Fill Out a Valid CBP 6059B Form

CBP 6059B - Usage Guide

When travelers arrive in the United States, they are required to declare their belongings to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Completing the CBP Form 6059B is a critical step in this process. This form asks for information about the items you are bringing into the country, including anything that might be subject to duties or that needs to be declared for any other reason. Properly filling out this form can help ensure a smooth entry process. The following steps are designed to guide you through filling out the form accurately and completely.

1. Start by printing your last name, first name, and your middle initial in the spaces provided.
2. Fill in your date of birth, following the month/day/year format.
3. Write the number of family members traveling with you in the box provided. Family members should only be included if they live in the same household and are related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
4. Next, enter your home address, including the city and country where you permanently reside.
5. Provide your passport number and the country that issued your passport.
6. Indicate the countries you visited prior to arriving in the United States.
7. In the section asking whether you or any family members traveling with you are carrying over $10,000 in monetary instruments, check the appropriate box for yes or no. If yes, you will have to complete a separate form (FinCEN 105).
8. Answer whether you are bringing with you fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects, meats, or animals. If you check yes, you might need to undergo additional inspections.
9. Declare whether you have been on a farm or near livestock outside the United States before your trip. This is important for agricultural and disease control reasons.
10. Check the box if you are carrying commercial merchandise or samples for sale, business, or work.
11. Finally, read the declaration statement carefully, sign, and date the form. Your signature attests to the truthfulness and accuracy of the information provided.

After filling out the form, proceed to the customs checkpoint and present your completed form to the CBP officer. Be prepared to show your passport and any other required documents. The officer may ask you questions about your trip and your belongings to verify the information on your form. If you declared items that are subject to duty or require further inspection, the officer would guide you through the next steps. Accurate and honest completion of the CBP Form 6059B is essential for a smooth entry process into the United States.

What is a CBP 6059B form?

The CBP 6059B form, known as the Customs Declaration Form, is a document that travelers entering the United States must complete. It's required by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to accurately declare goods being brought into the country, including but not limited to, merchandise, samples used for soliciting orders, or articles not considered personal effects.

Who needs to fill out the CBP 6059B form?

Every traveler entering the United States by air, sea, or land is required to fill out the CBP 6059B form. This includes citizens, residents, and visitors. In the case of family members residing in the same household, they can complete a single form jointly.

Can the CBP 6059B form be filled out electronically?

Yes, in an effort to streamline the process and make it more convenient for travelers, the CBP now allows the 6059B form to be filled out electronically via the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app or Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks available at select airports. This method not only saves time but also reduces paper usage.

What happens if I make a mistake on the CBP 6059B form?

If a mistake is made while filling out the CBP 6059B form, it is crucial to bring this to the attention of a CBP officer when processing your declaration. Officers are well-trained to handle such situations with discretion and professionalism, and in most cases, they can easily correct or guide you in amending any inaccuracies or errors.

Are there penalties for not properly declaring goods on the CBP 6059B form?

Yes, failure to accurately declare all goods could result in the imposition of fines, penalties, or even seizure of the undeclared items. Honesty and transparency are critical when completing the form as it allows for a smoother, hassle-free entry process.

What items are travelers commonly required to declare?

Travelers are typically required to declare items such as food, plants, seeds, soil, meat, dairy, and products made from animal or plant materials. In addition, items purchased abroad totaling more than $800, including gifts and merchandise intended for sale, are subject to declaration. It's important to check the most current CBP guidelines for a comprehensive list of what items to declare.

One common mistake people make when filling out the CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is not declaring all items they're bringing into the United States. This includes gifts, merchandise bought or received, and any personal items that have been repaired or altered outside of the U.S. Some travelers assume that if an item doesn't seem valuable or was a gift, it doesn't need to be declared. However, failing to declare all items can lead to delays and penalties. Every item brought back must be declared according to its value in U.S. dollars.

Another mistake is underestimating the value of declared items. When travelers purchase items abroad, they are required to declare their value in U.S. dollars accurately. Some individuals might unintentionally underestimate the value of their goods due to currency conversion errors or simply not knowing the item's current market value in the U.S. This discrepancy can lead to fines and, in some cases, seizure of the items if it appears the traveler is attempting to avoid paying the necessary duties and taxes.

Incorrectly filling out the section related to traveling with more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments is another area where errors are commonly made. Travelers often misunderstand the requirements, thinking the rule applies only to cash. However, it also covers traveler's checks, money orders, and bearer instruments. Failure to accurately report the amount can lead to the seizure of the funds and potential legal action. Travelers must accurately report the sum of their currency and monetary instruments to avoid these severe consequences.

