Fill Out Your CBP 6059B Template

What is the CBP 6059B form?

The CBP 6059B form, commonly 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 (CBP) to identify travelers, determine their eligibility to enter the U.S., and assess if any duty is required on goods being brought into the country.

Who needs to fill out the CBP 6059B form?

Every traveler entering the United States, regardless of nationality, must fill out the CBP 6059B form. This includes U.S. citizens, residents, and foreign visitors. The form should be completed per family unit, meaning family members living in the same household can be included on one form.

When should the CBP 6059B form be completed?

The form should be filled out prior to arriving at U.S. Customs. Many airlines provide the form during your flight to the United States. Completing it early helps to expedite the process upon arrival.

What information is required on the CBP 6059B form?

The required information includes:

• Personal details such as name, date of birth, and passport number.
• The number of family members traveling with you.
• A detailed description of any goods you are bringing into the U.S., including their value.
• Details about countries visited prior to arriving in the U.S.
• Information regarding items that you are required to declare, such as foods, plants, or animals.

How do I submit the CBP 6059B form?

The CBP 6059B form can be submitted to a CBP officer upon arrival at an airport or border crossing. Ensure the form is fully completed and signed. Digital submission options may also be available through certain airports using kiosks.

Is there a digital version of the CBP 6059B form?

Yes, some airports offer a digital version of the CBP 6059B form through Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks. Travelers can use these kiosks to fill out the form electronically, which can save time upon arrival.

What happens if I provide false information on the CBP 6059B form?

Providing false information on the CBP 6059B form is considered a serious offense. It may result in penalties, including fines or detention, and can affect your ability to enter the United States in the future.

Can I bring food into the U.S. and declare it on the CBP 6059B form?

Yes, you can bring certain food items into the U.S., but you must declare them on the CBP 6059B form. Restrictions apply to some foods to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases. Always declare food items to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations.

What if I'm not sure whether to declare an item on the CBP 6059B form?

If you are unsure about whether an item needs to be declared, it is best to declare it to avoid potential penalties. CBP officers can provide guidance and determine if the item is admissible.

Where can I find more information about the CBP 6059B form?

For more information about the CBP 6059B form and U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations, visit the official CBP website or contact a CBP office.

One common mistake people make when filling out the CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is not providing complete information about the items they are bringing into the United States. This includes failing to declare all goods purchased or acquired abroad, which can result in fines or even the seizure of undeclared items. It's critical to list everything, including gifts for others or items you plan to sell.

Another error involves the incorrect valuation of declared items. Travelers often misunderstand how they should value their goods, either underestimating or overestimating their worth. The correct approach is to declare the purchase price of items in U.S. dollars. If the exact purchase price is unknown, a good faith estimate should be provided. This helps ensure accurate duty computation.

Many travelers do not properly declare food products. All food items, including those intended for personal use, must be declared. The failure to do so can lead to delays and, potentially, penalties. This includes items that might seem harmless, such as chocolates, cheeses, or fruits. The United States has strict regulations on agricultural products to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.

Failing to accurately report monetary instruments is another frequent mistake. Travelers entering the United States with more than $10,000 in currency, travelers checks, money orders, or similar monetary instruments must declare the total amount on their CBP 6059B form. Failure to report or the false reporting of monetary instruments can lead to their seizure and legal repercussions.

Individuals sometimes overlook the necessity to declare items intended as gifts. It's important to remember that all items brought into the US, whether for personal use or as gifts, need to be declared. The exemption limits also apply to gifts, and anything over the exemption amount is subject to duty.

Incorrectly filling out personal information is a basic yet critical error. This includes misspelling names, providing inaccurate passport numbers, or wrong addresses. These mistakes can complicate the entry process and result in longer processing times. Accuracy in every section of the form is crucial for a smooth entry.

Lastly, travelers sometimes fail to sign the form, which is a simple but essential step. An unsigned form is considered incomplete and can cause delays. The signature attests to the truthfulness and accuracy of the information provided, and it's important not to overlook this final step.

