UAE sets gold limit for expatriates

India has changed its customs rules to set the weight limit for gold jewellery for non-resident Indians, making it easier for Indian expatriates around the world, including the UAE, to comply with the rules. “Now women can bring 40 grams and men 20 grams of gold jewellery duty-free, a practical step for Indian non-residents,” said Shamal Ahmed, managing director of international operations at Malabar Gold and Diamonds. He explained that earlier the duty-free limit was based on value – Rs 1 lakh for women and Rs 50,000 for men. At current market rates, this meant around 6 grams for women and 3 grams for men. The new guidelines have made the rules clearer and simpler with the weight limit. As per gold prices in Dubai on the morning of February 4, women could bring gold worth around Dh3,400 and men up to Dh1,700. Jewellery can be carried without customs charges. According to Shamlal Ahmed, the new rules are effective immediately and will apply to travellers staying abroad for more than a year, providing a more convenient and transparent system for travellers. On several occasions, NRIs and tourists used to bring jewellery exceeding the gold limit, resulting in additional customs duty being paid at Indian airports. Chirag Vora, Managing Director, Baffle Jewellers, said, “The introduction of a price cap will make the competitive prices of jewellery more attractive to NRIs and Indians living abroad.” “These rules have become more transparent and simplified,” he said. The change will also benefit Dubai jewelers who provide services to Indian buyers. Anderson UAE CEO Anurag Chaturvedi said that under the previous customs rules, NRIS and passengers carrying valuables faced uncertainty due to the estimation of value and declaration. He added that the 2026 budget has introduced clear rules for bona fide personal effects, including wearable items like watches, provided they are for personal use and not with the intention of resale.