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Form Specs

Fact Name Description
Form Purpose The CBP 6059B form is used for declaring items being brought into the United States.
Who Must File All travelers entering the U.S. must file this form if they have goods to declare.
Submission Method This form is typically submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
Information Required Travelers must provide details about the items they are bringing, including value and quantity.
Consequences of Non-Compliance Failure to file the form can lead to fines, confiscation of goods, or legal action.
Governing Law The use of this form is governed by U.S. Customs laws and regulations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the CBP 6059B form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below are five things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
  • Do provide accurate information about your travel plans and personal details.
  • Do ensure that all required fields are filled out completely.
  • Do double-check your form for any spelling or numerical errors.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don't leave any mandatory fields blank.
  • Don't provide false or misleading information.
  • Don't rush through the form; take your time to ensure accuracy.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it thoroughly.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Personal Information: Many individuals fail to provide accurate personal details such as their name, date of birth, and passport number. This can lead to delays or issues at customs.

  2. Missing Signatures: Some people forget to sign the form. A signature is essential for validating the information provided and confirming the traveler’s identity.

  3. Inaccurate Travel Information: Travelers often misstate their travel plans, such as the duration of their stay or the address where they will be residing. This information is critical for customs officials.

  4. Failure to Declare Items: Individuals sometimes neglect to declare items they are bringing into the country. This includes gifts, food, or other goods that may be subject to restrictions.

  5. Overlooking Special Circumstances: Some travelers fail to mention special circumstances, such as carrying large amounts of cash or traveling with pets. These details can affect customs procedures.

  6. Not Using the Correct Form Version: It’s important to use the latest version of the CBP 6059B form. Using an outdated form can result in complications or rejection of the submission.

  7. Rushing the Process: Many people fill out the form in haste, leading to careless mistakes. Taking the time to review the information can prevent unnecessary issues.

Documents used along the form

The CBP 6059B form is a crucial document for travelers entering the United States. However, there are several other forms and documents that are often used in conjunction with it. Each of these plays an important role in ensuring compliance with U.S. customs regulations and facilitating a smooth entry process.

  • CBP Form 7501: This is the entry summary form used by importers to declare the goods being brought into the U.S. It provides detailed information about the shipment, including its value and origin.
  • CBP Form I-94: This form serves as a record of arrival and departure for non-U.S. citizens. It is issued to travelers entering the U.S. and indicates the duration of their stay.
  • CBP Form 3299: This is the declaration for free entry of unaccompanied articles. It is used when individuals are bringing personal items into the U.S. without being present at the time of entry.
  • Passport: A valid passport is required for international travel. It serves as proof of identity and citizenship, allowing travelers to enter the U.S.
  • Visa: For travelers from certain countries, a visa is necessary to enter the U.S. It grants permission to enter for a specific purpose and duration.
  • Customs Declaration: This document is filled out by travelers to declare any items they are bringing into the U.S. It includes information about goods, currency, and other relevant details.
  • Texas Boat Bill of Sale Form: To accurately document the sale of a boat, utilize the detailed Texas Boat Bill of Sale guidelines for proper ownership transfer.
  • Health Declaration: In certain situations, travelers may need to provide a health declaration, especially in light of public health concerns. This document may include information about vaccinations and health status.
  • Travel Itinerary: While not always mandatory, having a travel itinerary can help clarify travel plans and intentions, especially for customs officials.

Understanding these documents and their purposes can help ensure a smoother entry into the United States. Being prepared with the necessary paperwork will not only facilitate the customs process but also provide peace of mind during your travels.