When travelers enter the United States, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, known as the "Customs Declaration," is a primary document they must fill out. This form is crucial for declaring personal belongings and goods being brought into the country. However, depending on the nature of a traveler’s visit or the items they are bringing, additional forms and documents may be required. The following are five important documents often used in conjunction with Form 6059B to ensure compliance with U.S. customs and immigration laws.

• Passport: A passport is the most fundamental document required for international travel. It serves as official proof of a person’s identity and citizenship. When used with Form 6059B, it confirms the traveler’s legal status and right to enter the United States.
• Visa: For non-U.S. citizens entering the United States, a visa is often required. It is a document that provides authorization to apply for entry into the U.S. The type of visa will depend on the purpose of the visit (e.g., tourism, work, study).
• Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: This form is used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track entry and exit dates of visitors. For those entering by air or sea, this form is now automated, but travelers entering by land must still complete a paper form.
• Form 6059B Addendum: This addendum is used for declaring items not listed on the standard Form 6059B or for providing additional detail as required. This may include food products, large amounts of currency, or certain types of goods that have restrictions.
• Global Entry Card: For pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States, the Global Entry card allows expedited clearance. While not required, it works in conjunction with Form 6059B for travelers who participate in the Global Entry program, facilitating quicker processing through customs.

While the CBP Form 6059B plays a critical role in the customs declaration process, these additional documents are equally important for smooth entry into the United States. Whether you are a visitor or a returning resident, ensuring you have the correct documentation ready can significantly streamline your clearance process through customs and immigration.

The CBP 6059B form, known for its use in declaring items brought into the United States from abroad, has parallels with several other documents across various contexts. One such document is the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. This form, filled out by visitors entering the United States, records a person's entry and exit dates. Both forms are crucial for maintaining legal status and ensuring adherence to respective laws and regulations, especially for international travelers.

Another comparable document is the TSA's Secure Flight Passenger Data form, which collects basic information from travelers to conduct watchlist matching, enhancing aviation security. Like the CBP 6059B form, the Secure Flight form is part of a larger system to ensure the safety and legality of travel into and within the United States, reflecting the government's effort to balance openness with security.

The Ship Crew's Effects Declaration, unlike the CBP 6059B which is dealt with by passengers, is a mandatory declaration for crew members of ships entering U.S. ports. It lists personal effects and merchandise, mirroring the requirement for transparency and security in maritime arrivals comparable to air and land entries.

Similarly, the Aircraft/Vessel Report (CBP Form 1300) is for reporting all vessels or aircraft arriving in the U.S. It's akin to the CBP 6059B form in its purpose of tracking and controlling entries, albeit targeting different modes of transport and the entities operating them rather than individual passengers.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application shares objectives with the CBP 6059B, albeit it is strictly for visa waiver participants. ESTA pre-screens travelers before they embark, akin to how the CBP 6059B form safeguards post-arrival, ensuring those entering the country have legitimate intentions.

Customs Form 4457, for registering personal items before traveling abroad, is designed to facilitate smooth re-entry to the U.S. This form, like the CBP 6059B, aids in bypassing potential customs hurdles by certifying ownership of items travelers already possess, preventing re-import duties.

Similarly, the APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) Plant and Animal Declaration forms serve an analogous function for biosecurity, a concern addressed partially by the CBP 6059B. These forms target the prevention of harmful organisms' entry, underlining both forms' contributions to protecting the U.S. environment and agriculture.

The declaration form issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for travelers coming into the U.S. serves to protect public health. This form, paralleling the CBP 6059B’s customs declaration, is focused on mitigating the spread of diseases by monitoring and managing health-related declarations and exposures during travel.

Finally, the ATF Form 6, required for the importation of firearms and ammunition, aligns with the CBP 6059B's goal of regulating what enters the country. Both forms serve as checks for potential risks, though targeting different concerns—ATF Form 6 focuses on regulating arms, while the CBP 6059B oversees general goods and personal items.

When completing the CBP 6059B form, which is required for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth entry process into the United States. Below are key dos and don'ts to consider:

Do:

• Read each question carefully to understand what is being asked before answering. This will ensure that your answers are accurate and truthful.
• Use a black or blue ink pen when filling out the form. This ensures your responses are legible and can be read clearly by the customs officials.
• Declare all items you are bringing with you from abroad, including gifts and goods you purchased in other countries. Being transparent can prevent legal issues and penalties.
• Sign the form at the end to certify that your declarations are true. An unsigned form is considered incomplete and can delay your entry process.

