An Introduction
Traveling has emerged as a liking for many worldwide. The mere idea of touring brings in mind the various essentials one needs to carry on the trip. These personal belongings of immediate use that one carries while traveling in general, are termed as 'Baggage'.

India has its own set of Baggage laws that are meant for people who are traveling from or to India. The Government of India has carved out certain baggage rules keeping in mind the freedom of the tourists. However the Indian Government also sees that the same rules and the associated freedom of carrying the genuine baggage shouldn't be misused by the International passengers, thereby not causing any injury to the commercial and economic interest of the nation.

The Rules
The import and export of goods in India come under Exchange Management and Regulation Act 1992. According to the Regulation Act of 1992, one is liable to have an import or export license for the purpose of exporting and importing goods. Every article that is carried to or off India are also subject to the payment of custom duties at certain prescribed rates. The passengers also need to take a clearance from the custom official. For this a declaration needs to be made by the owner describing about his possessions. This process is to be done on a prescribed form, according to which the rates of duty and tariff evaluation are determined.

The baggage rules in India vary according to the number of days a passenger is to stay in the country, the country he/ she is traveling from and importantly the age of the passengers. Every traveler receives a duty free allowance by which they can bring various goods to the country without parting with any amount. However if the value of goods exceed the duty the allowance then a flat customs duty needs to be paid on the value exceeded.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods
Certain goods are prohibited and restricted for import/ export. Some of the goods are:

• Narcotic Drugs
• Pornographic Material
• Counterfeit and pirated goods
• Antiquities
• Firearms and ammunition
• Pet animals and birds
• Plants and their produce
• Radio Transmitters
• Gold, silver and other ornaments
• Indian and Foreign currency in excess of prescribed limit. Indian currency should not exceed more than Rs.1,000

For more authentic and credited information related to baggage rules in India, refer the given below Government of India site: