Atithi Devo Bhava
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
(For details please visit: https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources/htdocs-cbec/baggage-rules.pdf)
Every passenger entering India has to pass through a Customs check after being first
cleared by an Immigration Officer and taking delivery of his/her baggage, if any, from the
conveyer belts. The passenger has the option of seeking Customs clearance through either of
the two channels:
(i) Green Channel for passengers not having any dutiable or prohibited goods.
(ii) Red Channel for passengers having dutiable or prohibited goods.
Important Requirements:
(i) Customs Declaration Form is mandatory for passengers having prohibited or dutiable
goods in their possession or goods in excess of their eligible Duty Free allowance. Such
passengers shall ensure to file a correct declaration of their baggage in the Customs Declaration
Form and opt for the Red Channel. The passengers can also file declaration of dutiable items
as well as currency with Indian Customs even before boarding the flight to India by using
ATITHI mobile app.
(ii) Declaration of foreign exchange/currency has to be made before the Custom officers in
the following cases:
a. Where the value of foreign currency notes exceed US $5,000 or equivalent.
b. Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange including currency exceeds US
$10,000 or equivalent.
(iii) Passengers opting for the Green Channel with dutiable/prohibited goods are liable to
prosecution/penalty and confiscation of goods.
(iv) Trafficking of Narcotics and Psychotropic substances is a serious offence punishable
with imprisonment.
***
Arriving Passengers
1. What are the Duty Free Allowances and entitlements on arrival?
Ans. The Duty Free Allowances and entitlements are as follows:
I. On arrival from countries other than Nepal, Bhutan or Myanmar:
A. Indian Residents and foreigners residing in India:
(a) used personal effects and travel souvenirs;
(b) articles up to the value of Rs.50,000 carried on person or accompanied baggage,
excluding the following:
1. Fire arms.
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2. Cartridges of fire arms exceeding 50.
3. Cigarettes exceeding 100 sticks or cigars exceeding 25 or tobacco
exceeding 125 gms.
4. Alcoholic liquor or wines in excess of two litres.
5. Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments.
6. Flat Panel (Liquid Crystal Display/Light-Emitting Diode/ Plasma)
television.
B. Tourist of Foreign Origin:
(a) used personal effects and travel souvenirs;
(b) articles up to the value of Rs.15,000 carried on person or as accompanied
baggage.
II. On arrival from Nepal, Bhutan or Myanmar:
Indian Residents and foreigners residing in India or a tourist:
(a) used personal effects and travel souvenirs; and
(b) articles up to the value of Rs. 15,000 carried on person or as accompanied
baggage.
Notes:
1. Resident means a person holding a valid passport issued under the Passports Act, 1967
and normally residing in India.
2. Only used personal effects are allowed duty free in the case of infants.
3. The free allowance shall not be pooled with the free allowance of any other passenger.
4. The free allowance is not applicable to the following goods:
i. Fire arms.
ii. Cartridges of firearms exceeding 50.
iii. Cigarettes exceeding 100 sticks or cigars exceeding 25 or tobacco exceeding
125gms.
iv. Alcoholic liquor or wines or beer in excess of 2 litres.
v. Gold or silver, in any form, other than ornaments.
vi. LCD/LED/Plasma television of any screen size
5. One laptop computer (notebook computer) over and above the said free allowances
mentioned above is also allowed duty free if imported by any passenger of the age of
18 years and above.
6. The goods over and above the free allowances shall be chargeable to customs duty @
35% + Social Welfare Surcharge of 3.5%, i.e. the effective rate works out to be 38.5%.
7. Alcoholic drinks and tobacco products imported in excess of free allowance are
chargeable to Customs duty at the rates applicable to their commercial imports as per
the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.
8. Passengers normally resident of India who are returning from a visit abroad are allowed
to bring in Indian currency up to Rs. 25,000.
9. In case, the value of one item exceeds the free allowance, the duty shall be calculated
only on the excess of free allowance.
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10. Any goods, not restricted or prohibited, under the rules, may be brought only for
bonafide personal use and not in commercial quantity.
2. Can I file Customs Declaration in advance?
Ans. Yes. ATITHI app is an easy to use mobile application for international travellers to file
Customs declaration in advance. Passengers can use this app to file declaration of dutiable
items as well as currency with Indian Customs even before boarding the flight to India.
