Gold has always been a significant asset in Indian households, whether for weddings, festivals, or investment purposes. As one of the largest consumers of gold, India’s import duties on gold play a major role in determining its domestic prices.
With Budget 2025 in focus, experts expect a 3% reduction in gold import duty to boost the jewelry sector, curb smuggling, and make gold more affordable for consumers. The government is also reviewing customs duty policies to support exports and enhance the domestic gold refining industry.
This blog explores the latest gold import duty rates, Budget 2025 expectations, and their impact on gold prices in India.
Understanding Custom Duty on Gold
Firstly, let’s understand what is gold custom duty and its importance:
Custom duty is a tax levied on imported gold to regulate the demand for foreign gold, control forex outflows, and promote domestic refining.
Importance of Custom Duty on Gold in India
- ⇒ Controls gold imports and reduces trade deficits
- ⇒ Impacts gold prices and jewelry affordability
- ⇒ Prevents gold smuggling by regulating import costs
- ⇒ Supports Indian gold refiners by promoting local production
Suggested Read: Different Types of Gold
Current Customs Duty Rates on Gold Imports
As of the latest updates, the customs duty rates on gold imports are as follows:
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♦ Gold Bars and Coins: The basic customs duty is 6%.
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♦ Gold Dore Bars: The duty on gold dore bars is 5.35%.
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♦ Gold Jewellery: The customs tariff on gold jewellery has been reduced from 25% to 20%, effective from February 2, 2025.
Additionally, a Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) of 1.25% is levied on the value of the gold, applicable to both gold bars and jewellery.
| Gold Type | Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) | Total Duty % |
| Gold Bars & Coins | 6% | 10% of BCD | 6.60% |
| Gold Dore Bars (Unrefined) |
5.35% | 10% of BCD | 5.89% |
| Gold Jewellery | 20% | 10% of BCD | 22% |
* Note: These rates are based on the latest Budget 2025 changes, effective from February 2, 2025. Always check with Indian Customs for the latest updates before importing gold.
Duty-Free Allowances for Gold Imports
Passengers entering India are permitted to bring a certain amount of gold jewellery duty-free:
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⇒ Male Passengers: Up to 20 grams of gold jewellery, not exceeding a value of ₹50,000.
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⇒ Female Passengers: Up to 40 grams of gold jewellery, with a maximum value of ₹100,000.
These allowances apply only to gold jewellery; other forms of gold, such as coins and bars, are subject to customs duty irrespective of the quantity.
Suggested Read: Difference Between Hallmarked, KDM & 916 Gold
Importing Gold Beyond Duty-Free Limits
Indian citizens who have resided abroad, including in Dubai, for more than six months are allowed to bring up to 1 kilogram of gold into India. However, this quantity is subject to customs duty, and the gold can be in the form of bars, coins, or jewelry.
Calculate Custom Duty on Gold in 2025
To determine the final price of imported gold, you must include:
- ⇒ Basic Customs Duty (BCD)
- ⇒ Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC)
- ⇒ Social Welfare Surcharge
- ⇒ Integrated GST (IGST)
Formula: Total Custom Duty = BCD + AIDC + Surcharge + IGST
Impact of Custom Duty Cut on Gold Prices & Demand
- ⇒ Lower Gold Prices for Consumers: A 3% reduction in import duty will make gold cheaper in India, benefitting buyers. With lower duties, domestic gold rates will fall, making it a good time to invest in gold.
- ⇒ Boost for Jewelry Exports: Indian jewelry exports will gain a competitive edge in global markets due to lower taxation. The export sector is expected to see a rise in demand, boosting employment.
- ⇒ Increase in Gold Refining Industry: Lower gold doré duty (8%) will promote domestic refining, reducing reliance on imported refined gold. Encourages growth in India’s bullion market, making the country a hub for gold refining.
- ⇒ Reduction in Gold Smuggling: High import duties have led to an increase in illegal gold imports. A lower duty structure will reduce smuggling activities, ensuring legal gold trade.
Also Read: Benefits of Buying Digital Gold
Process to Declare Gold at an Airport in India
Passengers carrying gold beyond the duty-free limit must declare it at the Red Channel at Indian airports. The process includes:
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⇒ Filling out a declaration form at customs.
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⇒ Paying the applicable duty based on the gold’s weight and value.
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⇒ Providing purchase invoices or proof of origin if required.
Failing to declare gold can result in legal penalties, including confiscation.
Consequences of Non-Declaration of Excess Gold
Not declaring excess gold at an Indian airport can lead to:
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⇒ Seizure of gold by customs authorities
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⇒ Heavy fines and penalties
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⇒ Legal action or potential arrest in case of smuggling attempts
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⇒ Blacklist for future travel and restrictions on carrying gold
To avoid these issues, passengers should declare any gold exceeding the allowed limits and pay the necessary duties as per regulations.
Suggested Read: How to Identify Real vs. Fake Gold
Conclusion
The custom duty on gold in India 2025 is expected to drop by 3%, reducing gold prices and making it more affordable for buyers. The government aims to boost the jewelry industry, encourage domestic refining, and reduce illegal imports through these policy changes.
If you are planning to buy gold, invest in ETFs, or import gold, staying informed about custom duty updates will help you make the best financial decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is customs duty on gold in India?
As of 2025, the custom duty on gold is expected to be 9.5% for gold bars, 18% for gold jewelry, and 8% for gold doré after Budget revisions. This may vary based on future policy changes.
How much gold can NRI bring to India?
NRIs can bring up to 1kg of gold to India after staying abroad for over a year, but custom duty applies on amounts beyond duty-free limits.
How much gold is allowed in India duty-free?
Men – Up to 20 grams (₹50,000)
Women – Up to 40 grams (₹1 lakh)
Anything beyond this is subject to custom duty and GST.
What is the tax on gold in India?
Gold purchases attract:
Custom Duty (9.5% – 20%, depending on the type)
GST (3% on gold, 5% on making charges)
Capital Gains Tax (Long-term: 20% with indexation; Short-term: Taxed as per income slab)
How is customs duty calculated in India?
Formula: Total Custom Duty = Basic Customs Duty (BCD) + AIDC + Social Welfare Surcharge + IGST. For example, importing gold worth ₹5,00,000 will have added duties, making the final cost higher.
In which country is gold the cheapest?
Gold is cheapest in Dubai (UAE), Switzerland, and Hong Kong due to low import duties and VAT exemptions.
Can I bring gold from Switzerland to India?
Yes, but it is subject to Indian customs regulations. You can carry duty-free gold within the prescribed limits, and duty applies beyond 20g for men and 40g for women.
How much gold can you take on a plane to India?
Passengers from abroad can bring duty-free gold up to 40g (₹1 lakh for women) and 20g (₹50,000 for men). Gold beyond this limit is subject to customs duty and declaration requirements.
Can I carry 1kg gold to India?
Yes, NRIs who have stayed abroad for over a year can bring up to 1kg of gold, but import duty (approx. 9.5%-18%) applies beyond the duty-free limit.
