The government has notified the Baggage Rules, 2026, along with the new Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026, and issued a master circular to simplify travel procedures for passengers arriving in and departing from India. According to the Ministry of Finance, the changes are designed to reduce paperwork, improve transparency, and make customs clearance at airports faster and more efficient.

Under the new framework, passengers will be able to declare their baggage electronically, including the option to submit declarations in advance. This is expected to significantly cut waiting time at customs counters and ease congestion at airports.

The revised rules also provide enhanced general free allowance, clearer transfer of residence benefits, and special concessions for jewellery. In a move welcomed by frequent travellers, one laptop will now be allowed duty-free for passengers above the age of 18.

Additional provisions address temporary imports and re-imports, ensuring that items taken abroad and brought back to India can be cleared with fewer formalities. The rules also allow pets to be brought into the country duty-free, subject to prescribed conditions.

The Ministry said the updated baggage regime reflects changing economic realities, growing international travel, and rising passenger expectations, with a focus on making airport processes smoother and more passenger-friendly.