CBP 6059B Template

Guidelines on Filling in CBP 6059B

Upon arriving in the United States, travelers are required to declare their goods to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by filling out the CBP Form 6059B, also known as the "Customs Declaration Form." This document is essential for informing the CBP about what you are bringing into the country, including items you plan to leave in the U.S., goods you are carrying for others, items you've purchased abroad, and any monetary instruments over $10,000. Completing the form accurately ensures a smoother entry process and helps avoid potential penalties. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you fill out the form correctly.

1. Print your last (family) name, first name, and middle initial on the first line.
2. Enter your birth date (month/day/year), number of family members traveling with you, and your country of citizenship.
3. Provide your passport number, as well as the country of issuance, if you're not a resident of the U.S.
4. For U.S. residents, fill in your street address, including the city and state. If you are a visitor, provide the address of your hotel or temporary residence in the U.S.
5. List the countries you visited before arriving in the U.S., not including your country of residence.
6. Indicate whether you are traveling on an airline, by ship, by train, or car under the mode of transport question.
7. Declare whether you, or any family members traveling with you, have been on a farm, pasture, or are carrying snails, soil, or have been in close proximity with livestock.
8. Answer Yes or No to the questions regarding carrying commercial merchandise into the U.S., exceeding the monetary instrument threshold, or possessing prohibited items such as certain fruits, meats, and narcotics.
9. Specify the total value of all goods, including commercial merchandise, you are bringing to the U.S. that you have purchased or acquired abroad.
10. At the end of the form, sign and date it to certify the accuracy of the information provided. If you are a parent or legal guardian, you may sign for your children or any dependents.

After you have completed the form, proceed to the customs inspection area. A CBP officer may ask you to verify the information on your form or to show the items you're declaring. It's important to answer all questions from the CBP officers honestly and fully. By doing so, you help ensure a smooth process through customs and contribute to the safety and security of yourself and others.

What is the CBP 6059B form?

The CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is a document that every traveler entering the United States must complete. It is used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to identify travelers, collect information on their visit, and determine if any duty is owed on imported goods.

Who needs to fill out the CBP 6059B form?

All travelers entering the United States from abroad must fill out the CBP 6059B form. This includes U.S. citizens, residents, and all foreign visitors.

Can a family fill out one form together?

Yes, families traveling together can complete one form. The head of the family fills out the form on behalf of all family members living in the same household and traveling together.

What information is required on the CBP 6059B form?

You will need to provide a range of information on the CBP 6059B form, including:

• Personal details such as your name, birth date, and passport number
• The purpose of your trip and how long you intend to stay
• Any items you're bringing into the country that need to be declared
• Details on your travel, including the countries you visited before arriving in the U.S.

Are there items I must declare on the form?

Yes, there are specific items you must declare, which include but are not limited to:

1. All types of fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds
2. Meat and animal products
3. Any items purchased abroad, including gifts
4. Currency or monetary instruments of $10,000 or more

What happens if I fail to declare items on the CBP 6059B form?

Failure to declare items can result in penalties, including fines or, in some cases, seizure of the undeclared items. It is crucial to declare all items required by law to avoid potential issues with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Where can I find the CBP 6059B form?

The CBP 6059B form is typically provided by airlines and cruise lines before you arrive in the United States. It is also available at all entry points into the U.S. Additionally, information about the form can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's website.

Can I complete the CBP 6059B form in a language other than English?

While the official form is in English, translations may be available to assist in completion. However, it is important to submit the form in English to ensure that it is properly processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.

When travelers enter the United States, one crucial step involves completing the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, also known as the "Customs Declaration Form." This document is vital for ensuring that individuals comply with U.S. laws regarding what can be brought into the country. Unfortunately, errors in filling out this form can lead to delays, fines, or even the confiscation of items. Here are seven common mistakes people make:

1. Not reading the instructions carefully: The form comes with specific instructions that need to be followed accurately. Overlooking these instructions can result in incorrect or incomplete information being provided.

2. Failing to declare all items: Every item brought into the U.S. must be declared. This includes gifts, merchandise bought abroad, and any items you're bringing back that you took with you. People often forget about small items or think they're not worth mentioning, but this oversight can be costly.

3. Underestimating the value of goods: It's critical to provide a truthful estimate of the total value of all goods being brought into the country. Estimating too low can be seen as an attempt to evade taxes or fees.

