# UAE-to-India gold duty rules: allowances and charges explained

2026-09-20T16:52:23+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Indian residents travelling from the UAE can bring gold jewellery duty-free: up to 20 grams worth Rs 50,000 for men and 40 grams worth Rs 1 lakh for women. Gold coins and bars are not covered by this allowance and always attract customs duty. Any jewellery above the duty-free limit is taxed, with duty starting at 3% for 20-50 grams, rising to 6% for 50-100 grams, and up to 10% for larger quantities. For those who have lived abroad for over six months, a concessional duty of about 13.7% applies on up to 1 kg of gold, including jewellery, coins, or bars. This 1 kg limit includes both the duty-free and dutiable portions. Travellers must declare gold beyond the duty-free limit at customs, carry purchase invoices, and be prepared for checks to avoid fines or confiscation.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The rules apply to all Indian residents returning from the UAE, a major gold retail hub where prices are often lower than in India. The duty-free jewellery allowance is per person and not per family, so families travelling together each get the limit. The concessional 13.7% rate for stays over six months includes a 1 kg cap that was set by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. What a traveller actually pays depends on the weight, form (jewellery versus bars), and length of stay abroad. Customs officials on arrival check declarations and invoices, so any undeclared gold risks seizure.

## Coverage

- gulfnews.com <https://gulfnews.com/gold-forex/india-gold-prices>

Tags: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, customs duty, gold, India, UAE
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