3. Does every passenger coming to India need to fill a Customs Declaration Form?
Ans. No. Only passengers who are carrying dutiable or prohibited goods are required to fill
a Customs Declaration Form or use ATITHI mobile app to file declaration of dutiable items as
well as currency with Indian Customs even before boarding the flight to India.
4. What are the Channels of Clearance?
Ans. For the purpose of Customs clearance of arriving passengers, a two channel system has
been adopted:
i. Green Channel for passengers not having any dutiable goods
ii. Red Channel for passengers having dutiable goods.
Passengers are advised to report at the appropriate channel for Customs Clearance. Passengers
walking through the Green Channel with dutiable/prohibited goods are liable to prosecution/
penalty and confiscation of goods.
5. Who is a tourist for the purpose of duty free allowances and entitlements?
Ans. A tourist is a passenger-
a) who is not normally a resident in India;
b) who enters India for a stay of not more than six months in the course of any twelve
months period for legitimate non-immigrant purposes, such as : touring, recreation, sports,
health, family reasons, study, religious pilgrimage, or business;
6. Who can bring Jewellery as baggage, free of duty?
Ans. An Indian passenger who has been residing abroad for over one year is allowed to
bring jewellery, free of duty in his bonafide baggage upto 20 grams with a value cap of
Rs.50,000/- (in case of a gentleman passenger) or up to 40 grams with a value cap of
Rs.1,00,000/- (in the case of a lady passenger).
7. What are the norms for the import of Alcoholic drinks/Cigarettes as baggage?
Ans. Following quantities of Alcoholic drinks and Tobacco products may be included for
import within the duty free allowances admissible to various categories of incoming
passengers:
- Alcoholic liquor or Wine or beer up to 2 litres.
- 100 Cigarettes or 25 Cigars or 125 gms of Tobacco.
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Condition:
The imported goods shall have proper pictorial warning on them as prescribed by Cigarettes
and Tobacco Products Packaging and Labelling Rules, issued by the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare.
The rate of duty applicable on these products over and above the above mentioned duty free
allowance is as under:
(i) Cigarettes BCD @ 30% + social welfare surcharge @ 3%+ CVD+NCCD+IGST
(as applicable)
(ii) All alcoholic beverages other than beer and inclusive of wine BCD @ 150%
(iii) Beer BCD @ 100% + Social Welfare Surcharge 10%
8. Who can import gold as baggage?
Ans. Any passenger of Indian Origin or a passenger holding a valid passport, issued under
the Passport Act, 1967, coming to India after a period of not less than six months of stay abroad.
However, short visits during these six months shall be ignored if the total duration of such short
visits does not exceed 30 days and the passenger has not availed of the exemption under this
scheme, at the time of such short visits. Except for these passenger, no other passengers are
allowed to import gold in Baggage.
Conditions:
(i) The duty shall be paid in convertible foreign currency
(ii) Concessional rate of duty @ 12.5% + Social Welfare Surcharge @ 1.25% is
applicable for gold to Indian Passport holders and persons of Indian origin if
stays is for more than 6 months. Short visits up to a total of 30 days during the
six months shall be ignored.
(iii) In cases other than those mentioned in (ii) above, normal rate of Customs Duty
@ 38.5% will be charged.
(iv) The weight of gold (including ornaments) should not exceed 1 Kg. per person.
(v) The passenger can either bring the gold himself at the time of arrival or import
the same within fifteen days of his arrival in India.
(vi) The passenger can also obtain the permitted quantity of gold from Customs
bonded warehouse of State Bank of India and Metals and Mineral Trading
Corporation subject to conditions (i) and (ii) above. He is required to file a
declaration in the prescribed Form before the Customs Officer at the time of
arrival in India stating his intention to obtain the gold from the Customs bonded
warehouse and pay the duty before clearance.
(vii) The rate of duty levied would be as follows:
S.No.
Description of Goods
Rate
1.
Gold bars, other than tola bars, bearing
manufacturer's or refiner's engraved serial
@ 12.5% + Social Welfare
Surcharge @ 1.25%
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number and weight expressed in metric units and
gold coins
2.
Gold in any form other than at S.No.1 above
including tola bars and ornaments, but excluding
ornaments studded with stones or pearls
@ 12.5% + Social Welfare
Surcharge @ 1.25%
9. Who can import silver as baggage?
Ans. The following passengers are eligible to import silver:
(a) Any passenger of Indian origin (even if a foreign national).
