Religious Items → India

No restrictions; India respects all religions

Details

India constitutionally protects religious freedom and has no customs restrictions on religious items for personal use. India is home to multiple major world religions. Check with destination customs authority for current regulations before traveling or shipping. Rules change frequently and enforcement varies. In the reverse direction (taking religious items out of India): allowed — Personal religious items may be exported from India freely at personal-use quantities.

Legal reference

Constitution of India, Article 25

Leaving with this item

Personal religious items may be exported from India freely at personal-use quantities.

Practical advice

Personal devotional items (prayer beads, ritual textiles, statuettes under 30cm, scriptures) clear CBIC as routine personal effects. Antique or culturally significant pieces (>50 years old, precious-metal mounts) may attract heritage-export questions; carry purchase receipts.

Customs authority

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) · https://www.cbic.gov.in