Misconceptions

The CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is essential for travelers entering the United States. However, several misconceptions surround its use and requirements. Here are nine common misconceptions explained:

  1. It is only for international travelers. Many believe that only those traveling from abroad need to complete this form. In reality, anyone entering the U.S. from a foreign country must fill it out, regardless of their origin.
  2. All items must be declared. Some people think they must declare every single item they carry. While you should declare items that are subject to duty or restrictions, personal items like clothing generally do not need to be listed.
  3. It can be filled out after arriving in the U.S. There is a misconception that travelers can complete the form once they land. However, it is best to fill it out while on the plane or before reaching customs to expedite the process.
  4. Only adults need to fill it out. Some travelers assume that only adults must complete the CBP 6059B form. In fact, children also need to have their own declaration, though a parent or guardian can assist.
  5. It is a lengthy and complicated process. Many people fear that filling out the form is time-consuming. In truth, the form is straightforward and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.
  6. Providing false information is harmless. Some individuals think that omitting or misrepresenting information is inconsequential. However, providing false information can lead to serious penalties, including fines or being barred from entry.
  7. Customs officials do not check the form thoroughly. It is a common belief that customs officials overlook the details on the form. However, they often conduct random checks and can ask questions based on the information provided.
  8. It is not necessary for returning U.S. citizens. Some U.S. citizens believe they are exempt from filling out the CBP 6059B form. However, all returning citizens must complete it to declare any goods acquired abroad.
  9. Once submitted, it cannot be changed. There is a misconception that once the form is submitted, it cannot be altered. In reality, if you realize a mistake after submission, you can inform a customs officer immediately for correction.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure a smoother entry process into the United States. It is crucial to be informed and prepared to avoid any potential issues at customs.

Preview - CBP 6059B Form

This Space For Official Use Only

Customs Declaration

FORM APPROVED

OMB NO.1651-0009

19 CFR 122.27, 148.12, 148.13, 148.110, 148.111, 19 USC 1498; 31 CFR 5316

Each arriving traveler or responsible family member must provide the following information (only ONE written declaration per family is required). The term "family" is defined as "members of a family residing in the same household who are related by blood, marriage, domestic relationship, or adoption."

1Family Name

 

First (Given)

 

 

 

 

 

Middle

 

 

 

 

 

Birth date

Month

 

 

 

Day

 

 

 

 

Year

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3Number of Family members traveling with you

4(a) U.S. Street Address (hotel name/destination)

(b) City (c) State

5Passport issued by (country)

6Passport number

7Country of Residence

8 Countries visited on this

trip prior to U.S. arrival

9

Airline/Flight No. or Vessel Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The primary purpose of this trip is business:

 

 

 

 

 

10

Yes

 

No

 

 

11I am (We are) bringing

(a)fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects: Yes No

(b) meats, animals, animal/wildlife products:

Yes

 

No

 

(c) disease agents, cell cultures, snails:

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

(d) soil or have been on a farm/ranch/pasture:

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

12I have (We have) been in close proximity of livestock: Yes No (such as touching or handling)

13I am (We are) carrying currency or monetary instruments

 

over $10,000 U.S. or foreign equivalent:

Yes

 

No

 

 

(see definition of monetary instruments on reverse)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

I have (We have) commercial merchandise:

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

(articles for sale, samples used for soliciting orders,

 

 

 

 

 

or goods that are not considered personal effects)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESIDENTS—the total value of all goods, including commercial

15

 

merchandise I/we have purchased or acquired abroad, (including

 

gifts for someone else but not items mailed to

$

 

 

 

 

the U.S.) and am/are bringing to the U.S. is:

 

 

 

 

 

VISITORS—the total value of all articles that

$

 

 

 

 

will remain in the U.S., including commercial

 

 

 

 

 

merchandise is:

 

 

Read the instructions on the back of this form. Space is provided to list all the items you must declare.

I HAVE READ THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM AND HAVE MADE A TRUTHFUL DECLARATION.

X

Signature

Date (month/day/year)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Welcomes You to the United States

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for protecting the United States against the illegal importation of prohibited items. CBP officers have the authority to question you and to examine you and your personal property. If you are one of the travelers selected for an examination, you will be treated in a courteous, professional, and dignified manner. CBP Supervisors and Passenger Service Representatives are available to answer your questions. Comment cards are available to compliment or provide feedback.

Important Information

U.S. Residents—Declare all articles that you have acquired abroad and are bringing into the United States.

Visitors (Non-Residents)—Declare the value of all articles that will remain in the United States.

Declare all articles on this declaration form and show the value in U.S. dollars. For gifts, please indicate the retail value.

Duty—CBP officers will determine duty. U.S. residents are normally entitled to a duty-free exemption of $800 on items accompanying them. Visitors (non-residents) are normally entitled to an exemption of $100. Duty will be assessed at the current rate on the first $1,000 above the exemption.