(b) Any passenger holding a valid passport issued under the Passport Act, 1967.
Conditions:
(i) The weight of silver (including ornaments) should not exceed 10 Kgs. per
passenger.
(ii) Such passengers are coming to India after a period of not less than six months
of stay abroad. However, short visits during these six months shall be ignored if
the total duration of such short visits does not exceed 30 days and the passenger
has not availed of the exemption under this scheme, at the time of such short
visits.
(iii) The duty at the rate of 12.5% Ad valorem + 1.25% Social Welfare Surcharge is
paid by the passenger in convertible foreign currency. Tariff value of silver is
taken as per the notifications issued from time to time.
(iv) The passenger can either bring the silver himself at the time of arrival or import
the same within fifteen days of his arrival in India.
(v) The passenger can also obtain the permitted quantity of gold from Customs
bonded warehouse of State Bank of India and Metals and Mineral Trading
Corporation subject to conditions (i) and (ii) above. He is required to file a
declaration in the prescribed Form before the Customs Officer at the time of
arrival in India stating his intention to obtain the gold from the Customs bonded
warehouse and pay the duty before clearance.
(vi) Import of Gold and Silver by a foreign national is prohibited.
10. What are the norms for import of Foreign Exchange/ Currency?
Ans. Any person can bring into India from a place outside India foreign exchange without
any limit. However, declaration of foreign exchange/ currency is required to be made in the
prescribed Currency Declaration Form in the following cases:-
(a) Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US $5,000/- or equivalent
(b) Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes,
bank notes, traveller cheques etc.) exceeds US $10,000/- or its equivalent
11. What are the norms for the import of Indian Currency?
Ans. Import of Indian Currency is prohibited. However, passengers normally resident in
India who are returning from a visit abroad can bring Indian Currency up to Rs.25,000.
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12. While coming into India how much foreign exchange can be brought in by NRIs?
Ans. An NRI coming into India from abroad can bring foreign exchange without any limit
provided if foreign currency notes, travellers cheques, etc. exceed US $10,000/- or its
equivalent and/ or the value of foreign currency exceeds US $5,000/- in currency notes or its
equivalent, it should be declared to the Customs Authorities at the Airport in the Currency
Declaration Form, on arrival in India.
13. What are the norms for the import of firearms?
Ans. Import of firearms is prohibited. Likewise, the import of Cartridges in excess of 50 is
also prohibited. However, persons transferring their residence (subject to fulfilment of requisite
conditions of Transfer of Residence) to India for a minimum period of one year are allowed to
import one firearm of permissible bore subject to the conditions that:
(i) The firearm was in possession and used abroad by the passenger for a minimum
period of one year.
(ii) The firearm, after clearance shall not be sold, loaned, transferred or parted with
in any manner during the life time of the passenger.
(iii) The firearm will be allowed clearance under Transfer of Residence facility, on
payment of applicable duty provided the passenger holds a valid arms license
from the local authorities.
14. What are the norms for the import of pet animals?
Ans. Import of pets (dogs or cats) up to two numbers per passenger is allowed as baggage,
only to persons transferring their residence to India after two year of continuous stay abroad
subject to production of required health certificate from country of origin and examination of
the said pets by the animal quarantine officer without an import license issued by DGFT.
Import of pets is allowed only at airports having animal quarantine facility, viz. at Delhi,
Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Passengers can also re-import the pets
which were being taken away with them as export with prior certification from the Animal
Quarantine officer. For details please refer http://dgftcom.nic.in/exim/2000/petguidelines.pdf
and http://aqcsindia.gov.in/pdf/trade-24.pdf
15. Can a passenger import seeds/plants/fruits/flowers?
Ans. Only certain plants and plant materials in Schedules V, VI and VII of the Plant
Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003 are allowed to be imported into
India subject to conditions. Passengers should ensure that regulated plant species should be
accompanied with a Phytosanitary certificate issued by an authorized officer at the country of
origin. For details, please refer to http://plantquarantineindia.nic.in/PQISMain/Default.aspx
16. What are the norms for the import of baggage of deceased person?
Ans. Used, bonafide personal and household effects belonging to a deceased person are
allowed to be imported free of duty subject to the condition that a certificate from the concerned
Indian Mission (Embassy/High Commission/Consulate) is produced at the time of clearance
regarding the ownership of the goods by the deceased person.
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17. What are rules & regulations for the import of unaccompanied baggage?
