Recently, Kannada and Tamil film actress Ranya Rao were arrested with 14.8 kg of gold at Kemp Gowda International Airport in Bengaluru while returning from Dubai. The issue of bringing gold from abroad since this incident is constantly under discussion. People are also asking how much gold or cash can be brought while returning from abroad? What are the rules in this regard and if the rules are violated, will legal action be taken and what is the provision of punishment?
How much gold can we bring from abroad?
If you or someone of your familiar has gone on a foreign trip, then while returning from there you can bring 20 grams (2 tola) gold and your female friend can bring 40 grams (4 tola) gold. This means that a male passenger can bring 20 grams of gold and a female passenger 40 grams of gold from abroad. Bringing so much gold is free. Apart from this, children below 15 years of age are also allowed to bring 40 grams (4 tola) gold. However, for this you have to prove your relationship. According to the Indian Passport Act 1967, Indian citizens can bring all types of gold (jewelery, biscuits and coins) with them in the prescribed quantity.
How much is the fee for bringing more gold?
Bringing more than the prescribed quantity while returning from abroad, 6% fee on jewelery (earlier 15%, budget was reduced in 2024). 12.5% custom duty on biscuits/coins + 1.25% social welfare overload.
Where does most of the gold to be smuggled in the country come from?
Most of the gold brought by smuggling in the country comes from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). After the United Arab Emirates, the second country where the most gold comes from is Myanmar. Apart from this, smugglers also bring gold from African countries. According to customs officials, only 10 percent of smuggled gold is seized. Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are at the forefront of gold smuggling from abroad. 60 percent of gold smuggling cases are registered in these states.
How much cash can I bring from abroad?
There is no limit on bringing cash from abroad. The condition is that if a male brings more than $ 5,000 (4.3 lakh rupees) cash foreign currency and a woman brings more than $ 10,000 (Rs 8.6 lakh), then it is necessary to announce. Indian currency can be brought only up to 25 thousand rupees.
How to announce cash?
You can give information about cash by filling customs declaration form (CDF) at the airport. You will also have to provide documents regarding the source of cash. If the information is correct, the cash is issued after paying the tax.
Will legal action be taken if the rules are violated?
If a passenger returning from abroad gives wrong information or smuggles more gold or cash under the prescribed limit, the goods can be confiscated. Legal action can be taken and heavy fine may also have to be paid. Under Section 135 of the Customs Act, if you bring more gold or cash than the prescribed limit without paying customs duty, you may be imprisoned up to six years. You may have to pay heavy fine. Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) you may have a jail and fine of up to one year. Gold or cash will also be confiscated under both laws.
What happens to seized gold?
After seizing the gold, the Custom Department issues notice to the accused and asks questions related to gold. If the correct answer and evidence are found, the gold is returned. If the Customs Department does not agree with the answers, gold is settled. The seized gold is sealed and sent to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), from where it is converted to gold with 999.5 purity and sent back to the Customs Department. The Customs Department seals the gold and sends it back to the RBI for auction.