Duty-Free Liquids on Return Flights
Limited
Duty-free alcohol or perfume allowed through transit only if sealed in STEBs with receipt dated within 36 hours.
Quick answer
STEBs (Security Tamper-Evident Bags) prove that a duty-free bottle was inspected at the shop. The clear pouch lists the airport, date, and flight so screeners at your connection can wave it through without re-opening the bottle.
Transit officers still run random explosive trace tests. If they notice a torn seal, missing receipt, or a layover longer than a calendar day, they are obliged to bin the bottle or make you check it in.
On arrival in India, customs will add whatever survives transit to your personal duty-free allowance (2 litres of alcohol). Keep receipts handy to show quantity and price before leaving the green channel.
Before you buy
- âConfirm every onward airport accepts STEBsâsome smaller domestic hops still X-ray them manually.
- âAsk the cashier to double-bag fragile glass and staple the receipt visibly inside the pouch.
- âPlan timing: purchase within 36 hours of the final leg so the timestamp stays valid.
During connections
- âKeep the STEB inside your cabin bag but separate it during security re-screening so officers can inspect the seal.
- âShow boarding passes for all segmentsâsome airports annotate the STEB with your next flight number.
- âIf you must exit the sterile area, ask the airline whether you can check the bottle in a protected box before re-clearing security.
Transit outcomes for duty-free liquids
| Scenario | Security decision | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Seal intact + receipt <36h | Clears LAG screening | Proceed to gate with STEB |
| Seal opened for tasting | Confiscated | Buy again after next checkpoint |
| Forced landside exit | >100ml rule applies | Repack in checked bag or skip carrying |
Do this
- â Carry a spare foldable tote to shield STEBs from knocks inside the overhead bin.
- â Photograph the receipt and seal number in case the ink fades mid-trip.
- â Combine purchases so each passenger holds no more than the 2-litre customs allowance on arrival.
Avoid this
- â ď¸ Donât decant bottles into travel flasks; customs will treat them as undeclared alcohol.
- â ď¸ Avoid buying duty-free five hours before an overnight layoverâlong gaps invite extra checks.
- â ď¸ Never stuff STEBs into checked baggage without extra padding; broken seals void the exemption.
FAQ
Q. Can I carry two STEBs if I have two layovers?
Yes, but keep receipts for each. Screeners only care that each pouch is sealed, labelled, and within the time limit.
Q. What if the shop forgets to include the receipt?
Return immediately and request another STEB with a duplicate billâwithout it, the exemption falls apart at the next checkpoint.
Q. Does the 2-litre Indian allowance include alcohol bought abroad and domestically?
Yes. CBIC counts all liquor in your baggage. Anything above 2 litres attracts ~38.5% duty even if it stayed sealed.
Tips before you fly
- âď¸ Use travel-size bubble wrap sleeves around bottles before sliding them into the STEBâsecurity allows it as long as it stays transparent.
- âď¸ If you are uncertain about a tight connection, pre-order pickup at the last airport so you buy after the final security check.
- âď¸ Track STEB integrity with luggage AirTags so you know if the bag is mishandled by ramp staff when gate-checking.
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.