Customs Regulations: how it works in India — first-hand
From real experience
riskTravelers frequently bring processed meats like boiled sausage, lard, and canned stew into India.
These items can be transported in checked luggage without a thermal bag. For hand luggage, canned goods may be confiscated under liquid rules; cheese exceeding 100g and some spices may also be restricted. De jure, beef and pork products are prohibited, but de facto enforcement is reported to be lax, and issues at customs are uncommon.
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riskShipping medicines out of India via post is technically prohibited.
While many travelers do it successfully by sealing the parcel before arriving at the post office and declaring no restricted items, it remains a risky operation. Parcels can be rejected by customs even with medical prescriptions and pharmacy receipts. Using a travel agent or specialized courier services like Speed Post is often more reliable.
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ruleAlcohol prices in India vary significantly between states due to different excise and VAT regulations.
Goa is a low-tax state for alcohol, while other states (often called 'dry states') impose higher taxes or restrictions, making the same products much more expensive.
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ruleDuty-free allowance for alcohol in India is 2 liters per adult.
For transit passengers, this is usually acceptable unless the volume is excessive. Always check the customs regulations of the final destination country, as stricter laws (or dry regions) may apply.