Duty-Free Alcohol Allowance into India
Limited
Adults can bring 2 litres of duty-free alcohol into India. Anything extra attracts customs duty (~38.5%).
Quick answer
CBIC counts total liquid alcoholâwine, beer, spiritsâtoward the 2-litre cap. Mix-and-match is fine as long as the combined volume stays within the limit.
Some states (Gujarat, Bihar, certain North-Eastern states) require local permits. Customs may release the bottles, but state excise officers can seize them later if you transit into a dry zone.
Duty counters inside arrivals accept cards/UPI. Paying voluntarily keeps the goods with you and prevents confiscation.
Before landing
- âCount litres per traveller and assign bottles accordingly.
- âKeep duty-free receipts in the STEB pocket for easy access.
- âIf over the limit, calculate approximate duty (CIF value Ă 38.5%) so payment is faster.
At customs
- âDeclare volumes honestly at the Red Channel even if just 200ml overâofficers often waive minor excess when you self-report.
- âPack surplus bottles in sturdy wine sleeves before scanning checked bags again.
- âRequest an official duty receipt; you may need it for state excise checks outside the airport.
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 |
Do this
- â Spread fragile bottles across multiple bags instead of stuffing them into one tote.
- â Use reusable bottle protectors or inflatable sleeves for checked luggage.
- â Check airline rulesâsome carriers limit total alcohol per checked suitcase due to flammability policies.
Avoid this
- â ď¸ Donât gift wrap liquor until after customs; officers will open it.
- â ď¸ Avoid shipping alcohol via courier without excise permitsâit still goes through customs scans.
- â ď¸ Never lie about quantities. Officers can X-ray your baggage and levy harsher penalties if you are caught.
FAQ
Q. Does the 2-litre rule apply to duty-free purchases made in India before departure?
Yes. Customs counts all alcohol you carry into India regardless of where you bought it.
Q. Can minors carry alcohol for parents?
No. Only passengers 18+ qualify for the allowance.
Q. What is the duty rate?
Standard effective rate is ~38.5% of the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight). Rates can be higher for premium categories after cess.
Tips before you fly
- âď¸ Buy bottles with screw caps if you have multiple layoversâcorks can dry out on long flights.
- âď¸ Keep a small roll of duct tape to reseal STEBs if they loosen (without actually opening the inner pouch).
- âď¸ If youâre gifting, carry decorative sleeves separately so you can wrap bottles after you clear customs.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines â 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.