Fill a Valid CBP 6059B Form

How to Use CBP 6059B

When returning to the United States, travelers are required to declare items they're bringing into the country, which might include gifts or goods purchased abroad. The process involves filling out the Customs Declaration form, technically known as Form CBP 6059B. Completing this document accurately ensures a smoother process through customs and helps avoid potential penalties for undeclared items. Follow these steps to correctly fill out the form. Remember, honesty is key in providing this information.

1. Print your last name, first name, and middle initial in the appropriate fields at the top of the form.
2. Fill in your birth date in the format MM/DD/YYYY, along with the number of family members traveling with you in your household.
3. List your country of residence and the countries you visited on your trip outside of the United States.
4. In the space provided, write your U.S. street address, including the city and state. If you're a visitor, provide the address of where you'll be staying in the U.S.
5. Mark the appropriate box to indicate whether you or any family members traveling with you have been on a farm or are carrying snails, soil, or have been in close proximity to livestock.
6. Check the appropriate box to declare if you are bringing with you: fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects, meats, or dairy products.
7. If you're carrying currencies or monetary instruments over $10,000 in U.S. or foreign equivalent, mark 'Yes' and the amount.
8. Declare all commercial merchandise you've purchased or acquired abroad, including gifts for others or items you intend to sell.
9. Sign and date the bottom of the form, declaring that all the information provided is true and accurate.

After completing the form, hand it to the customs officer upon your arrival. They may ask for more details about your trip or the items you're declaring. Answering truthfully and providing additional documentation if necessary can help ensure a seamless entry process. Customs officers are there to help protect the U.S. borders, and cooperating with them is in everyone's best interest.

What is the CBP Form 6059B for?

The CBP Form 6059B, also known as the "Customs Declaration Form," is a document that must be completed by all travelers entering the United States. It is used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify arriving individuals and their belongings. The form requires information about the traveler's flight number or vessel name, the purpose of their trip, countries visited prior to arriving in the U.S., and details regarding items being brought into the country, including purchases, gifts, or items acquired abroad.

Who needs to fill out the CBP Form 6059B?

Every traveler entering the United States, whether a citizen, legal permanent resident, or visitor, must fill out the CBP Form 6059B. This includes adults and minors. However, members of a family residing in the same household can submit a combined form upon arriving together.

How can I obtain the CBP Form 6059B?

The CBP Form 6059B is typically provided by airlines or cruise lines before arriving in the U.S. It is also available at ports of entry. Travelers can ask a CBP officer for a form upon arrival. Additionally, some travelers might find it convenient to download the form from the CBP’s official website, print it out, and fill it in advance to save time upon arrival.

Are there penalties for not filling out the CBP Form 6059B or for providing false information?

Yes, there are significant consequences for not complying with the requirement to fill out the form or for intentionally providing false information on it. Failing to declare items as required may result in fines, penalties, or even the seizing of undeclared items. Further, providing false information can lead to more severe legal consequences, including charges of perjury. It is crucial that all information provided on the form is accurate and truthful to ensure compliance with U.S. law.

Can I fill out the CBP Form 6059B in a language other than English?

While the CBP Form 6059B needs to be completed in English, resources are available to help non-English speakers understand the questions and requirements. Many airlines and cruise lines provide translations of the form or have staff available to assist passengers in filling it out correctly. Additionally, the CBP’s official website offers guidelines and translations in several languages to help travelers understand how to accurately complete the form.

When travelers enter the United States, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, often known as the Customs Declaration form, is an essential document that must be filled out accurately. However, people frequently make mistakes on this form, which can cause delays or complications with their entry process. Here are eight common errors to avoid:

1. Failing to read the instructions carefully before filling out the form. Many mistakes can be avoided by simply understanding what is required in each section.

2. Not filling out the form completely. Every question should be answered, and no sections should be left blank unless specifically instructed.

3. Underreporting or failing to declare items that are subject to duty fees, or exceeding the allowed quantity of duty-free items. This can lead to penalties or the seizure of undeclared items.

4. Overlooking the need to declare food items. All food products, regardless of their origin, should be declared to avoid potential fines and delays.

5. Providing inaccurate information about the countries visited before arriving in the United States. This includes any countries visited during layovers, even if you did not leave the airport.

