Tea and Coffee Powder
Allowed
Allowed in both cabin and checked baggage if sealed. Large commercial quantities are subject to customs.
Quick answer
Powders look like amorphous blobs on X-ray. Sealed factory packaging or transparent zip bags with labels reassure officers that youâre carrying groceries, not contraband.
Domestic Indian flights rarely object to small bags of filter coffee or chai blends. International trips, however, may require customs declarations, especially if youâre importing speciality beans for sale.
Transit airports like the US enforce a 350g powder limit in cabinâlarger quantities must be checked. Always check the strictest rule along your route.
Packing tips
- âLeave powders in original, sealed packaging when possible.
- âIf repacking, use clear, heavy-duty zip bags and add printed labels.
- âCarry receipts or invoices for premium blends to show value when re-entering India.
Customs & transit
- âDeclare quantities above 1kg to Indian customs on return.
- âCheck US/Australia powder rules if transitingâoften 350g cabin limit.
- âAvoid carrying loose powder in unlabelled jars; it will be swab-tested and may be seized.
Powder allowances
| Quantity | Cabin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| â¤350g | â | Usually accepted worldwide |
| 351gâ1kg | â Domestic | Check transit rules |
| >1kg | â ď¸ Declare | Customs may treat as commercial |
Do this
- â Vacuum-seal loose coffee to prevent aroma leakage.
- â Use tamper-proof tape on homemade spice blends.
- â Carry a list of ingredients in English for customs forms.
Avoid this
- â ď¸ Donât mix powders with electronicsâspillage causes inspection delays.
- â ď¸ Donât carry unlabeled metal tins; they look suspicious on scanners.
- â ď¸ Avoid shipping large commercial quantities in personal luggage; use cargo services instead.
FAQ
Q. Do instant coffee sachets count as powders?
Yes, but individually packed sachets rarely face scrutiny. Keep them boxed.
Q. Can I bring coffee beans?
Beans are easier to inspect and generally allowed. Declare them if travelling to countries with agricultural restrictions.
Q. What about tea leaves with dried fruits?
Some countries ban dried fruits or flowers. Check their biosecurity list before carrying.
Tips before you fly
- âď¸ Carry a small scoop or spoon separately to avoid sharp-tool flags.
- âď¸ Use smell-proof bags if you donât want the entire cabin to smell like chai.
- âď¸ Gift packs with clear branding are easier to explain at customs.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines â simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.