge for carrying bars and coins that weigh more than 1 kg is 36.05%
FAQ on Bringing Gold from Dubai to India
Q1: Who sets the limit on the amount of gold that can be brought from Dubai to India?
A: The limits on the amount of gold that can be brought from Dubai to India are set by the Indian government, specifically the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Customs department. These limits may change, so it’s advisable to check with the relevant authorities or official sources for the most up-to-date information.
Q2: Can I bring gold in my luggage when traveling to India?
A: Yes, you can bring gold in your luggage when traveling to India. However, there are limits on the amount of gold that can be brought without incurring customs duties. The rules and limits can change, so it’s essential to check with Indian customs authorities for the most current regulations.
Q3: How much custom duty is charged on gold in India in 2023?
A: Custom duty on gold in India ranges from 3% to 10% depending on the quantity and form of gold. Up to 20 grams of gold is duty-free for males, and up to 40 grams for females.
Q4: What are the conditions to bring gold to India without any restrictions?
A: To bring gold to India without restrictions, the gold quantity should be within the duty-free limits set for gender and age. Proper purchase invoices also need to be presented for verification.
Q5: Are children levied tax for gold jewelry in India?
A: No, children under 15 years have higher limits of up to 40 grams, attracting no duty, and up to 200 grams, attracting only 3% to 10% duty based on the quantity.
Do they always check customs for gold at the airport?
A: Customs checks for gold at the airport can vary. In some cases, passengers arriving from certain destinations, like Dubai, may be subject to checks. It’s essential to be prepared and declare your gold to avoid any issues. Women can carry a significant amount of jewelry, but for men traveling alone, it’s advised to stay within the limits to avoid scrutiny. Be aware that customs officials may sometimes weigh and assess jewelry items to determine any duties. These checks may not apply to all passengers and can vary by airport and specific circumstances.
UPDATED 03/11/2023