Key Rules Of Importing Gold In India From Other Countries: Gold is one of the most valuable commodities imported into India, although it is subject to stringent regulations. You must follow certain regulations whether you are a trader importing gold for business purposes or a tourist bringing it for personal use.

The guidelines define the amount of gold that can be transported duty-free, the types of forms that are permitted, and the customs duty fees that apply to excess amounts. For example, travellers are only permitted to bring jewellery made of gold; coins and bars are prohibited. Additionally, there are restrictions on how much gold both individuals and companies can import.

Here are the top 10 key rules you need to know before importing gold into India.

1. Importing Gold into India for Travellers

Gold can be brought into India from other nations, but its amount and form are limited. In addition to being for personal use, the gold must be in jewellery rather than bars or coins. Travellers must also pay the appropriate duty charges and declare gold that exceeds the duty-free limit at customs.

2. How Much Gold Can You Carry Duty-Free?

Up to a certain amount of gold can be brought into India without incurring customs duties, according to the Indian government. These are the duty-free limits:

Male Passengers – Up to 20 grams of gold (maximum value: ₹50,000)

Female Passengers – Up to 40 grams of gold (maximum value: ₹1,00,000)

Any gold exceeding these limits is subject to customs duty.

3. Maximum Gold Limit Per Entity

In a single trip, no individual or organisation may import more than 10 kg of gold (including ornaments) per passenger. This regulation, which is applicable to all people, including tourists and traders, makes sure that too much gold isn't brought into the nation at once.

4. Gold Must Be in Jewellery Form

Key rules of importing Gold in India (Image: Canva) 

Only jewellery made of gold may be brought by travellers. Importing gold ornaments with stone settings—like diamonds, rubies, or emeralds is prohibited. This prohibition stops fraudulent gold valuation practices and guarantees that only jewellery made of pure gold enters the nation.

5. Gold Coins, Biscuits, and Medallions Are Prohibited

The importation of gold in the form of coins, medallions, or biscuits is strictly forbidden by the Indian government. Travellers are not allowed to bring gold in the form of investment-grade bars or coins because only jewellery is allowed.

6. Custom Duty Fees for Female Passengers

A female traveller is required to declare and pay a customs duty fee if she is carrying more than 40 grams of gold. Government policies determine the applicable duty charges, so before departing, travellers should verify the most recent rates.

7. Custom Duty Fees for Male Passengers

In the same way, male passengers who carry more than 20 grams of gold must pay the appropriate amount of customs duty. Travellers should retain the receipt as evidence of payment, and the duty must be paid in Indian currency.

8. Purchase Proof and Declaration Requirements

A bill or invoice from an authorised jeweller is required as proof of purchase for visitors bringing gold into India. If the amount of gold exceeds the duty-free limit, they must also declare it at customs when they arrive. Penalties or confiscation may follow failure to declare gold.

Rules for Importing Gold Bars into India

Key rules of Importing Gold bars in India (Image: Canva) 

9. Gold Must Be Imported Through Designated Agencies

Only specially bonded warehouses or authorised organisations authorised by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) or the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may import gold for traders or jewellery makers. Importing directly without permission is prohibited.

10. Import Standards for Gold Bars

Importing only certain kinds of gold bars is allowed. Authorised dealers and Trading Corporations (TC) are able to import:

100-gram and 1-kg gold bars with purity levels of 0.995 and 0.999 These imports are subject to stringent regulations and are only permitted for jewellery production or trading.