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Bringing DJI products into India: drones, cameras and customs allowances

India prohibits drone imports outside DGFT-authorised exceptions. For DJI cameras, gimbals and microphones, what the Baggage Rules, 2026 and CBIC’s traveller guide say, with links to each source.

By Rajkumar · Updated · 2 min read

This guide covers carrying a DJI product into India in your baggage. It quotes Indian government sources and says nothing specific where they are silent.

Drones

India’s import policy for drones under HS code 8806 is “Prohibited”, with exceptions for research and development, defence and security; drone components are “Free” (DGFT Notification No. 54/2015-2020).

The research exception covers government entities, recognised educational institutions, government-recognised R&D entities and drone manufacturers, and both exceptions need an import authorisation issued by DGFT. The notification’s annexure lists drones of 250 g or less under the same prohibition (DGFT Notification No. 54/2015-2020).

The Drone Rules, 2021 leave the import of unmanned aircraft systems to DGFT or another entity the Central Government authorises (Drone Rules, 2021, rule 11).

The customs baggage declaration form asks whether you are bringing drones into India, and a “Yes” means reporting to the customs officer at the Red Channel (Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026).

Cameras, gimbals, microphones and other handhelds

DJI Index found no Indian rule that names DJI cameras, gimbals or microphones. What the rules do set is a general duty-free allowance by type of traveller.

Under the Baggage Rules, 2026, which replaced the Baggage Rules, 2016 from 2 February 2026, a resident, a tourist of Indian origin or a foreigner on a non-tourist visa arriving other than by land may bring articles worth up to ₹75,000 free of duty, and a tourist of foreign origin up to ₹25,000. Passengers arriving by land get only used personal effects free of duty (Baggage Rules, 2026).

The same rules allow a passenger aged 18 or over, other than a crew member, one new laptop including a notepad free of duty, and one passenger’s allowance cannot be pooled with another’s (Baggage Rules, 2026).

CBIC’s Guide for International Travellers, updated in February 2026, summarises these allowances and how to declare (CBIC Guide for International Travellers). Whether a product fits within your allowance, and what duty applies above it, is for the customs officer to decide: keep the invoice and declare at the Red Channel if you are unsure.

Compare prices before you travel

Compare one product across DJI stores on its page, for example Osmo Pocket 3, DJI Mic 3 or Osmo Action 5 Pro, or browse cameras and gimbals. For particular stores, see is DJI cheaper in China? and buying DJI in Hong Kong and Macau. Warranty depends on where you buy: see DJI China version vs global version.

Sources (5)