Agricultural and Wildlife Products—To prevent the entry of dangerous agricultural pests and prohibited wildlife, the following are restricted: Fruits, vegetables, plants, plant products, soil, meat, meat products, birds, snails, and other live animals or animal products. Failure to declare such items to a Customs and Border Protection Officer/ Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialist/Fish and Wildlife Inspector can result in penalties and the items may be subject to seizure.

Controlled substances, obscene articles, and toxic substances are generally prohibited entry. The importation of merchandise into the U.S. that infringes intellectual property rights may subject travelers to civil or criminal penalties and may pose serious risk to safety or health.

The transportation of currency or monetary instruments, regardless of the amount, is legal. However, if you bring into or take out of the United States more than $10,000 (U.S. or foreign equivalent, or a combination of both), you are required by law to file a report on FinCEN 105 (formerly Customs Form 4790) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Monetary instruments include coin, currency, travelers checks and bearer instruments such as personal or cashiers checks and stocks and bonds. If you have someone else carry the currency or monetary instrument for you, you must also file a report on FinCEN 105. Failure to file the required report or failure to report the total amount that you are carrying may lead to the seizure of all the currency or monetary instruments, and may subject you to civil penalties and/or criminal prosecution. SIGN ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THIS FORM AFTER YOU HAVE READ THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOVE AND MADE A TRUTHFUL DECLARATION.

Description of Articles

 

 

CBP

(List may continue on another CBP Form 6059B)

 

Value

Use Only

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT: An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection and a person is not required to respond to this information unless it displays a current valid OMB control number. The control number for this collection is 1651-0009. The estimated average time to complete this application is 4 minutes. Your response is mandatory. If you have any comments regarding the burden estimate you can write to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Regulations and Rulings, 90 K Street, NE, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20229.

CBP Form 6059B (11/16)

CBP Form 6059B (11/16)

Key takeaways

The CBP 6059B form is an important document for travelers entering the United States. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when filling it out and using it:

  • Purpose of the Form: The CBP 6059B form is used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect information about travelers and their belongings upon arrival in the United States.
  • Who Needs to Fill It Out: All travelers, including U.S. citizens and foreign visitors, are required to complete this form when entering the country.
  • Accuracy is Key: Providing accurate and truthful information is crucial. Failing to do so can lead to delays or even denial of entry.
  • Items to Declare: Travelers must declare all items they are bringing into the U.S., including gifts, food, and any goods purchased abroad.
  • Language Considerations: The form is available in multiple languages, making it easier for non-English speakers to understand and complete it correctly.
  • Submission Process: After filling out the form, travelers will present it to a Customs officer upon arrival. Keep it handy as it will be reviewed during the inspection process.

Similar forms

The CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is used by travelers entering the United States to declare items they are bringing into the country. Several other documents serve similar purposes in customs and immigration processes. Here are five documents that are similar to the CBP 6059B form:

  • CBP Form 7501: This is the entry summary form used for importing goods into the U.S. It provides detailed information about the shipment, including the value and classification of items, similar to how the CBP 6059B gathers information about personal items being brought in.
  • California Civil Form: This essential document helps to categorize civil cases in California accurately, ensuring appropriate case management as detailed at californiadocsonline.com/california-civil-form.
  • Form I-94: This form is issued to foreign visitors upon entry into the U.S. It records the visitor's arrival and departure information. Like the CBP 6059B, it is essential for tracking who is entering the country and for what purpose.
  • Form 8840: This is the closer connection exception statement for aliens. It helps individuals claim a closer connection to a foreign country for tax purposes. Similar to the CBP 6059B, it involves declaring specific information to U.S. authorities, although it focuses on tax residency rather than customs.
  • Form 1040NR: This is the U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return. It requires non-resident aliens to report their income and claim deductions. Both this form and the CBP 6059B involve declarations that are crucial for compliance with U.S. laws.
  • Form 2063: This is the Customs Declaration for International Travelers. It is used for travelers entering the U.S. to declare items and currency. Like the CBP 6059B, it serves to inform customs officials about what is being brought into the country.