Government of India

Circular No. 12/2000
Dated 18/02/2000

Subject: Baggage Rules - Tourist baggage – no endorsement of imports of                   personal effects on tourists’ passports

 

            The provision of TBRE was abolished in 1994 and the Baggage Rules were liberalized to facilitate the clearance of baggage of visiting tourists. In terms of Rule 7 of the Baggage Rules, 1998 read with Appendix E, tourists are allowed to bring their personal effects and travel souvenirs subject to certain conditions. For the sake of uniformity in defining personal effects, the Board had issued a circular vide F.No.520/136/92-Cus. VI dated 4.9.98 (copy enclosed).

2.         Reports have, however, been received that the passports are being endorsed by the Customs authorities, apparently on the request of passengers. It is stated that this practice is totally incorrect and there is no provision in the Baggage Rules to endorse Passports, which is a valuable legal document.

3.         It may kindly be ensured that all genuine tourists are allowed to bring in their personal effects without endorsement on the passports and without payment of duty, subject to the terms and conditions prescribed in the Baggage rules, 1998.