Customs for hike in your duty-free allowance limit

If a proposal mooted by Mumbai Customs is accepted, you will soon be able to bring back double the amount of duty-free goods when you return from a trip abroad.

If a proposal mooted by Mumbai Customs is accepted, you will soon be able to bring back double the amount of duty-free goods when you return from a trip abroad.

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Further, if the value of a single item is more than the individual free baggage allowance limit, you will be able to divide the value with an immediate family member travelling with you.

Presently, the free baggage limit per person is Rs 25,000. “We have proposed to make it Rs 50,000,” said a senior Customs official, who did not wish to be named.

“The present limit is extremely low, and people end up paying duty on the excess amount (above Rs 25,000) because hardly any imported item — be it electronics, fashion accessories or clothing — comes within this limit,” the official said.

A third proposal mooted by Mumbai Customs recommends issuing import certificates to non-resident Indians (NRIs) or foreigners who carry jewellery for personal use on their visits to India. “It would be on the line of the export certificate issued to Indians travelling abroad,” the official said.

These, and other proposals, are among those sent by the Mumbai Customs to the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). They are expected to be put up for discussion during the budget session of parliament.