What NRIs in Kuwait Need to Know About New Indian and Kuwait Gold Customs Rules

27/02/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 27: India’s decision to revise its customs framework for gold jewellery under the Baggage Rules 2026 is beginning to influence buying patterns among Indian expatriates in Kuwait. According to industry experts, the shift has been “subtle” but noticeable, with many shoppers adjusting purchases to align with the updated duty-free weight limits.

Effective February 2, 2026, the Indian government removed the monetary value cap on duty-free gold jewellery for eligible passengers, replacing it with a strictly weight-based allowance. The move simplifies compliance and reduces valuation disputes, while increasing the quantity of gold jewellery that can be carried without attracting customs duty.

Duty-Free Gold Jewellery Limits (Baggage Rules 2026)

Eligibility: Passenger must have resided abroad for more than one year.
Female Passengers: Up to 40 grams of gold jewelry (no value limit).
Male Passengers: Up to 20 grams of gold jewelry (no value limit).
Children: Eligible for the same gender-based limits if they have stayed abroad for over one year.

Rules for Gold Bars, Coins, and Biscuits

No Duty-Free Allowance: Gold in bar, coin or biscuit form is never duty-free.
Mandatory Declaration: Must be declared upon arrival in India.
Customs Duty: Payable from the very first gram.
Maximum Limit: Up to 1 kilogram of gold (including jewellery) can be brought by paying applicable duty, provided the passenger has stayed abroad for at least six months.

Customs Duty Rates (2026)

For Indian passport holders and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) meeting the six-month residency condition, a concessional customs duty of around 6 percent (5 percent Basic Customs Duty plus 1 percent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess) applies. Those who have stayed abroad for less than six months face a significantly higher rate of approximately 38.5 percent.

General Duty-Free Allowance (GFA)

India has increased the General Duty-Free Allowance for other goods such as electronics and gifts to ₹75,000 for passengers arriving by air or sea, up from ₹50,000. Additionally, one laptop or notebook is permitted duty-free for travellers aged 18 and above, over and above the ₹75,000 threshold. Effective April 1, 2026, customs duty on certain personal imports exceeding the general allowance has also been rationalised to a flat 10 percent plus surcharge in select categories, though high-value items may attract different rates.

Important Compliance Guidelines

Declaration: Use the Red Channel if gold exceeds duty-free limits.
Digital Filing: Travellers are encouraged to use the Atithi App for faster customs declarations.
Documentation: Carry original purchase invoices and purity certificates to avoid disputes.
Export Certificate: Obtain from Customs when taking jewellery out of India to ensure smooth re-entry without additional duty.

Kuwait Customs Rules & Regulations For Carrying Gold Abroad
If you intend to take gold out of Kuwait, you must declare it with Kuwait Customs at the airport and carry proper documentation showing ownership. Non-declaration can result in loss of the items or other penalties. Most importantly, gold purchases in Kuwait must be made through bank transactions using a debit or credit card; cash payments are not permitted.

Mandatory Declaration of Gold and Valuables

• All travellers departing from or arriving to Kuwait International Airport must declare gold in any form — including gold bars, coins, jewellery, and other precious items — to the General Administration of Customs

• This requirement is part of broader customs rules that also cover cash and other high-value valuables to align with international standards on financial transparency and anti-money-laundering.

What You Must Do When Carrying Gold

• Before Departure: Complete a customs declaration form for your gold before leaving Kuwait

• Documentation: Have original purchase receipts or proof of ownership ready, as customs officials may ask you to present them when you enter or depart.

• Customs Notes: For jewellery and watches, officials may provide a sighting note at departure and another upon your return if you can show the receipts

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to declare gold or other valuable items can result in the confiscation of the undeclared goods and possible legal action by customs authorities.

Officials emphasize that the declaration is a legal obligation and not meant to restrict travel: it’s intended to ensure transparency and compliance with global customs rules

by John Fernandes
Online Media Manager - Arab Times