Fill a Valid CBP 6059B Form

What is the purpose of the CBP 6059B form?

The CBP 6059B form, commonly known as the Customs Declaration form, is a document that must be completed by travelers entering the United States. It serves several important purposes, including providing information about the traveler's identity, travel itinerary, and items they are bringing into the country. This form helps Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers ensure that individuals comply with U.S. laws and regulations regarding the importation of goods and assess duties and taxes if applicable.

Who is required to fill out the CBP 6059B form?

All travelers entering the United States, regardless of their citizenship, are required to fill out the CBP 6059B form. This includes U.S. citizens, residents, and visitors. Families traveling together can complete one form per family, provided that they all live in the same household and are traveling together.

What information do I need to provide on the CBP 6059B form?

You will need to provide detailed information about yourself and your trip. This includes your name, date of birth, passport number, countries you visited before arriving in the U.S., and the address where you will stay in the U.S. You must also declare any items you are bringing with you, such as gifts, merchandise, or cash amounts over $10,000. It’s important to answer all questions truthfully and accurately to avoid potential penalties.

How do I submit the CBP 6059B form?

The CBP 6059B form can be submitted in two ways: either by filling out a paper form provided by the airline or cruise ship staff before arriving in the U.S. or by using the Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks located at many U.S. airports. The APC kiosks allow travelers to submit their information electronically, speeding up the entry process. After completing the form or using an APC kiosk, travelers will present their passport and declaration to a CBP officer for review upon arrival.

What happens if I make a mistake on my CBP 6059B form or fail to declare items?

If you make an honest mistake or forget to declare items on your CBP 6059B form, it's best to inform a CBP officer as soon as you realize the error. In most cases, officers are understanding of honest mistakes and can provide guidance on how to correct the issue. However, failure to declare items or providing false information can result in penalties, including fines or seizure of the undeclared items. It's important to review your form carefully before submission to ensure all information is complete and accurate.

Filling out the CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is a necessary step for travelers entering the United States. However, it's easy to make mistakes if one is not careful. Among the common errors, not declaring items purchased or acquired abroad is a frequent oversight. This includes gifts or items intended for sale, which must be reported to avoid potential fines or penalties.

Another mistake involves inaccurately reporting the value of declared items. It's imperative to list the true value in U.S. dollars, as guessing or underestimating can lead to delays and possible seizure of undeclared items. Customs officials require accurate information to apply the correct duties and taxes, ensuring a smoother entry process.

A third area where errors occur is in the failure to declare food products. Many travelers are unaware that bringing certain foods into the U.S. is restricted or banned. Checking the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the latest guidelines on food items is advisable before travel. Incorrectly declaring or omitting these items can result in fines and the confiscation of undeclared food.

Additionally, travelers sometimes neglect to provide their complete travel itinerary on the form. This includes not just the flight entering the U.S. but also any countries visited in the days preceding the entry into the United States. The CBP uses this information to assess potential health and security risks.

Another common error is not signing the form, which may seem minor but is actually crucial. An unsigned form is considered incomplete and can delay a traveler’s entry into the country. Ensuring the form is fully completed and signed helps facilitate a smoother customs process.

Lastly, overthinking the form can also cause mistakes. Some travelers may worry excessively about providing the perfect answer for each question, leading to overcomplications or incorrect information. It’s important to answer each question on the form clearly and truthfully to avoid complications during the customs process.

When travelers enter the United States, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, known as the Customs Declaration form, is a familiar document. It serves as a declaration of what they are bringing into the country, detailing items that may be subject to duties or agricultural restrictions. However, depending on the nature of the visit and the items being brought into the U.S., there might be a need for additional forms and documents. These provide further information to customs officers, facilitating a smoother entry process. Here's a look at some of the forms and documents often used alongside the CBP 6059B form.

