Most countries require travellers to complete a customs declaration form when bringing notified goods (alcoholic drinks, tobacco products, animals, fresh food, plant material, seeds, soils, meats, and animal products) across international borders.

In 2026, customs declaration is about biosecurity and taxation. You must declare: 1. High-value goods (usually over $800 in the US or ₹75,000 in India) intended for personal use or gifts; 2. Currency exceeding $10,000 (or equivalent); 3. Agricultural items, including fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seeds, and soil, as these can carry invasive pests; 4. Alcohol and Tobacco that exceed your specific duty-free allowance (typically 1-2 liters of spirits and 200 cigarettes); 5. Commercial samples or items intended for resale. A significant 2026 update: many countries now require the declaration of CBD products or prescription medications that aren't in their original packaging. Failure to declare these can result in "on-the-spot" fines or the seizure of the items. When in doubt, always use the "Red Channel" to ask a customs officer; being honest about an item is usually free, whereas "forgetting" to declare a piece of expensive jewelry or a bag of exotic fruit can lead to serious legal consequences and a flagged passport for future travel.