Ans. The passengers can send their baggage through cargo which is treated as
unaccompanied baggage. However, no free allowance is admissible in case of unaccompanied
baggage which is chargeable to Customs duty @ 35% ad valorem + 3.5% social welfare
surcharge (total 38.5% duty) and only used personal effects can be imported free of duty. The
applicable conditions are:
(i) Provisions of Baggage Rules are also extended to unaccompanied baggage
except where they have been specifically excluded.
(ii) The unaccompanied baggage should be in the possession abroad of the
passenger and shall be dispatched within one month of his arrival in India or
within such further period as the Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Customs
may allow.
(iii) The unaccompanied baggage may land in India up to two months before the
arrival of the passenger or within such period, not exceeding one year as the
Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Customs may allow, for reasons to be
recorded, if he is satisfied that the passenger was prevented from arriving in
India within the period of two months due to circumstances beyond his
control, such as sudden illness of the passenger or a member of his family, or
natural calamities or disturbed conditions or disruption of the transport or
travel arrangements in the country or countries concerned on any other reasons,
which necessitated a change in the travel schedule of the passenger.
18. What are the entitlements of a passenger who is transferring residence to India?
Ans. Depending on minimum the time period stayed abroad by the passenger and fulfilment
of conditions, various articles are allowed free of duty up to a specified limit.
(a) 3-6 months: aggregate value of Rs.60,000
(b) 6 months- l year: aggregate value of Rs.1,00,000
(c) Minimum 1 year during preceding two years: aggregate value of Rs.1,00,000
(d) Minimum stay of two years or more: upto a value of Rs. 5 lakhs.
These allowances are subject to fulfilment of conditions and are only available on specific
items. For further details, Rule 6 of the Baggage Rules, 2016 may please be referred.
(https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources/htdocs-cbec/baggage-rules.pdf)
19. What is detained baggage?
Ans. A passenger may request the Customs to detain his baggage either for re-export at the
time of his departure from India or for clearance subsequently on payment of duty.
The detained baggage would be examined and full details will be inventoried.
Such baggage is kept in the custody of the Customs and a Detention Receipt will be issued.
20. What am I supposed to do in case of mishandled baggage?
Ans. In case the baggage is lost or mishandled by the airlines, a procedure is in place for
clearance of such baggage by Customs, which allows the passenger to have delivery of his
baggage at his door step by the airlines.
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There is no need to handover the passport or the keys of the baggage to the airlines. The
passenger has to first file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with the airlines for the missing
baggage. At the same time, he/she has to file a declaration indicating contents in the missing
baggage. The passenger is required to obtain a certificate to that effect from the airlines and
get it countersigned by Customs indicating specifically the unutilized portion of the free
allowance. This would enable the passenger to avail the unutilized portion of the duty free
allowance when his baggage is delivered by the airlines. Finally, the passenger is required to
submit all these documents with the concerned airlines for clearance and delivery of goods on
his behalf. The examination of the mis-handled baggage, if required, would be carried out in
the presence of the passenger.
21. What are the norms for Airlines/Vessel Crew members?
Ans. Crew members are required to submit the correct declaration before Custom authorities
with respect to the currency, gold ornaments and electronic goods etc. in their possession on
arrival as well as departure. Crew members are allowed to bring items like chocolates, cheese,
cosmetics and other petty gift items for their personal or family use up to a value of Rs. 1,500
only at the returning of the aircraft from foreign journey. However, a crew member on final
pay off or at the termination of his engagement with the airline/vessel shall be eligible for
allowances as a common passenger.
22. Can a passenger import satellite phone?
Ans. Satellite phone is not permitted to be imported except against a license to be issued by
the WPC wing of Department of Telecommunications. Please refer
https://dot.gov.in/spectrum-management/2457 for further details.
23. Are LED/LCD/PLASMA Televisions exempt from Customs duty? What is the
customs duty on Television (LCD/LED/PLASMA)?
Ans. No, LCD /LED/ Plasma Televisions are not entitled for baggage allowance and will
suffer baggage rate of duty on full value as determined.
24. Can drones be imported as Baggage? What are the norms, if so?
Ans. There is no prohibition on import of drones as baggage. However, passengers
possessing drones have to opt for Red Channel and should declare the same in the separate
column in the Customs Declaration Form or file the same in advance by using ATITHI mobile
app. The drones are allowed subject to the conditions that the importer should have licence
issued by the WPC wing of Department of Telecommunications for importing the same
mentioning proper name, model and specifications of the goods.
