New Delhi: Dubai has long been a favored destination for gold buyers, especially for Indian travelers who seek the yellow metal at lower prices than in India. With gold being both an investment and an integral part of Indian culture especially for weddings many travelers keep an eye on the best deals available in the Middle East. However there are strict rules on how much gold can be brought back to India legally, and exceeding the prescribed limits attracts customs duty.
Amid the recent arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao for alleged gold smuggling attention has turned to the official guidelines set by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) regarding gold imports from Dubai.
For Indian travelers returning from Dubai after a stay of more than six months up to 1 kg of gold can be brought back legally after paying customs duty. The permissible forms of gold include coins and bars. However those carrying gold above the permitted limits must declare their dutiable gold and enter the red channel at customs to ensure compliance.
For those looking to bring gold without any customs duty, the limits differ based on gender and age. Men can bring up to 20 grams of gold, valued at ₹50,000, while women can bring 40 grams, worth ₹1 lakh, without incurring any customs duty. Children under 15 years can bring up to 40 grams in the form of jewelry gifts or presents, provided they have identity proof linking them to the accompanying adults.
Exceeding these limits attracts customs duty, which varies depending on the weight of the gold. For men, gold between 20-50 grams is taxed at 3%, while amounts between 50-100 grams are taxed at 6%, and anything above 100 grams incurs a 10% duty. For women and children, gold between 40-100 grams is taxed at 3%, 100-200 grams at 6%, and anything over 200 grams at 10%.
Authorities emphasize that all returning passengers must carry proper documentation for gold purchases, ensuring smooth verification by customs officials. With gold prices constantly fluctuating, travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest customs rules and duty charges before making any purchases in Dubai.