6. Misunderstanding the value declaration section and incorrectly reporting the total value of all items purchased or received abroad that are being brought into the United States.

7. Incorrectly classifying goods that are brought into the country, either as gifts or for personal use, which can affect the duties levied on these items.

8. Forgetting to sign and date the form at the bottom, which is a simple but crucial final step that officially declares the accuracy of the provided information.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Always have a pen ready before you arrive to fill out the form.

• If you're unsure about how to declare an item, it's best to err on the side of caution and declare it. CBP officers are available to provide guidance.

• Remember that each family residing at the same address can fill out one form together.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following the additional tips, travelers can ensure a smoother entry process into the United States.

Traveling into the United States requires navigation through a series of customs and immigration procedures. Among these, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B for declaring items acquired abroad is a well-known requisite. However, this form usually doesn't come alone. Various other documents might be necessary, depending on the nature of your travel, the items you're carrying, and your status. Here's a look at five additional forms and documents often used in conjunction with the CBP 6059B form.

• Passport: The most fundamental document for international travel, a passport confirms a traveler's identity and citizenship. It’s required for entry into most countries, including the U.S., and must be presented along with the CBP 6059B form.
• Visa: Depending on one's country of origin and reason for travel, a visa might be required. A visa is an endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country.
• Form I-94: This form is known as the Arrival/Departure Record. Customs and Border Protection issues it to foreign visitors entering the U.S. It tracks the arrival and departure dates, as well as the visa status of visitors.
• Global Entry Card: For expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S., the Global Entry program requires a thorough application process. Once approved, travelers receive a Global Entry card to use at kiosks, bypassing traditional customs checking lines.
• Declaration of Unaccompanied Articles (Form 255): When travelers send items to the U.S. prior to or after their own arrival, a separate declaration form, CBP Form 255, must be filled out to declare these items for customs purposes.

Understanding and preparing these documents in advance can smooth the entry process into the United States. Each plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and regulations, protecting the country's borders, and facilitating legitimate travel and trade. When armed with the right information and documentation, travelers can look forward to a more streamlined and stress-free arrival experience.

The CBP 6059B form, commonly known as the Customs Declaration form, is used by travelers to declare what they are bringing into the United States. A document that shares similarities with the CBP 6059B form is the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Security Screening form. Like the CBP 6059B, the TSA Security Screening form is used by travelers, but it focuses on screening passengers and their belongings for prohibited items before they board an aircraft. Both forms are integral to maintaining the safety and security of travelers and the country, requiring accurate and honest information from travelers about what they are bringing with them.

Another document that bears resemblance to the CBP 6059B form is the USDA APHIS Declaration Form, used by the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This form is required for travelers entering the United States who may be carrying plants, food, and other agricultural products. Similar to the CBP 6059B, the APHIS form aims to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases from foreign countries. Both forms require travelers to declare specific items and help in protecting the country’s agriculture and environment.

The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is also akin to the CBP 6059B form. The I-94 form tracks a visitor's entry and exit to and from the United States. Whereas the CBP 6059B form is focused on declaring goods, the I-94 delves into the details of a traveler’s visit, including the duration and purpose. Both documents are crucial for maintaining the integrity of U.S. borders and for the proper tracking and management of persons entering and leaving the country.

Similar to the CBP 6059B form, the Fish and Wildlife Service Declaration Form (Form 3-177) is used for the declaration of wildlife and wildlife products. This form is required for individuals importing or exporting fish, wildlife, and their products through U.S. customs. Both the CBP 6059B and Form 3-177 serve as declarations but focus on different specifics; while the CBP form is broad, covering a range of goods, Form 3-177 is specialized towards wildlife, aiming to control and monitor the wildlife trade and prevent illegal trafficking.

Last, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application is somewhat analogous to the CBP 6059B form. ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to the United States for tourism or business. Similar to the CBP 6059B, which is completed upon arrival, the ESTA application is done in advance of travel. Both are fundamental in pre-screening travelers, the former for customs purposes and the latter for authorization of travel, ensuring travelers’ compliance with U.S. regulations.

