Does the Customs Officer make any scrutiny before allowing duty-free the personal effects of tourists ?
Since no endorsement is made on the passport of the tourist, it is the responsibility of the Customs Officer to ascertain, as far as practicable, whether the passenger is a genuine tourist and if so, whether he/she intends to return abroad within the prescribed period with the personal effects being allowed free of duty. While the Baggage Rules do not specify any methodology, usually the practice is that the passport and visa of the passenger is scrutinized for his/her duration of stay, previous visits etc. and the officer may ask some questions regarding his/her job abroad, purpose of visit in India etc. Usually, passengers having return tickets are given quick clearance as a return ticket is considered as a proof of the passenger’s intention to return abroad within a short time. In case a return ticket is not available with the passenger (or as additional evidences), the passenger may produce proof like live visa for staying abroad, valid job contract, proof of holding property abroa