• Passport – An essential travel document that proves the identity and nationality of the traveler. It is required for entry into and travel within most countries.
• Visa – A document issued by the country a person is visiting, which allows them to enter, stay for a certain period of time, or leave that country. The requirements vary by destination and purpose of the visit.
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record – This form records the arrival and departure dates of visitors to the U.S. and determines the duration of their stay. For most travelers, this form is now automated and linked to their passport number.
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) – Required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, ESTA authorization needs to be obtained before departure to the U.S. for business or tourism stays of 90 days or less.
• Form I-20 – Used by non-immigrant students with F or M visas, this form is issued by their U.S. school, college, or university and is required for entry and stay in the country.
• Form DS-2019 – Necessary for participants in the Exchange Visitor Program (J visa). It is provided by the sponsoring organization and outlines the visitor's purpose in the U.S.
• Customs Declaration Form of Other Countries – If transferring through or entering additional countries before reaching the U.S., travelers might be required to fill out similar customs declarations for those nations.
• Agricultural Declaration – Some travelers may need to complete this form upon arrival in the U.S. if they are carrying certain food products, plants, or animals. This declaration helps protect U.S. agriculture from pests and diseases.
• Form 6059B Continuation Sheets – For travelers bringing more items than can be listed on the main Form 6059B, continuation sheets provide additional space to declare these items.

In conclusion, while the CBP 6059B form is a critical document for entering the U.S., it often works in concert with other forms and documents that facilitate legal entry and compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. Each document serves a specific purpose, collectively ensuring that travelers meet all requirements for a successful and lawful visit to the United States.

The CBP 6059B form, known for its use in declaring items to US Customs and Border Protection, shares similarities with various other documents, one of which includes the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. The I-94 form, much like the CBP 6059B, plays a crucial role in monitoring entry into and departure from the United States, serving to record a traveler's arrival and departure dates. Both documents are integral to ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration law, though the I-94 focuses more on tracking individuals’ movements rather than the specific items they bring into the country.

Another document bearing resemblance to the CBP 6059B form is the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application. The ESTA serves a distinct purpose by determining the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program before their journey begins. Similar to the CBP 6059B, which requires travelers to declare their goods, the ESTA collects detailed personal information and answers to eligibility questions, making both critical for pre-entry screening and security measures.

The Agricultural Declaration Form, mandated by various countries including the United States, is also akin to the CBP 6059B in its purpose to control and prevent the entry of potentially harmful pests and diseases. This form requires travelers to declare any plants, food, or other agricultural products they are bringing into the country. The parallel between the two forms lies in their shared aim to protect a country's health and agricultural integrity by monitoring and regulating what enters through its borders.

The Customs Declaration Form used by many other countries for international travelers entering their borders shares a direct likeness to the CBP 6059B. Each country’s customs form is designed to inform and enforce their specific import regulations. These forms generally require the declaration of goods, currency, and sometimes detailed personal information, much like the U.S. version. The universal purpose across these forms is to safeguard the country’s economy, environment, and citizens' well-being from prohibited or taxed imports.

The Passenger Arrival Card, a requirement for travelers entering countries such as New Zealand and Australia, mirrors the CBP 6059B form by collecting information on the traveler's health status and any potential biosecurity risks they might bring into the country. Both documents are essential in the efforts to protect the destination country’s biosecurity and ensure that travelers comply with local health and safety regulations.

Lastly, the ATA Carnet, often referred to as the "Merchandise Passport," closely parallels the CBP 6059B form, albeit in a more specific context. The ATA Carnet facilitates the temporary importation of goods without paying duties or import taxes, provided the goods will be re-exported within a year. Similar to the CBP 6059B’s role in declaring goods for Customs, the ATA Carnet simplifies the customs process for travelers carrying samples, professional equipment, or goods for exhibitions and fairs, emphasizing the movement and regulatory compliance of goods across international borders.

Filling out the CBP 6059B form, which is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form, is a crucial step for travelers entering the United States. It is important to handle this form accurately to ensure a smooth entry process. To assist, here are some essential do's and don'ts to keep in mind.

