Indian Customs

On Arrival, there are two Customs clearance channels: Green for travellers not carrying dutiable items and Red for the rest.

Duty-free items : Tourists are allowed to bring with them personal effects including clothing. However, the same shall be denied if it is commercial merchandise.Tourists are required to declare all expensive electronic equipment they bring on arrival at Customs. This shall also be re-checked on departure. Tourists should obtain an Export Certificate for these items if they are travelling to neighbouring countries and intend a multiple entry. Indian laws permit foreign tourists to bring in gifts worth Rs. 4,000 and tourists of Indian origin gifts worth Rs.12,000. Indian laws also allow tourists to bring 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm of tobacco, and one litre each of wine and spirits free of duty.

However, Indian laws do not allow tourists to bring gold coins, gold or silver bullion into the country. Possession of narcotics is strictly prohibited. Only licensed weapons could be brought into the country which should be declared at Customs. Cash or traveller's cheques over US $10,000 or equivalent must also be declared. All personal effects not used during the stay in India must be carried back.

Mishandled/Lost Baggage :

If your baggage is mishandled or lost in transit, obtain a certificate to this effect from the airline and have it countersigned by the Customs, indicating specifically how much of your duty-free allowance is unutilized.

Customs Enquiry/Complaints :

Assistant Collector of Customs at the international airport, or Commissioner of Customs,
New Customs House, Near IGI Airport,
New Delhi 110 037. Phone No: 25652990;
E-mail: cusdel@excise.nic.in
Custom Home Page: http://konark.ncst.ernet.in/cusyoms

On Departure

Prohibited Items of export :

·Gold jewellery valued at above Rs. 6,000.

·Animal skins or skin products.

·Antiques (over 100 years old). For verification, con- tact Archaeological Survey of India, Janpath, New Delhi Tele: 23019446 or ASI offices in other states.

·Wild plants, seeds or parts.

·Visitors leaving India within six months are exempt from Income Tax, Clearance procedures, but do keep your foreign currency encashment certificates handy in case of enquiry

A Foreign Travel Tax must be paid by tourists: Rs. 150 for departures to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives, and Rs. 500 for all other countries.

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