Free CBP 6059B PDF Form

What is the CBP 6059B form used for?

The CBP 6059B form, commonly known as the Customs Declaration form, serves a crucial role in the process of entering the United States. It is used by travelers to declare their belongings to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This document helps the CBP to assess duties, enforce laws related to imports, and collect demographic data for statistical purposes. Every traveler or family group responsible for declaring their goods must complete this form, detailing what they are bringing into the country, including gifts, merchandise, or items purchased abroad.

Who needs to fill out the CBP 6059B form?

All travelers entering the United States, whether returning citizens, residents, or visitors, are required to fill out the CBP 6059B form if they have something to declare. The form should be completed by one member per family group. Families traveling together with shared or similar belongings can file a single form to cover all members. It's also important for individuals to know that even if they are not carrying items that need to be declared, they may still be required to fill out the form, as it also serves as a legal document verifying one's travel and purchase activities while outside of the U.S.

How can someone obtain and submit the CBP 6059B form?

The CBP 6059B form is typically distributed by airline or cruise line staff before arrival into the United States. Travelers can also obtain this form at the entry point, such as an airport or border crossing, and fill it out prior to meeting with a customs officer. Submission of the completed form occurs during the customs inspection process. The traveler will present the completed form to the CBP officer, who may ask for further information or clarification about the items being declared. Additionally, an electronic version known as the Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks is available at select airports, allowing for an even more streamlined entry process.

Are there penalties for not properly completing the CBP 6059B form?

Yes, failing to properly complete the CBP 6059B form can result in penalties. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection takes the accuracy and honesty of these declarations very seriously. Failing to declare items that are not allowed or are subject to duties can lead to fines, and in some cases, criminal charges. It's vital for travelers to declare all items they are bringing into the United States, including items bought in duty-free shops, as well as any currency amounting to $10,000 or more. Being forthright and transparent can greatly simplify the customs process and prevent any potential legal complications.

1. Not reading the instructions carefully. Each question on the CBP 6059B form must be answered according to specific guidelines. Overlooking these can result in inaccuracies or missing information.

2. Providing inaccurate trip information. It's crucial to ensure that all details regarding the duration, purpose, and locations of your trip are correct. Mismatches between your responses and your travel documents can raise concerns.

3. Failing to declare all items. Travelers often misunderstand the requirement to declare items they are bringing into the U.S., including gifts and purchases made abroad. Not declaring taxable or prohibited items can lead to fines.

4. Leaving sections blank. If a section does not apply, write N/A (not applicable) instead of leaving it blank. This shows that you did not overlook the question.

5. Misunderstanding the monetary declaration requirement. All travelers entering the U.S. must declare if they are carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments. Failure to accurately report this can result in severe penalties.

6. Using the wrong form version. Occasionally, updates are made to the form. Using an outdated version can lead to processing delays.

7. Misinterpretation of food items declaration. Many travelers are confused about what needs to be declared under food items. It is better to declare all food items you have than to risk penalties for undeclared items.

8. Incorrectly listing family members. Only family members residing in the same household and traveling together should be listed on one form. This includes a common misunderstanding regarding dependents versus non-dependent relatives or friends.

9. Not signing the form. An unsigned form is considered incomplete and will not be processed until signed by the traveler, potentially causing delays at the point of entry.

Avoiding these mistakes not only helps ensure a smoother entry process into the United States but also demonstrates compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. Taking the time to review and understand the CBP 6059B form requirements can significantly reduce the chances of encountering issues upon arrival.

Traveling into the United States requires more than just a passport for most travelers; it often involves a series of forms and documents to ensure everything is in order for Customs and Border Protection (CBP). One primary document is the CBP Form 6059B, the blue Customs Declaration form, which all travelers must complete. Alongside this form, there are a few other important documents and forms that travelers might need to have on hand.

• Passport: This is the most essential travel document. It proves your identity and nationality. For many, it also needs to have a visa stamped if required by the United States for entry.
• Visa: Depending on your country of origin, you might need a visa in addition to your passport to enter the U.S. This document is placed within your passport and grants permission to travel to and seek entry into the country.
• I-94 Form: This form records arrival and departure dates for travelers. Upon arrival, the electronic form of this document is filled out. It's essential for non-immigrant visitors to keep track of their permitted stay duration.
• ESTA: For travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required before boarding a U.S.-bound air or sea carrier. This online authorization is simpler and quicker than obtaining a visa but serves a similar purpose.

Being prepared with the correct forms and documents can make the process of entering the United States as smooth and swift as possible. The CBP Form 6059B is just the start; ensuring you have all other required documents will help avoid delays and problems at the border. Safe travels!

• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) Application: Like the CBP 6059B, the ESTA application is crucial for travelers. It serves as a pre-approval for people traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, vetting them before they arrive in the U.S. Both forms gather personal information and travel details to enhance security measures.

• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: This form parallels the CBP 6059B in its role of tracking entry and exit of visitors in the United States. While the CBP 6059B is filled out by travelers to declare their goods, the I-94 documents a person's arrival and departure, serving a critical role in immigration control.

• Customs Declaration Form of Other Countries: Many countries have their own versions of the customs declaration form, akin to the CBP 6059B, which international travelers must complete. These forms gather information on goods being brought into the country, serving to regulate and monitor the import of foreign goods and enforce laws related to customs.

• TSA PreCheck Application: Although primarily a program application rather than a single-use form, TSA PreCheck resembles the CBP 6059B in its purpose of expediting the screening process. Both are part of the broader security apparatus aiming to make travel safer and more efficient by pre-vetting individuals.

