Gold Jewellery on Flights
Limited
Personal jewellery worn is generally allowed. Bringing gold into India attracts duty beyond 20g (men) / 40g (women) allowances when abroad over 6 months.
Quick answer
Jewellery you wear is usually treated as āpersonal effectsā. Trouble starts when weight or purity signals commercial intent. Officers rely on X-ray silhouettes plus random manual inspections.
Returning NRIs/PIOs must show passport stamps proving six months outside India to claim the concessional allowance. Otherwise, the entire value attracts duty (currently 15% plus surcharge).
Bullion bars, coins, and unfinished ornaments are never duty-free. They must be declared, invoiced, and often routed through the Red Channel for appraisal.
Before travelling
- āCarry purchase invoices or valuation certificates for high-value sets.
- āPhotograph each piece against a scale to document quantity and design.
- āNote hallmark numbers or BIS cards in case officers request verification.
At customs
- āSeparate personal jewellery (worn) from packed gifts so officers can sample-check easily.
- āDeclare bullion or unworn items proactively; duty counters accept digital payments on the spot.
- āRequest an appraisal receipt if customs keeps items pending evaluationāuseful for insurance claims.
Gold allowance snapshot
| Traveller | Duty-free allowance | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Male passenger | 20g / ā¹50k | >6 months abroad |
| Female passenger | 40g / ā¹100k | >6 months abroad |
| Other cases | 0g | Duty payable on full value |
Do this
- ā Use hard cases or jewellery rolls inside cabin baggage to avoid scratches during inspection.
- ā Keep a list of heirloom pieces and their approximate ageāheritage value can influence duty calculation.
- ā Declare even if you suspect value is below the limit; officers make the final call, and honesty speeds the process.
Avoid this
- ā ļø Donāt carry raw gold dust or cut pieces; customs treats them as bullion, not jewellery.
- ā ļø Avoid lending jewellery to co-travellers to āsplitā the limitāif discovered, everyone gets penalised.
- ā ļø Never mail high-value ornaments to yourself to dodge checks; parcels go through customs too.
FAQ
Q. Do gemstones count toward the gold allowance?
No, but they are still valued separately for duty calculations. Carry gem invoices.
Q. What if I lost the purchase bill?
Get a valuation letter from a certified jeweller before travel; customs may still revalue but at least you have documentation.
Q. Can I import gold coins as souvenirs?
Coins count as bullion. Declare them and be ready to pay duty regardless of weight.
Tips before you fly
- āļø Use a handheld luggage scale to weigh packed jewellery setsāhandy if officers ask for exact numbers.
- āļø Store jewellery insurance details in the cloud so you can prove ownership if the airline misplaces your bag.
- āļø Wear minimal pieces during transit and pack the rest neatly; it reduces the time officers spend inspecting you personally.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines ā 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.