Blank CBP 6059B PDF Form

What is the CBP 6059B form used for?

The CBP 6059B form, commonly known as the Customs Declaration form, is used by travelers entering the United States to declare any goods they are bringing into the country. This includes items intended for sale, gifts, or personal use. The form helps the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assess duties and taxes and to enforce laws related to the import of restricted or prohibited items.

Who needs to fill out the CBP 6059B form?

Every traveler entering the United States, whether a citizen, resident, or visitor, must fill out the CBP 6059B form if they are carrying goods that need to be declared according to U.S. laws. This includes both items carried with them and items to be sent to the U.S. as unaccompanied baggage.

Can families fill out a single CBP 6059B form?

Yes, family members who live in the same household and are returning to the U.S. together can submit a single CBP 6059B form. However, it's important for the head of the household to list all items being brought into the country by all family members on the same form.

What happens if I don't declare items on the CBP 6059B form?

Failure to declare items that are subject to duty or the importation of prohibited goods can result in penalties. These can range from seizure of the undeclared items to monetary fines, and in serious cases, criminal charges. Honesty is crucial when filling out the form to avoid these consequences.

How do I declare items I purchased or received as gifts while abroad?

Items purchased or received as gifts while abroad must be declared on the CBP 6059B form. You should list these items along with their value in U.S. dollars. It's important to be as detailed as possible to ensure accurate duty assessment and to comply with U.S. laws.

Are there any items I should not bring back to the United States?

Yes, there are items that are prohibited or restricted from entering the United States, such as certain foods, plants, animals, narcotics, and cultural artifacts, among others. It's crucial to check the latest regulations before traveling, as these rules can change. Declaring such items can lead to their seizure and possibly other penalties.

Where can I find the CBP 6059B form to fill out?

The CBP 6059B form is usually provided by airlines or cruise lines before arriving in the United States. It can also be found at ports of entry. Additionally, for convenience and efficiency, some travelers may have the option to use electronic declaration kiosks at certain airports, which serve the same purpose as the paper form.

When traveling into the United States, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 6059B form is a critical document that travelers must complete. This form is used to declare what goods travelers are bringing into the country, among other things. However, there are common mistakes that many people make when filling out this form. Avoiding these errors can make your entry process smoother and prevent potential issues. Let's explore some of these common missteps:

1. Not reading the instructions carefully: The CBP 6059B form comes with instructions that are meant to guide you on how to accurately complete the form. Skipping over these instructions can lead to mistakes that might complicate your entry process.

2. Leaving sections blank: Every section of the CBP 6059B form should be filled out unless specifically instructed to leave it blank. Incomplete forms can raise suspicions or lead to delays.

3. Listing incorrect monetary values: When declaring items, you must list their total value in U.S. dollars. Guessing or undervaluing items can lead to fines or penalties.

4. Not declaring all items: It's crucial to declare all items that you're bringing into the U.S., including gifts and items you purchased abroad. Failing to declare items can result in fines or even confiscation of undeclared goods.

5. Forgetting to sign and date the form: Your signature and the date are required to validate the information provided on the form. An unsigned form is considered incomplete.

6. Misunderstanding duty-free allowance: Many travelers misunderstand the rules surrounding duty-free allowances. It's important to know your limits to correctly declare items that exceed those limits.

7. Confusing personal use with commercial goods: If you're bringing goods into the U.S. for commercial purposes, different rules and declarations apply. Ensure you're declaring personal items correctly to avoid complications.

8. Using incorrect personal information: Double-check your personal information, including your passport number and country of residence. Mistakes here can link your declaration to the wrong individual.

9. Assuming all food products are prohibited: While certain food items are restricted, not all food products are prohibited. However, you must declare all food items you're bringing into the U.S. for inspection.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure that your travel experience is as hassle-free as possible. Always remember to review the CBP 6059B form thoroughly and ask for assistance if any part of the process is unclear. Safe travels!

Traveling into the United States requires navigating a maze of paperwork and protocols. One key document in this process is the CBP Form 6059B, also known as the Customs Declaration form, which every traveler must fill out to declare what they are bringing into the country. However, the CBP 6059B often isn't the only document travelers must present. Several additional forms and documents are frequently used in conjunction with it, assisting in a smoother entry process and ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.

• Passport: The most fundamental document for international travel, a passport serves as proof of identity and citizenship. It is required not only for entering the United States but also for obtaining a boarding pass for flights heading to the U.S.
• Visa: Depending on the traveler's country of citizenship and the purpose of their visit, they may need a visa. A visa is an endorsement placed within a passport that grants permission to enter, leave, or stay in the U.S. for a specific purpose and duration.
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record): This form records the arrival and departure dates of visitors to the United States. Though it is now often processed electronically, travelers may be required to present a paper copy upon entry or when applying for certain benefits.
• Global Entry Card: For those enrolled in the Global Entry program, which expedites customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States, presenting your Global Entry card can streamline the process further, though it's most beneficial when used at kiosks located at select airports.

Understanding these documents and ensuring they are in order can make the difference between a smooth entry and potential delays or complications. Travelers should always verify which documents are required for their specific situation before embarking on their journey to the United States. In essence, while the CBP Form 6059B is a critical component of the entry process, it is part of a broader documentation ecosystem that facilitates international travel and maintains the integrity of U.S. borders.

• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): This document is quite similar to the CBP 6059B form as both are prerequisites for travelers entering the United States. While the CBP 6059B form is used for declaring goods, the ESTA serves as an authorization for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, assessing their eligibility before they board a U.S. bound air or sea carrier.

• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: The similarity between the I-94 form and the CBP 6059B form lies in their purpose of documenting arrivals and departures. The I-94 records the arrival and departure dates of visitors, as well as their visa status, making it a critical document for immigration tracking, much like how the CBP 6059B tracks goods.

• Customs Declaration Form of other countries: Many countries have their own version of the customs declaration form, which serves the same purpose as the CBP 6059B form - to declare items being brought into the country. These forms assess whether the goods are subject to taxes or duties, or if they are prohibited, ensuring that travelers comply with local laws.

• ATA Carnet: An ATA Carnet is a document used for the temporary importation of goods without paying duties and taxes. It shares a similarity with the CBP 6059B form in that it facilitates the customs clearance process for goods, although the Carnet specifically targets goods that will be re-exported within a year.

• Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED): The SED is a document required by the U.S. Census Bureau for exports that exceed a certain value. Like the CBP 6059B form, it involves declaring goods but focuses on those leaving the country. It collects data for economic analysis and ensures compliance with U.S. export regulations.

• APHIS Form 7001: The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requires this form for pets and other animals being imported or exported. The APHIS Form 7001 and the CBP 6059B form are similar as they both involve declaring and ensuring the safe and legal transport of items (in this case, animals) across borders.

Filling out the CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is a necessary step for anyone entering the United States. It's important to get it right to ensure a smooth entry process. Here are some dos and don'ts to help guide you through filling out the form:

• Read instructions carefully before starting to fill out the form. This ensures that you understand each section and what is required of you.
• Write clearly and legibly, using black or blue ink. This makes it easier for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to read your information, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
• Be honest when declaring items. Misrepresenting what you're bringing into the country can lead to fines or even criminal charges.
• Include all items that you’re required to declare, such as food, plants, and goods intended for sale. When in doubt, it's better to declare items than to omit them.
• Sign and date the form, as an unsigned form is considered incomplete and can delay your entry process.
• Keep the form handy until you pass through customs. You might be asked to present it more than once.

• Guess on values. Estimate as accurately as possible the value of the goods you are declaring. Inaccurate information can create delays or result in fines.
• Use pencil or markers to fill out the form. These can smear or be illegible, making it hard for CBP officers to read your answers.
• Leave blanks in sections that apply to you. If a question does not apply, write “N/A” (not applicable) instead of leaving it empty.
• Declare items you aren’t sure about without asking for clarification. If you're unsure whether an item needs to be declared, ask a CBP officer before completing your form.
• Forget to list family members who are traveling with you and included in your passport. Each family member’s details are required on the form.
• Wait until the last minute to fill out the form. Rushing can lead to mistakes or omissions that could delay your travel.

Many travelers encounter misconceptions about the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, the "Customs Declaration" form required for entry into the United States. Clarifying these misunderstandings is essential for a smooth entry process.

• All travelers must fill out the CBP Form 6059B individually. In reality, families traveling together can complete one form per family residence. Details of each family member must be included, but separate forms for each are unnecessary.

• Only goods purchased abroad must be declared. In fact, the form requires the declaration of all goods being brought into the U.S., including items received as gifts, or purchased online and shipped while abroad.

• Food items do not need to be declared. Contrary to this belief, all food items, whether packaged, raw, or processed, must be declared to CBP officials. This helps prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.

• Personal items and clothing bought abroad are exempt from declaration. This is incorrect. Even personal items and clothing bought abroad are subject to declaration, regardless of whether they are used or new.

• Declaring items will always result in having to pay duties. Many travelers assume that declaring items means they will have to pay taxes on them. While duties apply to various goods, there are exemptions and duty-free allowances that often apply, particularly for items intended for personal use or as gifts.

• The CBP Form 6059B is only available in English. The form is actually available in multiple languages to accommodate non-English speakers. This ensures that visitors understand what is required of them upon entry into the U.S.

Understanding these points can significantly streamline the customs declaration process, ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and regulations while minimizing delays during entry.

Traveling to the United States involves various procedures, one of which includes filling out the CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration Form. This document is essential for informing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials about the items you are bringing into the country. Understanding how to correctly complete and use this form can streamline your entry process. Here are seven key takeaways to guide you through it:

• Accuracy is paramount: Provide truthful and precise information about what you are bringing into the U.S. Misrepresentation can lead to delays, penalties, or even denial of entry.
• Understand the items to declare: Familiarize yourself with the types of goods that need to be declared, such as agricultural products, large amounts of currency, and commercial merchandise. When in doubt, declare it.
• Family members traveling together: Families living in the same household can submit a single form, simplifying the process for groups traveling together.
• Know the exemptions: Learn about the exemptions allowed by the U.S. government, including gift exemptions and personal allowances, to avoid unnecessary declarations.
• Duty fees: Be prepared to pay duties on certain items exceeding your exemption limit. Knowing the rate in advance can help you budget for your trip.
• Keep the form accessible: Upon arrival, you'll need to present your completed form to a CBP officer. Keep it handy with your travel documents to avoid fumbling through your belongings.
• Electronic submission: Some airports offer electronic kiosks for submitting the CBP 6059B form, making the process faster and more environmentally friendly.

Completing the CBP 6059B form doesn't have to be daunting. With the right preparation and understanding, travelers can ensure a smooth entry into the United States. Remember, when in doubt about whether to declare an item, it's always best to err on the side of caution and declare it. Safe travels!