When filling out the CBP 6059B form, it's important to remember the following do's and don'ts to ensure the process is smooth and compliant with U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements:

• Do ensure all information is accurate and truthful. Mistakes or false information can lead to delays or penalties.
• Do print clearly in English using capital letters. This helps ensure that your information is easily readable and processed efficiently.
• Do list all countries you visited before arriving in the United States. This detail is critical for border security and health regulations.
• Do declare all items you are bringing into the country, including items intended as gifts or for sale.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form. An unsigned form is not valid and can cause significant delays.
• Don't leave any sections blank. If a section does not apply to you, write "N/A" to indicate "Not Applicable."
• Don't undervalue items to avoid taxes or duties. This is considered fraud and can result in fines or other legal actions.
• Don't carry items that are prohibited or restricted without declaring them. Certain items require special permits or are forbidden altogether.

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, known as the "Customs Declaration," is an essential document for all travelers entering the United States. Despite its significance, there are several misconceptions regarding this form. Here, key misunderstandings are addressed to ensure travelers are well-informed.

• Only Non-Citizens Need to Fill It Out: A common misconception is that the CBP 6059B form is only required for non-U.S. citizens. In fact, both U.S. citizens and visitors must complete the form when entering the country.

• Electronic Declarations Are Always Sufficient: While electronic declarations are becoming more common at various entry points, it's a mistake to assume they are universally accepted. Travelers should be prepared to fill out a physical CBP 6059B form if requested.

• It's Only About Declaring Purchases: Though declaring purchases made abroad is a significant part of the form, the CBP 6059B also includes questions about agriculture, currency, and other matters relevant to U.S. border security and regulation.

• Every Item Must Be Individually Listed: Some travelers wrongly believe they must list every single item they are bringing into the United States. Generally, items for personal use or gifts do not need to be individually listed unless they are valued above a certain amount or fall under restricted or prohibited categories.

• Family Members Traveling Together Must Each Submit a Form: Actually, family members residing in the same household can submit a single form when traveling together. This includes both U.S. citizens and residents.

• Filling Out Incorrectly Leads to Automatic Penalties: Mistakes happen, and if an error is made on the form, it does not necessarily result in fines or penalties. Transparency and honesty when speaking with a CBP officer can often mitigate potential issues arising from honest mistakes.

• The Form Is Only in English: The CBP 6059B form is available in multiple languages to aid non-English speakers. However, it's crucial to submit the English version upon arrival.

• Declaring Items Always Means Paying Duties: Declaring items on the CBP 6059B does not automatically result in duty charges. Many travelers qualify for a duty exemption based on the total value of their goods, and certain items may enter the U.S. duty-free.

• Personal Information Is Shared Widely: There is concern over personal information being mishandled or broadly shared. In reality, the information provided is used in strict accordance with U.S. laws and regulations, primarily for customs and immigration purposes, and is protected against unauthorized disclosure.

Understanding these misconceptions about the CBP 6059B form can significantly smooth the entry process into the United States. Travelers should approach this requirement with care and thoroughness, ensuring a positive start to their visit or return home.

• The CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is a necessary document for travelers entering the United States. It's used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to understand what you're bringing into the country.

• Every traveler or responsible family member must fill out this form if they are carrying goods to declare. It's crucial to be accurate and complete in your responses to avoid potential fines or delays.

• The form requires information about your travel, including the countries you visited before arriving in the U.S. and any goods you are bringing with you. Being truthful about your travel history and the items you're declaring is essential.

• Declared items can include goods purchased or received as gifts outside of the U.S., as well as merchandise you plan to sell or use in your business. It's important to declare these items to comply with U.S. laws.

• There are limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco products you can bring into the U.S. without paying additional duties. Familiarize yourself with these limits to ensure you comply with the regulations.

• Food items, plants, and animals have strict entry requirements due to health and environmental concerns. Declare these items on your form and be prepared for them to be inspected upon arrival.

• Money and monetary instruments over $10,000 must be declared on the CBP 6059B form. This includes currency, travelers' checks, and negotiable instruments.

• Completing the form accurately and truthfully is crucial. Providing false information can lead to fines, penalties, or even legal action against you.

• After filling out the form, present it to the CBP officer upon your arrival. They may ask you questions about your trip and the items you are declaring. Answer these questions honestly and completely.