General information
Here’s what the different terms stand-for in reference to Customs:

• Tourist: A passenger who’s not a resident of India — one who enters India for a stay of not more than six months
• Baggage: All unaccompanied baggage, excluding Motor Vehicles. For the purpose of clearing, the owner shall make the declaration of all the contents to the customs officer
• Green Channel: When a passenger doesn’t have any dutiable goods to declare, he’s passed through the Green Channel
• Red Channel: When a passenger has dutiable goods to declare, he has to pass through the Red Channel. If a passenger fails to declare or wrongfully declares the dutiable goods, the goods may either be confiscated or he shall be levied with a fine or penalty. An attempt to smuggle gold without declaration may result in arrest & prosecution.

Air Baggage rules
Though below mentioned rules do apply, please check with the concerned airline for any specific baggage rules.

Domestic flights (US & Europe)

• Checked bags: According to general rules, you can either choose to check-in 3 bags, or carry 2 and carry-on 1. You can also check-in 1 bag and carry 2 with yourself.
• Size limitations: A checked bag cannot exceed 70 pounds, and its dimension should be restricted to 45” x 55” x 62”, for the first, second and third bag respectively.

Domestic flights (India)
 

• Checked bags: You are allowed to carry up to 20 kg in Economy Class and 30 kg in Business Class.
• Carry on bags: The bag’s dimension should be restricted to 65cms x 45cms x 25cms (LxWxH).

Duty rates
Uniform duty rates are applicable for all items imported as baggage. All items imported in excess of the permissible free allowance are charged with a duty of 60%.

In the event of the passenger returning to stay in India after spending 365 days abroad, a duty of 30% will be levied on all the baggage.

Alcoholic drinks and Tobacco products imported in excess of the free allowance limit will be charged at:

• Cigarettes: 150%
• Whisky: 413.24% (Applicable for whisky not exceeding US $25 per case). 339.92% (For whisky exceeding US $25 per case)
• Wines and beer: 264% (Applicable for wine and beer not exceeding US $25 per case). 212% (For wine & beer exceeding US $25 per case)

Note: In case the value of one item exceeds the duty free allowance, the duty shall be calculated only on the excess amount.