4. Misunderstanding the exemptions: The U.S. allows certain exemptions for goods brought from abroad, but these have limits based on the type of item and the countries visited. Misinterpreting these exemptions can lead to unintentional declarations.

5. Using vague descriptions: The form requires specific descriptions of each item. Vague or general terms like "souvenirs" without detailing what these are can cause confusion or delays.

6. Omitting agricultural products: Many travelers are unaware of the stringent restrictions on bringing food, plants, and other agricultural products into the U.S. Failing to declare these items can lead to significant penalties.

7. Incorrectly marking the declaration of funds: If you're carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments into the U.S., this must be declared. A common mistake is either failing to declare this or inaccurately reporting the amount.

Avoiding these mistakes can make your entry into the United States smoother and keep you on the right side of its laws. Understanding and properly completing the CBP Form 6059B reflects respect for these regulations and contributes to a positive travel experience.

When travelers enter the United States, they are often required to complete the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) Form 6059B, also known as the "Customs Declaration Form." This form is a crucial document needed for individuals arriving by air or sea, declaring their personal effects and items of value they are bringing into the country. However, this is not the only document that travelers might need to provide. Several other forms and documents can also be necessary, depending on the nature of their visit or the items they are bringing with them. Here is a list of up to 10 other forms and documents commonly used alongside the CBP 6059B form.

• Passport: Issued by the traveler's country of citizenship, the passport verifies identity and nationality. It’s the most essential travel document required for international travel.
• Visa: Depending on the traveler's country of citizenship and the purpose of their visit, a visa may be required to enter the United States. It's a document or stamp placed in a passport, granting permission from the U.S. to enter the country for a specific period.
• I-94 Form: This form records the arrival and departure history of visitors to the United States. It includes information such as the length and terms of stay, and it is primarily used by individuals entering the U.S. for reasons other than tourism or temporary business.
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): For citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, an ESTA approval is required. This automated system determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.
• Customs Declaration for Unaccompanied Personal and Household Effects (Form 3299): This form is necessary for individuals moving to the U.S. who are shipping their personal and household items separately.
• Proof of Vaccination: Depending on current health regulations, travelers might need to show proof of certain vaccinations. The requirements can change based on health outbreaks or pandemics.
• Proof of Financial Solvency: This can include bank statements or a letter from a financial sponsor indicating the visitor has sufficient funds for their stay in the United States.
• Agricultural Declaration Form: In some cases, an additional form declaring specific food items, plants, or animals may be needed to comply with U.S. agriculture regulations.
• Form DS-160: For non-immigrant visa applicants, this online form is required by all U.S. consulates worldwide and is used during the visa interview process.
• Vehicle Import Form (HS-7): For those importing a vehicle into the United States, this form declares the importation of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment that complies with U.S. safety standards.

In addition to the CBP 6059B form, these documents play a vital role in ensuring that the entry process into the United States is smooth and compliant with all regulatory requirements. Each document serves a specific purpose, ranging from proving identity and reason for visit to assuring financial solvency and compliance with health and safety standards. Understanding and preparing these documents in advance can help make the travel and immigration process much easier for individuals coming to the United States.

• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) Application: Similar to the CBP 6059B form, the ESTA application is required for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program seeking admission to the United States. Both collect personal information, travel details, and assess eligibility for entry, though the ESTA does so electronically prior to travel.

• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: This document parallels the CBP 6059B form in its function of recording entry and exit from the United States. While the CBP 6059B is a customs declaration, the I-94 focuses on immigration status and the period travelers are authorized to stay in the U.S.

• DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Used by individuals applying for nonimmigrant visas, the DS-160 form collects similar types of information to the CBP 6059B, such as personal details, travel plans, and background questions to assess eligibility for visa issuance and entry into the United States.

• Customs Declaration Form of Other Countries: Many countries have their own version of a customs declaration form, similar in purpose to CBP 6059B, requiring travelers to declare goods they are bringing into the country and provide certain personal and travel information to customs authorities.

• API Data (Advance Passenger Information): Airlines collect API data from passengers prior to travel, including passport details, name, date of birth, and nationality, similar to the information requested on the CBP 6059B form. This pre-arrival information helps authorities manage border control more effectively.