Do's:

• Be Honest: Always provide accurate information. False statements can lead to serious consequences including penalties, fines, or denial of entry.
• Declare Every Item: Include all items purchased or acquired abroad. This includes gifts, souvenirs, and any items intended to remain in the United States.
• Understand Exemptions: Familiarize yourself with your entitlements. Certain exemptions are available depending on your travel history and the items you’re bringing in.
• Write Legibly: Ensure all information is clear and easy to read. This can expedite the processing of your form and avoid unnecessary delays.

Don'ts:

• Don't Guess: If unsure about an item, it's better to declare it. Going through an inspection is better than facing penalties for undeclared items.
• Don't Leave Blanks: If a section does not apply, it’s advisable to write "N/A" (not applicable) rather than leaving it empty. This shows that you did not overlook the question.
• Don't Use Non-Permanent Ink: Fill out the form using a pen with permanent ink to avoid smudging or accidental erasures that can lead to misunderstandings.
• Don't Undervalue Items: Report the true value of all declared items. Underestimating the value can be considered a form of evasion and lead to fines.

The CBP Form 6059B is essential for travelers entering the United States, but misconceptions often surround its purpose and requirements. Understanding these misconceptions ensures smoother passage through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processes.

• Only non-U.S. citizens need to fill out the CBP Form 6059B. This is a common misconception. In reality, both U.S. citizens and visitors must complete the form if they are carrying declarable items or exceeding the duty-free exemption limits. This requirement underscores the importance of declaring certain goods, regardless of citizenship status.

• The form is only for goods purchased abroad. While it's true that many items to be declared are those bought in other countries, travelers also need to declare items they are bringing back that they previously took from the United States. This includes anything that has been altered or repaired abroad, not just new purchases.

• If traveling as a family, each member needs to complete a separate form. Contrary to this belief, a single CBP Form 6059B can be used for all members residing in the same household. This approach streamlines the process for families and individuals living together, making it simpler to manage their declarations collectively.

• Declaring items will always result in having to pay duties. Declaration does not necessarily mean you owe duties on the declared items. Many travelers can bring items worth up to a certain value without paying duties, thanks to duty exemptions. Even if duties apply, the rates vary, and some items might be exempt under certain conditions.

• Electronically submitting a declaration via a mobile app exempts you from filling out the CBP Form 6059B. While electronic declarations can expedite the process, they do not always replace the need for a paper form. Circumstances may arise where travelers are required to complete the CBP Form 6059B, even if they have made a declaration electronically. It's crucial to follow the instructions of CBP officers upon arrival.

By dispelling these misconceptions, travelers can navigate the complexities of entering the United States with more confidence and compliance. It's always advisable to consult the latest guidelines from the CBP and prepare accordingly before your journey.

Travelers entering the United States are required to declare their items to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using the CBP 6059B form. Understanding how to correctly fill out and use this form is essential for a smooth entry process. Here are five key takeaways regarding the CBP 6059B form:

• The CBP 6059B form must be completed by each arriving traveler or responsible family member. The form requires information about the traveler’s identity, travel itinerary, and items being brought into the United States.
• It's important to declare all items acquired abroad including merchandise, gifts, or repairs. Not declaring items can result in fines or other penalties. Accuracy and honesty are crucial when completing the form.
• Certain items are restricted or prohibited from entering the U.S. The CBP 6059B form includes questions about these items, such as food products, plants, and animals. Travelers should be prepared to declare these items and understand they may be subject to inspection or restrictions.
• Travelers should be aware of the exemptions and allowances for duty-free items. The form provides space to declare items exceeding the duty-free allowance, which may be subject to taxes. Knowing the value of items and the exemptions can help travelers avoid surprises at customs.
• Once completed, the form should be presented to a CBP officer upon arrival. The officer may ask questions about the declared items, and in some cases, may perform a physical inspection. Travelers should keep receipts or documentation for newly purchased items readily available for verification.

By familiarizing themselves with these key points, travelers can ensure a smoother entry process when arriving in the United States. The CBP 6059B form is a critical part of the CBP’s efforts to protect U.S. borders, and accurate completion helps facilitate this process.