Customs-Prohibited Items When Entering India
Firearms, satellite phones, pornographic material, and counterfeit currency are prohibited unless licensed.
India bars firearms, satellite phones, counterfeit currency, pornographic media, unprocessed ivory, endangered wildlife parts, most seeds/soil, and drones above 250g (DGCA's Nano category ceiling) without permits. Declare borderline items at the Red Channel or risk seizure plus penalties.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ Limited exceptions
- •Email scanned permits to yourself so you can retrieve them even if phones lose signal inside arrivals.
- •Break down camera or drone kits to show they are personal gear, not merchandise.
- •Keep BIS or Hallmark certificates for jewellery or bullion to prove authenticity.
🚫 Why it's not allowed
- •Don’t hide banned goods inside food or clothing—X-ray machines detect dense clusters easily.
- •Never rely on courier declarations if you are physically carrying the item; your luggage counts separately.
- •Avoid buying ‘duty-free’ wildlife souvenirs abroad; many are illegal in India regardless of origin receipts.
Some gear such as drones, radio transmitters, or firearms can enter with licences from DGCA, DGFT, or WPC — carry photocopies and digital scans, since customs rarely has time to verify permits online.
High-risk items and their status
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Firearms & ammo | Prohibited | Only diplomats/sport shooters with DGCA permits |
| Satellite phones | Restricted | Need DoT/WPC approval before arrival |
| Seeds/soil | Restricted | Require plant quarantine clearance |
| Counterfeit currency | Seized | Triggers police case |
Frequently asked questions
Is pepper spray allowed?+
Can I bring a drone for recreational filming?+
What happens if customs seizes an item?+
Related guides
Related rules
Tea/coffee powder
Allowed in both cabin and checked baggage if sealed. Large commercial quantities are subject to customs.
Carrying cash
No explicit limit domestically, but amounts above INR 2 lakh can trigger questioning. International travellers must declare currency over USD 5,000 (or USD 10,000 aggregate).
Gold jewellery
Personal jewellery worn is generally allowed. Bringing gold into India attracts duty beyond 20g (men) / 40g (women) by weight when abroad over 6 months.
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.