How Much Gold Can an NRI Bring to India? Customs Rules & Limits

How Much Gold Can an NRI Bring to India? Customs Rules & Limits

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) visiting India often bring gold jewellery, coins and biscuits from abroad - as gifts, personal jewellery or as investments. Customs rules set specific limits on how much gold you can bring duty-free, and what duty applies above those limits.

This guide explains the current rules, what to declare at the airport, and what to do with the gold once you are in India.

At a Glance

NRI Gold Allowance: Current Customs Rules

Customs Duty on Gold Above the Allowance

For gold above the duty-free limit (or any gold bars/coins):
• Basic Customs Duty: 15%
• AGIF cess: 3% of duty = 0.45%
• Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of duty = 1.5%
• Effective total duty: approximately 16.5–18% of value

For every 10g of 24K gold brought in above the duty-free limit:
Duty payable = ₹1,52,500 × 18% = approximately ₹27,450

What to Do at the Airport

• If carrying within the duty-free limit: proceed through the Green Channel
• If carrying above the limit or bringing bars/coins: proceed through the Red Channel and declare
• Do not attempt to conceal excess gold - penalties include seizure plus fine of 100–300% of duty
• Customs officers may ask for the original purchase receipt for gold brought in
• Keep all purchase receipts from the country of purchase for duty calculation

Selling Gold Brought from Abroad in India

Once gold is legally in India (either within the allowance or duty paid on excess), you can sell it at any Attica Gold branch exactly like domestic gold.

XRF testing confirms the purity. You are paid at the IBJA rate for the tested purity and weight. Documents needed: Aadhaar + PAN (if sale > ₹2,00,000).

No customs receipt is required at the gold buyer - the sale is a domestic transaction once the gold has cleared customs.

Why Choose Attica Gold Company

Attica Gold Company is ISO 9001:2015 certified with 200+ branches across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Pondicherry. Your wait is over.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gold can an NRI bring to India?

Male NRIs: 20g jewellery duty-free (max ₹50,000). Female NRIs: 40g jewellery duty-free (max ₹1,00,000). Gold bars/coins attract duty from the first gram.

What is the duty on gold brought to India above the limit?

Approximately 18% of value (15% basic duty + cess + surcharge).

Can an NRI bring gold bars duty-free?

No - duty-free allowance applies only to gold jewellery. Bars and coins attract duty from the first gram.

Do I need to declare gold at the airport?

Yes, if above the duty-free limit or if bringing bars/coins. Use the Red Channel for declaration.

Can I sell foreign gold in India?

Yes - once legally imported (duty paid or within allowance), you can sell it at any gold buyer. XRF testing determines purity and you are paid the IBJA rate.

How long must I have been abroad to claim the NRI gold allowance?

At least 6 months abroad.

What documents do I need at a gold buyer for foreign gold?

Aadhaar and PAN (if applicable). No customs receipt is required at the buyer.