• Global Entry Application: Similar to the TSA PreCheck, Global Entry facilitates quicker border crossings for pre-approved travelers. Candidates provide detailed personal information for background checks, akin to the information gathering aspect of the CBP 6059B, focused on enhancing border security.

• Visa Application Forms: Required for entry to many countries, visa applications collect detailed personal, travel, and background information from applicants, resembling the CBP 6059B's objective of assessing travelers' eligibility and intentions, thereby securing national borders.

• APHIS Form 7001: The United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals. While serving a more specialized purpose—certifying the health of pets traveling internationally—it shares similarities with the CBP 6059B in terms of regulatory compliance, aimed at preventing diseases from crossing borders.

• Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED): The SED is required for international shipments above a certain value and collects details about the exported goods. Like the CBP 6059B, it is integral to customs and border protection, helping to control and monitor the export of goods from the country.

• Passenger Arrival Card: Used in various countries, this card collects information on incoming travelers, akin to the U.S. customs declaration. It helps authorities track who is entering the country, their health status, and their travel history, similar to the objectives of the CBP 6059B.

• Foreigner Physical Examination Form: Required in some countries for long-term visitors, this form shares its core principle with the CBP 6059B—protecting public health and safety by screening individuals. It focuses on the physical health of travelers, ensuring they do not pose a health risk to the population.

Filling out the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is a crucial step when entering the United States. This document is necessary for the Department of Homeland Security to assess travelers' belongings and ensure that all items entering the country comply with U.S. laws and regulations. To help streamline the process and avoid potential delays or issues, here are important do's and don'ts to remember:

1. Print clearly in English. All information written on the form must be legible and in English to ensure that Customs and Border Protection officers can read and process the information without delays.
2. Declare all items purchased or acquired abroad, including gifts for other people as well as items you bought for yourself. This is crucial for determining if you owe any duty (taxes) on goods brought into the country.
3. Specify the country of origin for each item you're declaring. This detail is key in determining duty rates and assessing any import restrictions.
4. Include the value of each item in U.S. dollars. Estimating the value as accurately as possible is necessary for duty assessment.
5. Sign and date the form. Your signature certifies that all information on the form is true and correct. A missing signature can result in delays or further inspection.

• Forget to declare items sent to you while you were abroad, such as online purchases that you shipped to your U.S. address or gifts. These are also subject to declaration and possibly duties.
• Lie or omit information about items you're bringing into the country. Misrepresentation can lead to fines, penalties, or seizure of undeclared items.
• Bring prohibited items without declaring them. Certain items are restricted or banned from entering the U.S. If you're unsure whether an item is allowed, it's best to declare it and let the CBP officers decide.
• Use abbreviations or non-English terms without providing an English translation. This can cause confusion and delay the processing of your form.

By following these guidelines, travelers can ensure a smoother process when passing through customs and contribute to maintaining the security and integrity of U.S. borders. Remember, the goal of the CBP Form 6059B is to facilitate a safe and efficient entry for all travelers while upholding U.S. laws and regulations.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is an essential document for travelers entering the United States. However, several misconceptions about this form can lead to confusion and, in some cases, unintentional violation of customs regulations. Here are four common misunderstandings about the CBP 6059B form, clarified for better understanding.

• Only goods purchased abroad need to be declared: Many travelers believe they only need to declare items they purchased while outside the U.S. However, the requirement is broader; it includes all items acquired or received abroad and being brought into the U.S., regardless of their purchase status. This can include gifts, inherited items, or items found.
• Food items do not need to be declared: There is a common misconception that food items do not need to be declared on the CBP 6059B form. In reality, all food items, including packaged and processed foods, must be declared. The CBP has strict regulations on what food products can be brought into the country to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
• Personal items of little value do not need to be included: Some travelers think that personal items, especially those of minimal value, do not need to be declared. However, all items brought into the U.S., regardless of their value, must be included on the form. The focus is not just on the item's value but on its presence and legality within the country.
• Filling out the form is optional for U.S. citizens: There is a false belief that U.S. citizens do not need to complete the CBP 6059B form when returning home. This is incorrect. All travelers entering the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to complete the form if they are carrying declarable items. This ensures compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.

Understanding the requirements and dispelling myths about the CBP 6059B form is crucial for a smooth entry process into the United States. Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the form and customs regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential delays or fines.

The CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is crucial for travelers entering the United States. It must be completed with accuracy and honesty to ensure compliance with U.S. customs regulations. Here are six key takeaways to remember when filling out and using this form:

• Complete All Sections: Every traveler must fill out all sections of the CBP 6059B form. This includes personal information, details of your journey, and any items you are declaring. Missing information can lead to delays or potential fines.
• Declare All Items: It is mandatory to declare all items you are bringing into the United States, including gifts and goods purchased abroad. Failure to declare items can result in penalties and the confiscation of undeclared items.
• Understand Duty-Free Limits: Familiarize yourself with the duty-free limits for items such as tobacco, alcohol, and gifts. Staying within these limits allows you to bring these items into the U.S. without paying additional duties.
• Accuracy is Key: Provide accurate and truthful information on the form. Any form of dishonesty or inaccuracy can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines and, in some cases, prosecution.
• Family Members: Families traveling together can submit one form collectively, provided they all live in the same household. Ensure that all family members’ goods are included on the single form.
• Keep the Form Accessible: After completing the form, keep it handy for presentation to the CBP officers upon your arrival. You may also need to present other documents, such as your passport and travel itinerary, so keep those accessible as well.

Complying with these guidelines when completing the CBP 6059B form will help ensure a smooth and seamless entry process into the United States. Always stay informed of the latest customs regulations as they can change over time.