• To protect India's economy, environment and citizens, the Indian government restricts some imports.Gateway of India image by Sujit Mahapatra from Fotolia.com
  
  To protect the health, safety and culture of the country, the government of India keeps a tight restriction on items travelers import into the nation. Indian nationals--legal citizens of India--may import unrestricted items for free; nonresidents, however, may import unrestricted items for free only if they enter India for just 24 hours or under six months or pay a fee.
  
  

Jewelry

• Indian jewelry is a valued, sometimes sacred, commodity in the country.jewelry image by Sid Viswakumar from Fotolia.com
  
  Authentic Indian jewelry is considered a precious commodity in India. According to the Government of India Customs website, as of 2010, new necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets and all other jewelry carried into the country are never duty-free to import or export. This law protects criminals from importing and selling impostor Indian jewelry in the country. Personal, used jewelry, however, is free for travelers over the age of 10.
  
  

Wine

• However, customs laws for wine importation restrict the some quantities and brands. In general, tourists may bring in less than 2 liters of wine duty-free. Each state in India--28 in total--maintains specific wine laws, much like individual countries. States decide the fees and duties involved in importing wines because of regional differences pertaining to alcohol consumption and sale.
  
  For wine sellers, a license is required in most states. Some states--for example, Delhi, Rajasthan, Goa and Chennai--do not allow sale of imported wine.
  
  For tourists bringing in wine from another country they visited, customs will check the wine quantity and brand and ensure they will not resell it. If a tourist has more than 2 liters of wine, he should be prepared to pay a fee or to store it in an warehouse to claim upon leaving India.
  
  

Temporary Imports

• Indian customs authorities enforce strict customs regulations for travelers temporarily importing antiques, electronic equipment, currency, jewelry, ivory and gold. Even transit passengers--passengers on layover at an airport--must seek fill out a customs form prior to arrival in India to import these items. Travelers or nationals not complying with customs laws risk arrest or a fine and confiscation of the items.
  
  

Money

• The government of India asks that travelers declare currency exceeding $5,000.Indian Ten Rupees Note from both sides image by Sujit Mahapatra from Fotolia.com
  
  The government of India maintains strict currency import laws to protect the economy and livelihoods of its citizens. Tourists to India need to declare money when the value of the foreign currency exceeds $5,000 or equivalent. Travelers, tourists or Indian nationals must also declare money if the total value of the foreign exchange rate and the currency together exceed $10,000.