25. What are the norms for ATA Carnet/Triptique?
Ans. ATA Carnet is an international uniform Customs document issued in 75 countries
including India, which are parties to the Customs Convention on ATA Carnet. The ATA Carnet
permits duty free temporary admission of goods into a member country without the need to
raise customs bond, payment of duty and fulfilment of other customs formalities in one or a
number of foreign countries. In India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
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Industry (FICCI), is appointed as the National Guaranteeing & Issuing Association for ATA
Carnets.
26. What are the norms for re-import of personal jewellery carried with the
passenger?
Ans. All the passengers leaving India are subject to clearance by Custom Authorities. Only
bonafide baggage is allowed to be cleared by passengers. There is a procedure prescribed
whereby the passengers leaving India can take the Export Certificate for various high
value items such as jewellery, from the Customs authorities. Such an Export Certificate
facilitates re-importation of such goods while bringing back the things to India as no duty is
charged. The advantage of having the Export Certificate is that the concessions you are entitled
to, when you return are not affected.
27. Can I import my used car while transferring my residence to India from abroad?
Ans. The automobiles including cars are excluded under bonafide baggage. Hence, import
of car is allowed on payment of Customs duties and certain import conditions. However, if an
individual is coming to India for permanent settlement after continuous stay of two years
abroad, some relaxations in the import conditions are provided if the car is in possession of the
individual for a period of minimum one year abroad,. For more details, please refer to
http://dgftcom.nic.in/licasp/itchs2012/87foot.pdf
Outgoing Passengers
1. What should you do when you leave India for abroad?
Ans. All the passengers leaving India are subject to clearance by Custom Authorities. Only
bonafide baggage is allowed to be cleared by passengers. There is a procedure prescribed
whereby the passengers leaving India can take the Export Certificate for various high
value items such as camera, video camera, as well as jewellery, from the Customs authorities.
Such an Export Certificate facilitates re-importation of such goods while bringing back the
things to India as no duty is charged. The advantage of having the Export Certificate is that the
concessions you are entitled to, when you return are not affected.
2. What is the amount of Currency allowed to be taken when going abroad/ leaving
India?
Ans. The limits on taking out currency are as follows:
(i) Export of Indian Currency is strictly prohibited. However Indian residents when
they go abroad are allowed to take with them Indian currency notes not
exceeding Rs.25,000/-.
(ii) Tourists/NRIs while leaving India are allowed to take with them foreign
currency not exceeding an amount brought in by them i.e. unspent foreign
exchange left from the amount declared in Currency Declaration Form at the
time of their arrival in India. Also, as no declaration is required to be made for
bringing in foreign exchange / currency not exceeding equivalent of U.S. $5,000
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in currency notes, or its equivalent or foreign exchange in form of currency
notes, bank notes or travellers cheque not exceeding US$ 10,000 or its
equivalent, generally tourists can take out of India with them at the time of their
departure foreign exchange/ currency not exceeding the above amount.
(iii) Indian residents going abroad are permitted to take with them foreign currency
without any limit so long as the same has been purchased/issued by RBI
approved/authorized foreign exchange dealer as per norms.
(iv) Carrying of Indian currency notes in the denomination of Rs.500 and Rs.1,000
to Nepal is prohibited.
3. Are costly items and electronic gadgets like camera/projector taken out of India
dutiable when brought back?
Ans. For costly items which can be identifiable by Sl. No, Marks etc. the Customs Officer
will issue an Export Certificate at the time of passengers' departure. While returning back, the
passenger may show the Export Certificate to the Customs Officer who will examine the goods
and allow the passage of the imported items without paying any duty. However, this
arrangement doesn't hold for jewellery items, which has a separate procedure.
4. Are passengers allowed to take out flora and fauna with them?
Ans. Export of most species of wildlife and articles made from wild flora and fauna, such as
ivory, musk, reptile skins, furs, shahtoosh etc. is prohibited.
Prohibited & Restricted Goods
Certain goods are prohibited (banned) or restricted (subject to certain conditions) for import
and/or export. These are goods of social, health, environment, wildlife and security concerns.