Last but not least, a frequent oversight is neglecting to sign and date the form. This simple step is crucial as it validates the information provided on the form. An unsigned form is considered incomplete by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and can cause unnecessary delays. It's important for travelers to double-check their form before handing it to a CBP officer to ensure that all fields have been correctly filled out and that the form is signed and dated.

Traveling into the United States requires preparation and understanding of the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth process at customs and immigration. Among these documents, the CBP 6059B form, known as the Customs Declaration form, is a crucial piece that travelers must complete. However, it's important to note that this form is often accompanied by additional documents, depending on the specifics of a traveler's itinerary or cargo. The following outlines some key documents commonly used alongside the CBP 6059B form.

• Passport: The most essential travel document, serving as proof of identity and citizenship. It must be valid for entry into the United States.
• Visa: For visitors who are not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a U.S. visa is required. The type of visa depends on the nature of the visit (tourism, business, study, etc.).
• ESTA Authorization: Travelers from VWP countries must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to traveling to the U.S. This document is linked to the traveler's passport.
• Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: This document records a traveler's entry and departure dates from the United States. While it is now mostly automated, travelers may be required to complete a paper version in certain instances.
• Proof of Vaccination: Depending on current health regulations and policies, travelers might need to present proof of vaccination against certain diseases to enter the United States.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the customs and immigration process, working together with the CBP 6059B form to provide a comprehensive picture of the traveler's intent and status. Travelers should ensure they have all necessary documentation ready and accessible to facilitate their entry into the United States, thereby minimizing delays and complications at the border. It's always a good idea to check the latest requirements and guidelines from official sources before traveling.

The CBP Form 6059B, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is intricately related to the I-94 Form, Arrival/Departure Record. Both of these documents are essential for travelers entering the United States, yet they serve distinct purposes. The I-94 Form records the arrival and departure dates of visitors, along with their visa status, providing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with vital information regarding the length and purpose of the stay. Unlike the CBP Form 6059B, which focuses on the declaration of goods, the I-94 emphasizes the tracking of visitor entries and exits.

Similarly, the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application shares some resemblance to the CBP 6059B form in that both are prerequisites for entry into the United States for certain travelers. While the CBP 6059B form is a declaration of goods carried by travelers entering the U.S., the ESTA is a required pre-authorization for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program. It assesses their eligibility to enter the U.S., thus playing a crucial role in securing the borders from the outset, before the travelers' arrival.

Another document akin to the CBP 6059B form is the Customs Declaration Form 4457. The Form 4457 is critical for travelers who are carrying items that they plan to bring back into the United States after traveling abroad. It primarily serves to register personal belongings with CBP to avoid paying duties on these items at re-entry. Although it serves a different function than declaring goods at arrival, both forms are essential in the regulation and documentation of goods entering and exiting the U.S.

The Agricultural Declaration Form is another document travelers may encounter alongside the CBP 6059B. This form specifically targets the declaration of any agricultural products a traveler might be bringing into the United States. The purpose of this scrutiny is to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could harm the U.S. agricultural and natural resources. While the Agricultural Declaration Form focuses exclusively on agricultural items, the CBP 6059B encompasses a broader range of goods, marking their differences in scope but similarity in protective intent.

Lastly, the CBP Form 6059B bears similarity to the NAFTA Certificate of Origin (Form 434). Both documents involve the declaration of goods, although their contexts differ significantly. The NAFTA Certificate of Origin is used for commercial shipments between NAFTA countries (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), certifying that the goods qualify for the preferential tariff treatment accorded by the NAFTA agreement. Unlike the more general merchandise declaration of the CBP 6059B, the NAFTA Certificate of Origin is strictly used for trade purposes to reduce duties among the NAFTA countries.

When filling out the CBP 6059B form for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process is completed correctly and efficiently. Below are lists of do's and don'ts to guide you through this important task.

Do:

1. Read all instructions carefully before beginning to fill out the form.
2. Use black ink and print legibly in capital letters to ensure all information is easy to read.
3. Provide accurate and truthful information for every question, as errors or false statements can lead to delays or penalties.
4. Include all items you are bringing into the United States, focusing on items that are required to be declared.
5. Indicate the correct value of each item in U.S. dollars to ensure proper duty can be assessed.
6. Sign and date the form, as an unsigned form is considered incomplete and may not be accepted.
7. Keep the completed form handy along with your identification and travel documents, as you will need to present them upon arrival.

