That iPhone from the US may no longer cost you extra at Indian customs

iPhone

• India increases duty-free allowance to Rs 75,000 for travelers from Feb 2026
• One laptop can be brought duty-free, separate from the Rs 75,000 allowance
• Customs duty on excess value cut to 10 percent, down from 20 percent

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Buying an iPhone from abroad just got easier, especially if you’re planning a trip to the US. India’s updated Customs Rules for 2026 have made life simpler and cheaper for travellers bringing gadgets back home.

From February 2, 2026, the government has raised the duty-free allowance for passengers arriving in India by air or sea to Rs 75,000. This applies to Indian residents, NRIs, and people of Indian origin. Earlier, the limit was Rs 50,000, which had remained unchanged for years.

What this means in simple terms is that you can now bring personal items worth up to Rs 75,000 without paying any customs duty. This includes gadgets, clothes, shoes, watches, and accessories, as long as they are meant for personal use and carried in your baggage. Foreign tourists visiting India get a separate duty-free limit of Rs 25,000, while infants are allowed only used personal items like clothes.

For iPhone buyers, this change matters. iPhones are often cheaper in the US compared to India. With the higher allowance, a large part of the iPhone’s price can now fall under the duty-free limit, reducing the chances of extra charges at the airport.

Another big relief is around laptops. Under the new rules, one laptop or notebook can be brought in duty-free, completely separate from the Rs 75,000 allowance. This applies to travellers aged 18 and above and does not include airline crew. In short, your laptop does not eat into your shopping limit.

If the value of items like an iPhone goes beyond Rs 75,000, customs duty is now lower than before. You will pay 10 percent customs duty on the excess amount, along with a 10 percent social welfare surcharge on that duty. Earlier, the basic duty was 20 percent, so the new rate cuts the extra cost almost in half.

This lower duty applies to most personal imports such as phones, cameras, smartwatches, and even food items. However, it does not apply to cars, alcohol, tobacco beyond permitted limits, or items that require special licences.

There are still a few clear restrictions. Flat-screen TVs are not covered under the duty-free allowance. Gold bars are excluded, though gold jewellery is allowed within limits for those who have lived abroad for over a year.

The safest way to avoid trouble is to keep purchase bills handy, avoid carrying multiple sealed boxes of the same item, and declare goods honestly if asked. Customs checks are becoming stricter, but the rules themselves are now clearer and more traveller-friendly.

For anyone planning to pick up an iPhone or other gadgets abroad, the takeaway is simple. Stick to the Rs 75,000 limit for non-laptop items, carry one laptop separately, and the savings can finally make sense.