While it is not possible to list all the goods, more common of these are:
Prohibited Goods
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances
- Pornographic material
- Counterfeit and pirated goods and good infringing any of the legally enforceable
intellectual property rights
- Antiquities
- Firearms
- Maps and literature where India’s external boundaries are shown incorrectly
- Wild life products
- Counterfeit Indian Currency notes, stamps and coins
- Specified live birds and animals
- Fake currency notes
Restricted Goods
- Ammunition.
- Live birds and animals including pets.
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- Plants and their produce e.g. fruits, seeds.
- Endangered species of plants and animals, whether live or dead.
- Any goods for commercial purpose: for profit, gain or commercial usage.
- Radio transmitters not approved for normal usage.
- Gold and Silver, other than ornaments (for import only)
- Indian and foreign currency in excess of prescribed limits.
- Satellite phones
- Drones
- Foreign currency in excess of amount legally obtained or in the case of tourists
in excess of the amount declared on arrival or in excess of the exempted limit
of declaration at the time of departure.
Penal Provisions
Please note that non-declaration, mis-declaration and concealment of imported goods are
offences under the Customs Act, 1962 which may result in confiscation, fine, penalty and even
prosecution.
The Customs Act, 1962 also empowers imposition of heavy penalties for those passengers who:
- Attempt to walk through the Green Channel with prohibited, restricted or
dutiable goods
- Mis-declare their goods at the Red Channel
- Attempt to export prohibited or restricted goods.
- Abet the commission of any of the above offences.
The penal action may lead to:
- Absolute confiscation of goods or imposition of heavy fine in respect of the
concerned goods if these are released
- Imposition of penalty on individuals or concerned entities
- Arrest and prosecution including invocation of preventive detention in serious
cases.
Grievance Redressal
A passenger lodge his/her complaints or suggestions, if any, regarding Customs via:
(a) Feedback Forms at the Arrival hall.
(b) Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)
Portal https://pgportal.gov.in
(c) Facebook pages of various Airport Customs formations.
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Important Contact Numbers
S.No.
Commissioner of
Customs
Phone Number
Email ID
1.
Commissioner of
Customs, Ahmedabad
079-27544630
commr-cus[email protected]
cus-a[email protected]
2.
Commissioner of
Customs, Amritsar
(Preventive)
0183-2506408
commr_cusa[email protected]
3.
Commissioner of
Customs, Bengaluru
080-22864739
commr-c[email protected]
4.
Commissioner of
Customs (Airport),
Chennai
044-22560012
5.
Commissioner of
Customs (Port-Import),
Chennai
044-25230371
commr2-cuschn@gov.in
6.
Commissioner of
Customs, Cochin
0484-2668068
7.
Commissioner of
Customs (Import and
General), Delhi
011-25655386
011-25653030
ccge[email protected]n
8.
Commissioner of
Customs, Jodhpur, at
Jaipur
0141-2385414
commrpre[email protected]
9.
Commissioner of
Customs
(Admn/Airport),
Kolkata
033-22435372
10.
Commissioner of
Customs (Port), Kolkata
033-22436493
11.
Commissioner of
Customs (Preventive),
Kolkata (for Bagdogra
Airport)
033-22308658
12.
Commissioner of
Customs, Lucknow
0522-2329372
13.
Commissioner of
Customs, Mangaluru
0824-2408164
commr-c[email protected]
14.
Commissioner of
Customs (CSI Airport),
Mumbai
022-26880917
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15.
Commissioner of
Customs (Import),
Mumbai
022-22625802
16.
Commissioner of
Customs (Port-Import),
Nhava Sheva
022-27242411
17.
Commissioner of
Customs (Preventive),
Patna
0612-2504998
18.
Commissioner of
Customs, Pune
020-26051851
praka[email protected]
19.
Commissioner of
Customs, Tiruchirapalli
0431-2410672
20.
Commissioner of
Customs, Tuticorin
0461-2352964
commr-c[email protected]
21.
Commissioner of
Customs,
Visakhapatnam
0891-2564552
prcomm1-c[email protected]n
22.