Don't:

• Leave any fields blank. If a section does not apply to you, enter "N/A" (Not Applicable) instead of leaving it empty.
• Overlook the importance of declaring food products, as failure to do so can result in fines and penalties.
• Forget to list any countries you visited before arriving in the United States, as this information is required for customs processing.
• Underestimate the value of your items to avoid duty charges, as this can lead to sanctions and confiscation of undeclared goods.
• Misplace your completed form, as you will need to submit it to a CBP officer upon arrival.
• Attempt to fill out the form for another person unless you are authorized to do so, as each traveler is responsible for their own declaration.
• Ignore updates or additional instructions from CBP officers, as compliance with their directives is mandatory for entry into the United States.

Traveling to the United States involves various procedures, among which filling out the CBP Form 6059B, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is crucial. It's easy to misunderstand the requirements or the importance of this document due to common misconceptions. Below are seven misconceptions about the CBP 6059B form explained to help clarify its purpose and requirements.

• It's only for items you're selling: A common misconception is that the form is only for declaring items meant for resale in the U.S. In truth, the CBP 6059B form is required for all items being brought into the country, including gifts, personal items, or items bought abroad for personal use.
• Every family member needs to fill one out: Actually, one form per family is sufficient. The head of the family can complete the form on behalf of all family members residing in the same household and traveling together to the United States.
• Filling it out incorrectly leads to automatic penalties: While it's important to fill out the form accurately, mistakes don't always lead to penalties. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are aware that honest mistakes can happen. If there's an error, they may allow you to correct it without penalty, depending on the circumstances.
• It's not necessary for items you have with you: Anything you're bringing into the United States, whether in your baggage or on your person, needs to be declared on the CBP 6059B form. This includes items you're wearing or carrying with you, such as jewelry or electronics.
• You must list the exact value of each item: While you should attempt to be as accurate as possible, you're allowed to provide a reasonable estimate of the total value of the items you're declaring. This applies particularly to items for personal use or gifts.
• Declaring items means you'll have to pay duties on them: Declaring items on the CBP 6059B form doesn't automatically mean you'll need to pay customs duties. Many items are eligible for duty exemptions based on their value or type, especially if they are for personal use.
• Electronic declarations are not accepted: This is no longer true. In many airports, you can now submit your declarations electronically via kiosks or mobile apps provided by CBP, making the process faster and more convenient.

Understanding these misconceptions and the actual requirements of the CBP 6059B form can make the process of entering the United States smoother and less stressful. Remember, the goal of the form is to protect both you and the country by ensuring that all goods entering the U.S. are legal and declared properly.

Traveling to the United States involves a critical step upon arrival: filling out the CBP Form 6059B, also known as the Customs Declaration Form. This document is essential for both U.S. residents and visitors. It's not just a formality; it plays a crucial role in the United States Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) mission to keep the country safe. Here are eight key takeaways about completing and using this form:

• Accuracy is essential: Providing accurate information on the CBP Form 6059B is critical. This includes declaring items you're bringing into the country, especially those that are subject to duty or may be restricted or prohibited. Incorrect or incomplete forms can cause delays or result in fines.
• Every traveler must complete a form: Each traveling party, including families, must submit at least one form. However, families residing in the same household can submit a single form for the entire household.
• Declare all items purchased or acquired: It's necessary to declare all items that were purchased or acquired while abroad. This includes gifts, souvenirs, duty-free items, and any repairs or alterations to personal items.
• Understand duty exemptions: Travelers may be eligible for duty exemptions based on the value of items they're bringing into the United States. It's important to understand these exemptions as they can affect whether you owe duty on certain items.
• Food and agricultural products have restrictions: There are strict regulations surrounding the importation of food, plants, and animal products. Declaring these items is mandatory, and failure to do so can lead to penalties. It's wise to familiarize yourself with what is and isn't allowed before traveling.
• Monetary instruments must be declared: If you're carrying more than $10,000 in monetary instruments, such as cash, traveler's checks, or money orders, you must declare it. Not doing so can lead to fines and, in some cases, the seizure of the funds.
• Be ready to show receipts: For certain high-value items, border officials may ask for receipts or proof of purchase. Keeping these documents handy can help verify the value of what you're declaring and facilitate a smoother process.
• Electronic submission options may be available: In some airports, travelers have the option to submit their CBP Form 6059B electronically via self-service kiosks or mobile apps. These alternatives can expedite entry but always check for availability and compatibility before traveling.

Filling out the CBP Form 6059B carefully and accurately is an important step in ensuring a smooth entry into the United States. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, travelers can help facilitate their own travel process while adhering to U.S. laws and regulations.