India Raises Duty-Free Allowance, Making It Easier to Bring iPhones from the US

Starting February 2, 2026, the Indian government has revised its customs regulations to increase the duty-free allowance for travelers arriving by air or sea from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. This change directly impacts individuals who bring goods, including electronics like iPhones, into India without incurring customs duty. Since iPhones are generally priced lower in the United States compared to India, many Indians rely on friends or relatives traveling from the US to bring these devices. The increased duty-free limit means that travelers can now bring iPhones worth up to Rs 75,000 without worrying about paying additional customs charges.

This revision benefits both residents and non-resident Indians (NRIs) who frequently travel between India and other countries. Previously, the Rs 50,000 limit often meant that high-end iPhones, which can exceed that value, attracted customs duty, making the process cumbersome and costly. With the new Rs 75,000 threshold, a broader range of iPhone models can be brought in duty-free, encouraging more travelers to take advantage of price differences abroad.

The customs duty exemption applies only to goods carried by travelers for personal use and not for commercial purposes. This means that individuals cannot import multiple iPhones or other electronics intending to sell them in India without incurring customs duties and following import regulations. The government’s move aims to balance facilitating personal imports while curbing unauthorized commercial imports.

This policy update also reflects the government’s broader approach to easing travel-related restrictions and boosting convenience for Indian citizens and NRIs. By raising the duty-free allowance, the government acknowledges the growing trend of cross-border purchases and the demand for electronics like iPhones, which remain popular among Indian consumers. It also helps reduce the incentive for black market imports or grey market sales, which often arise due to price disparities and customs complexities.

Travelers planning to bring an iPhone or other electronics from the US should ensure that the declared value does not exceed Rs 75,000 to avoid customs duty. They should also keep receipts and proof of purchase handy for customs verification. While this change simplifies the process, travelers must still comply with customs regulations and declare goods accurately upon arrival.

In summary, the Indian government’s increase of the duty-free allowance to Rs 75,000 starting February 2026 makes it easier and more cost-effective for travelers to bring iPhones from the US. This benefits both residents and NRIs by reducing customs-related hassles and costs, promoting legal and transparent imports of personal electronics.