Commissioner of
Customs , Goa
0832-2520615
commr-cusgo[email protected]
***
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Forms
CENTRAL BOARD OF INDIRECT TAXES AND CUSTOMS
Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance
INDIAN CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM
(Please see important information given below before filling this Form)
1. Name of the Passenger
2. Passport Number
3. Nationality
4. Date of Arrival (DD/MM/YYYY)
5. Flight No.
6. Number of Baggages (including hand baggages)
7. Country from where coming
8. Countries visited in last six days
9. Total value of dutiable goods being imported (Rs.)
10. Are you bringing the following items into India? (please tick Yes or No)
(i) Prohibited Articles Yes / No
(ii) Gold jewellery (over Free Allowance) Yes / No
(iii) Gold Bullion Yes / No
(iv) Meat and meat products/dairy products/fish/poultry products Yes / No
(v) Seeds/plants/seeds/fruits/flowers/other planting material Yes / No
(vi) Satellite phone Yes / No
(vii) Indian currency exceeding Rs. 10,000/- Yes / No
(viii) Foreign currency notes exceed US $ 5,000 or equivalent Yes / No
(ix) Aggregate value of foreign exchange including currency exceeds US $ 10,000 or
equivalent. Yes / No
Please report to Customs Officer at the Red Channel counter in case answer to any of the
above question is ‘Yes’.
Signature of Passenger …………………………
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Items prohibited for import include:
1. Maps and literature where Indian external boundaries have been shown incorrectly.
2. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
3. Goods violating any of the legally enforceable intellectual property rights.
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4. Wild life products.
5. Counterfeit Currency notes/coin or fake Currency notes.
6. Specified Live Birds and animals.
Customs Duty Free Allowance – Summary
Eligible Passenger
Origin Country
Duty Free Allowance
Passengers of Indian origin
and foreigners of over 10
years of age residing in India
Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar
Rs. 15,000
Passengers of Indian origin
and foreigners of over 10
years of age residing in India
Other than Nepal, Bhutan,
Myanmar
Rs. 50,000
Tourists of foreign origin
Anywhere
Gifts and souvenirs worth
Rs. 15,000
Indian passenger who has
been residing abroad for over
one year
Anywhere
Gold jewellery: Gentleman -
Rs. 50,000 Lady -
Rs.1,00,000
All passengers
Anywhere
Alcohol liquor or wine: 2
litres
Anywhere
Cigarettes: 100 numbers or
Cigars upto 25 or Tobacco
125 grams
Passenger of 18 years and
above
Anywhere
One laptop computer (note
book computer)
Customs duty is leviable @ 35% + Social Welfare Surcharge of 3.5%, i.e. the effective rate
works out to be 38.5% on the value of dutiable goods that is in excess of the Duty Free
Allowance.
Indian Customs is responsible for protecting the nation against the illegal import of prohibited
items. Indian Customs officers have the authority to question you and to examine you and your
personal property. If you are one of the passengers selected for questioning/ examination, you
will be treated in a courteous, professional and dignified manner.
If your baggage is mishandled / lost on arrival, please obtain endorsement of free allowance, if
any, from Customs Officer at Mishandled Baggage Counter.
For updated information on items prohibited/restricted for import or in case of any difficulty
or complaint, please contact the Customs PRO.
***
Page 18 of 19
CURRENCY DECLARATION FORM (CDF)
[See Regulation 6 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency)
Regulations, 2015]
Instructions for passengers:
1. This form need not be completed in cases where the aggregate value of the foreign exchange
brought in by the passenger in the form of currency notes, bank notes, or travellers cheques
does not exceed U.S.$ 10,000/- or its equivalent and/or the value of foreign currency notes does
not exceed U.S.$ 5,000 or its equivalent.
2. Passengers are advised to produce this form to a bank authorised to deal in foreign exchange
or money changer at the time of conversion of foreign exchange into Indian rupees or
reconversion of rupees into foreign exchange.
3. Visitors to India may please note that in case they do not wish to encash all the foreign
exchange declared above they should retain this form with them for production to the Customs
at the time of their departure from India to enable them to take with them the unutilised balance.
4. Details of travellers’ cheques/currency notes need not be furnished.
5. Foreign tourists need not indicate their address.
(To be completed by passenger)
I__________________________________________________________________________
hereby, declare that the following foreign exchange is in my possession at the time of my arrival
in India:
(Aggregate value only)
Name of
currency
Currency Notes
Travellers Cheques
Total
1
2
3
Signature____________________________
Passport No._________________________
Nationality___________________________
________________________________________________________________________
To be completed by Customs Officer
This is to certify that the above named person has brought with him foreign exchange as
indicated above.
Date____________ _________________________________
(Stamp and Signature of Customs Officer) PTO
(Space for endorsement)
Date
1
Distinctive Number of
Encashment Certificate
2
Amount
changed
3
Stamp and Signature of Bank
or Money changer
4
Page 19 of 19
***
