Customs-Prohibited Items When Entering India
Not Allowed
Firearms, satellite phones, pornographic material, and counterfeit currency are prohibited unless licensed.
Quick answer
CBIC’s prohibited list mixes national security items (guns, communication gear) with biosecurity concerns (seeds, meat) and moral restrictions (obscene material). Officers have broad powers to confiscate anything undeclared.
Some gear such as drones, radio transmitters, or firearms can enter with licences from DGCA, DGFT, or WPC. Carry photocopies and digital scans because customs rarely has time to verify permits online.
Penalties scale quickly: confiscation, 10–300% duty penalties, and even arrest for satellite phones or wildlife contraband. Declaring voluntarily is viewed as compliance, which often leads to a warning instead of prosecution.
Before you pack
- ✔Compare your gear list with DGFT Schedule I (prohibited) and Schedule II (restricted).
- ✔Apply for import permits early—some (sat phones, scientific instruments) take 4–6 weeks.
- ✔Photograph serial numbers and store them in cloud notes for declaration forms.
At arrival
- ✔Choose the Red Channel if you even slightly exceed allowances. Officers appreciate honesty.
- ✔Hand over licences, invoices, and packing lists together so inspection ends faster.
- ✔Request a detention receipt if customs holds an item; it helps with insurance or appeals.
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 |
Do this
- ✅ 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.
Avoid this
- ⚠️ 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.
FAQ
Q. Is pepper spray allowed?
Yes in checked baggage (≤100ml) for self-defense, but declare if carrying multiple cans.
Q. Can I bring a drone for recreational filming?
Only nano drones (≤249g, no control beyond line-of-sight) are exempt. Heavier drones need import permission and Remote Pilot IDs.
Q. What happens if customs seizes an item?
You receive a detention memo. You can appeal within 60 days or forfeit the goods if they are outright prohibited.
Tips before you fly
- ✈️ Bookmark the CBIC Travellers Guide PDF offline for quick reference mid-trip.
- ✈️ Carry a multilingual list of item descriptions if you transit through non-English airports to avoid mistranslation.
- ✈️ If buying tech abroad, keep packaging flat in your suitcase so officers see it is personal use, not commercial stock.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India 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.