New Delhi: In a move, which will come as a big blessing, saving time of international passengers, filling baggage declaration forms is no more mandatory for the passengers flying to India.

However, the change is not applicable if the passengers are flying with prohibited or dutiable goods. If they are found to do so, then they will be penalised accordingly.

As per the new rule, only passengers who intend to declare dutiable/prohibited items need to fill the form as against the earlier rule where every passenger had to fill the form.

The passengers who do not carry dutiable/prohibited goods can simply walk into green channel.

The change will be in place from April 1, 2016 onwards.

The customs too has welcomed the move as the sleuths say that maintaining the forms earlier was a herculean task and lot of burden would be reduced if the new rule is enforced.

The Customs Baggage Declaration Regulations 2013 are being amended to make the necessary changes.