Duty-Free Alcohol Allowance into India
Adults can bring 2 litres of duty-free alcohol into India. Anything extra attracts customs duty (~38.5%).
Each passenger aged 18+ can bring 2 litres of duty-free alcohol into India if they spent at least 48 hours abroad. Extra bottles are legal but attract ~38.5% customs duty, so declare them immediately.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ When it's allowed
- •Spread fragile bottles across multiple bags instead of stuffing them into one tote.
- •Use reusable bottle protectors or inflatable sleeves for checked luggage.
- •Check airline rules—some carriers limit total alcohol per checked suitcase due to flammability policies.
🚫 When it's NOT allowed
- •Don’t gift wrap liquor until after customs; officers will open it.
- •Avoid shipping alcohol via courier without excise permits—it still goes through customs scans.
- •Never lie about quantities. Officers can X-ray your baggage and levy harsher penalties if you are caught.
Some states (Gujarat, Bihar, certain North-Eastern states) require local permits for alcohol. Customs may release your bottles at the airport, but state excise officers can still seize them later if you transit into a dry zone.
Allowance planner
| Item | Counts toward 2L? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 750ml wine | Yes | Three bottles = 2.25L (duty payable on 0.25L) |
| Beer cans | Yes | Volume, not alcohol %, matters |
| Duty-free miniatures | Yes | Combine multiple minis carefully |
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2-litre rule apply to duty-free purchases made in India before departure?+
Can minors carry alcohol for parents?+
What is the duty rate?+
Related guides
Related rules
Cigarettes & vape
Duty-free allowance: 100 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 125g tobacco when entering India. Vapes remain banned entirely.
Sanitizer allowance
Cabin limit 100ml per container, same as any other liquid — the 350ml pandemic-era allowance ended. Checked baggage allows larger bottles if sealed.
Chocolates
Chocolate is generally allowed in both cabin and checked baggage; liquid products and customs rules need extra attention.
Duty-free liquids
Duty-free alcohol or perfume allowed through transit only if sealed in STEBs with receipt dated within 36 hours.
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.