• Global Entry Application: For pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States, the Global Entry application process requires providing personal information, travel history, and background similar to that on the CBP 6059B. However, Global Entry offers expedited clearance through customs and immigration.

When completing the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, which is vital for declaring goods when entering the United States, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the process is smooth and compliant. Here are essential do's and don'ts.

Do's

• Read all instructions carefully before filling out the form to ensure you understand what is required.
• Use blue or black ink as these colors are preferred for clarity and official purposes.
• Be accurate and truthful in declaring the value of all items you are bringing into the country, including purchases and gifts.
• Specify if you are carrying currency or monetary instruments over $10,000, as failing to do so can result in serious penalties.
• Declare all food items, as some products may be restricted to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases.
• Sign and date the form at the bottom, as an unsigned form is considered incomplete and could delay entry.

Don'ts

• Leave any section blank; if a particular section does not apply, mark it as "N/A" to indicate "Not Applicable."
• Use pencil or colors other than blue or black ink, as this can make the form ineligible.
• Underestimate the value of items you're declaring; this could be seen as an attempt to evade duties or taxes.
• Forget to declare any agricultural products; certain items can introduce harmful pests or diseases.
• Carry prohibited items without declaring them; doing so could result in seizure of the items and/or fines.
• Rush through the form without reviewing; errors or omissions can cause delays or legal issues.

Understanding the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B is essential for travelers entering the United States. However, there are several misconceptions about this form:

• Only non-citizens need to fill it out: A common misconception is that the CBP Form 6059B is exclusively for non-U.S. citizens. In reality, both U.S. citizens and visitors are required to complete the form when arriving in the United States with goods to declare.

• It's only about declaring goods for sale: While one of the form's main purposes is to declare items for sale, it's also used to declare personal items that may be subject to duty or that exceed the allowed exemptions. This includes gifts, commercial merchandise, and items you've purchased abroad.

• Everything bought overseas must be declared: Although you do need to declare many items purchased or acquired abroad, there are exemptions for personal use items under a certain value. It's important to understand what the exemption limits are, as these can vary based on the duration of your stay abroad and other factors.

• Filling it out incorrectly will lead to severe penalties: Mistakes on the CBP Form 6059B can be corrected without automatic penalties. Customs officers understand that honest mistakes can happen. The key is to approach the process with honesty and clarity. If you're unsure about how to declare an item, it's best to ask an officer for guidance.

• Food items don't need to be declared: All food items, including those for personal use or as gifts, must be declared on the CBP Form 6059B. The failure to declare food products can result in penalties. The CBP is primarily concerned with protecting U.S. agriculture from pests and diseases, which is why food declarations are taken seriously.

• Only expensive items are worth declaring: Many travelers believe that only high-value items need to be declared to avoid duties. However, the truth is that all items acquired abroad and brought into the U.S., regardless of their value, must be declared. This ensures compliance with U.S. laws and can help avoid any misunderstandings at the point of entry.

Traveling into the United States requires attention to the details, especially when it comes to filling out the Customs Declaration Form, known as CBP 6059B. Here are key takeaways to ensure you complete the form correctly and use it effectively:

• Understand that the purpose of this form is to declare goods you're bringing into the United States. It's a necessary step to comply with U.S. laws and regulations regarding imports and taxation.
• Every traveler or a responsible family member must fill out a CBP 6059B form upon entering the United States.
• Be honest and precise when listing items you're bringing with you. Failure to accurately declare items can result in fines or penal actions.
• Include items purchased abroad, gifts for others, items you plan to sell or use in business, and merchandise that will remain in the United States.
• Note that certain items are restricted or prohibited from entering the U.S., such as certain foods, plants, and animal products. It’s crucial to know these restrictions before you travel.
• Monetary instruments over $10,000, including cash, checks, money orders, or foreign currency, must be declared separately on the form or related paperwork.
• If you’re a visitor to the U.S., ensure you also indicate the value of any items that will stay in the United States.
• Use the back of the form to detail each item as necessary. This includes the quantity and price of each item in U.S. dollars.
• After filling out the form, present it to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. Your declarations will be checked, and you may be asked for further information or to pay duty on certain items.

Filling out the CBP 6059B form thoughtfully and accurately can make your entry into the United States smoother and prevent any unnecessary delays or legal issues. Always check the most current requirements and exceptions on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s official website before your trip.