Don't:

• Leave blank fields if they apply to you. If a question does not apply, write “N/A” (not applicable) instead of leaving the field blank to indicate that you did not overlook the question.
• Overestimate the value of goods you are declaring. It's important to be as accurate as possible. Overestimation can lead to unnecessary taxes or fees.
• Forget to list food products, as many people unknowingly do. The U.S. has strict regulations on importing food items, and failing to declare them can result in fines or penalties.
• Use pencil or other erasable writing instruments. This could raise suspicions about the integrity of your declarations, as it appears you might want to change your answers later.

The CBP 6059B form, often referred to as the Customs Declaration form, is a document that travelers entering the United States must complete. It's an essential part of the process for entering the country, but there are several misconceptions surrounding it. Let's clear up some of these common misunderstandings.

• Only non-citizens need to fill it out: This is incorrect. Both visitors and U.S. citizens coming back home need to complete the form. It's a standard procedure for everyone entering the U.S. to declare goods.

• Personal information isn't checked: In fact, the information you provide on the form is verified against your travel documents and other databases. It's crucial to be honest and accurate to avoid penalties.

• It's only for items you're selling: Another common mistake is thinking this form is just for commercial items. You must declare everything you're bringing into the country, including gifts, food, and items you bought for personal use.

• You don't have to declare items you're taking back home: Even if you originally bought an item in the U.S., if you took it abroad, you must declare it upon return. This ensures compliance with import regulations and duties.

• Declaring items always leads to taxes: While some items may be subject to duties or taxes, many are not. The U.S. allows a duty-free exemption for certain amounts and types of goods. Declaring doesn't automatically mean you'll owe money.

• Food cannot be brought into the U.S.: While there are restrictions on certain types of food, not all food items are banned. Properly declaring food items allows CBP officers to determine admissibility based on current regulations.

• Every item's value must be exact: While accuracy is important, travelers are not expected to know the precise value of each item down to the cent. Reasonable estimates are acceptable, especially for items bought as gifts or those without a receipt.

• Filling out the form is complicated and time-consuming: Many travelers find the form straightforward once they read through the instructions. It asks for basic information about your trip and what you're bringing into the country. Taking a few minutes to prepare and review your purchases and gifts before completing the form can simplify the process.

Understanding the purpose and requirements of the CBP 6059B form can make the customs process smoother and less stressful for travelers entering the United States. Always ensure to read the provided instructions and complete the form accurately to avoid any issues during your entry.

The CBP Form 6059B is an essential document for travelers entering the United States. It's designed for individuals to declare their belongings to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The process can seem daunting, but understanding these key takeaways will make filling out the form a breeze, ensuring a smoother entry process.

• Accuracy is key: When filling out the CBP Form 6059B, it's crucial to provide accurate and truthful information. Misrepresentation or failure to declare items can lead to penalties or delays in your travel.
• Know what to declare: You must declare all items you're bringing into the U.S. that you did not have with you when you left. This includes purchases, gifts, or anything you received while away.
• Understand exemptions: There are exemptions and allowances for returning U.S. residents and visitors, which can include items like personal effects and certain quantities of alcohol and tobacco, depending on your age and the countries you visited.
• Monetary declarations: If you're carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments, you must declare this on your form. This includes foreign currency, traveler's checks, and negotiable instruments.
• Food and Agricultural Products: All food items and agricultural products must be declared. Some items may be restricted or prohibited to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
• Keep It Handy: Once completed, keep your CBP Form 6059B handy and ready to present to the CBP officer upon request. This expedites the inspection process.
• Electronic Option: Some airports offer an electronic version of the CBP Form 6059B, known as the Mobile Passport Control app. This can save time but be aware that it's not available at all entry points.

Mastering the CBP Form 6059B is all about preparation and understanding what's expected of you as a traveler. With these tips in mind, you'll navigate the process with greater ease and confidence, making your entry into the U.S. as smooth as possible.