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The CBP 6059B form plays a crucial role in the customs declaration process for individuals traveling into the United States. This form is designed to collect vital information about a traveler's trip, including details on the goods and items carried. Travelers must declare their citizenship, intended duration of stay, and any items that may require customs duties. Also, the form addresses whether the traveler is bringing in any agricultural products or currency over a specified limit, which can significantly impact customs clearance. Aside from serving as an essential informational tool for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, the CBP 6059B also promotes transparency and compliance with U.S. laws. By understanding the requirements of this form, travelers can streamline their entry process and avoid potential complications at the border.

Sample - 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)

Form Information

Fact Name Description
Purpose The CBP 6059B form is used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect information from travelers entering the United States, specifically regarding their citizenship and travel intentions.
Filing Requirements This form must be completed by all travelers arriving in the U.S. from a foreign country. There are specific requirements stipulated for both U.S. citizens and non-citizens.
Location of Submission Travelers submit the CBP 6059B form at customs checkpoints upon arrival. It is typically handed to a Customs officer as part of the entry process.
State-Specific Regulations While the CBP 6059B is a federal form governed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations, individual states may have additional travel-related documentation requirements, particularly for state residency or taxation.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out CBP 6059B

Completing the CBP 6059B form is essential for travelers entering the United States. It will guide you through the necessary information needed by Customs and Border Protection. To ensure a smooth process, follow these steps carefully.

  1. Begin by washing your hands or disinfecting them to maintain hygiene.
  2. Gather all necessary travel documents, including your passport and itinerary.
  3. Read the instructions provided with the form to familiarize yourself with its sections.
  4. Write your full name in the designated section. Ensure it matches your passport.
  5. Enter your date of birth, formatted as MM/DD/YYYY.
  6. Fill in your country of citizenship as stated in your passport.
  7. Provide your permanent address. Include street, city, state, and zip code.
  8. If applicable, input your U.S. address where you will be staying.
  9. Indicate the purpose of your visit, whether for business, pleasure, or another reason.
  10. List any items you are bringing that may require declaration, such as agricultural products or large amounts of currency.
  11. Sign and date the form at the bottom to validate your information.

After completing the form, review it for any errors before submission. Make sure all required information is filled out correctly. This will help facilitate your entry into the United States.

Obtain Answers on CBP 6059B

  1. What is the CBP 6059B form?

    The CBP 6059B form is a declaration form required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is mainly used by travelers entering the United States to declare any items they are bringing into the country, including monetary instruments, goods, and other personal belongings. This form helps customs officials ensure compliance with U.S. laws and regulations regarding imports.

  2. Who needs to complete the CBP 6059B form?

    Any traveler entering the United States is required to fill out the CBP 6059B form. This includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign visitors. Individuals traveling with minors may complete the form on behalf of their children.

  3. What information is required on the CBP 6059B form?

    The form requests information such as the traveler's name, address, passport number, and details of items being brought into the U.S. Specific sections require declarations related to food, animal products, and large amounts of currency. Travelers must provide truthful and accurate information to avoid penalties.

  4. How can travelers obtain the CBP 6059B form?

    Travelers can obtain the CBP 6059B form at ports of entry, from their airline, or online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. It is advisable to fill out the form before arriving at the airport to expedite the customs process.

  5. What happens if a traveler fails to declare items on the CBP 6059B form?

    Failing to declare items on the CBP 6059B form can lead to serious consequences. Travelers may face fines, confiscation of undeclared items, or even legal action. In severe cases, customs officials may issue a temporary or permanent ban from entering the U.S.

  6. Is there a deadline for submitting the CBP 6059B form?

    The CBP 6059B form must be completed prior to passing through customs upon arrival in the U.S. Travelers should ensure that all information is accurate and submitted on time to avoid delays during the customs process.

  7. Can the CBP 6059B form be submitted electronically?

    Currently, the CBP 6059B form must be completed in paper format and presented to customs officials upon entry. However, there are ongoing discussions about the potential for electronic submission in the future. It is best to check with CBP for any updates regarding submission methods.

Common mistakes

When traveling internationally, filling out the CBP 6059B form is an essential step for U.S. customs. However, many travelers make mistakes that can complicate their re-entry into the country. One common error is not providing accurate personal information. Ensure that your name exactly matches your passport, including spelling and order. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or issues at customs.

Another frequent mistake lies in the declaration of items. Many travelers underestimate the value of goods they are bringing back. It's crucial to declare all purchases, gifts, or items received while abroad. Failing to do so can result in penalties and confiscation of undeclared items. Remember, it’s better to over-declare than to risk problems upon your arrival.

Incomplete forms can also cause issues. Some travelers may skip certain sections, thinking their information is obvious. However, each section must be filled out entirely. Leaving any blanks can lead to confusion and additional questions from customs officers. Always double-check that every part of the form has been addressed.

In addition, forgetting to sign and date the form is another common oversight. This might seem minor, but it is a critical component of the submission. A signed form confirms that you declare all the information provided is true to the best of your knowledge. Not signing the form can lead to unnecessary complications.

Many individuals do not realize that they must submit the form in person. There are instances where travelers might think they can bypass this requirement, but all forms must be presented to a customs officer. Keep your form ready as you approach the customs checkpoint, ensuring a smoother process.

Misunderstanding specific instructions is also an area where mistakes often occur. The instructions may detail what counts as taxable goods or what to declare, but not all travelers read them thoroughly. It's advisable to take the time to review these guidelines to avoid confusion or unintentional errors.

Lastly, travelers sometimes rely too heavily on memory. It’s easy to forget minor details while in the hustle and bustle of airport travel. Keeping a list of significant purchases or changes in your baggage can be immensely helpful. Taking a moment to jot down these details ensures you have a complete and accurate declaration when filling out the CBP 6059B form.

Documents used along the form

The CBP 6059B form is a critical document utilized in the customs process for travelers entering the United States. It serves as a declaration for customs purposes. However, to ensure a smooth entry, various other forms and documents may accompany the CBP 6059B. Below is a list of related documents that often come into play during the customs clearance process.

  • Passport: This is an essential travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality, allowing entry into the United States.
  • Visa: For foreign nationals, the visa is necessary for entry, denoting the purpose of travel, whether for tourism, business, or study.
  • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: This document records the arrival and departure of non-U.S. citizens and is critical for maintaining legal status during a stay.
  • Customs Declaration Form (CBP 6059A): This form complements the 6059B and provides detailed information about items being brought into the country.
  • Proof of Accommodation: This documentation may be requested to confirm lodging arrangements and the intent of the visit.
  • Travel Itinerary: This includes details about flights, transportation, and activities during the stay. It may help clarify the purpose and duration of the visit.
  • Health Documentation: Following recent global health concerns, proof of vaccinations or medical clearance may be required for entry.
  • Declaration of Currency: If a traveler is bringing in large amounts of currency, this declaration ensures compliance with regulations regarding the transport of money.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the customs process, enhancing the efficiency and clarity of a traveler's entry into the United States. Proper understanding and preparation of these forms can significantly reduce delays and misunderstandings at customs checkpoints.

Similar forms

The CBP 6059B form is a declaration form required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when entering the United States. It serves as a way to collect information about travelers and their belongings. Other documents serve similar purposes in customs and immigration processes. Here are four documents comparable to the CBP 6059B form:

  • I-94 Form: This form is a record of a non-U.S. citizen's arrival and departure from the United States. It serves to document the date of entry and the permitted length of stay. Like the CBP 6059B, the I-94 collects essential information from travelers upon their entry into the country.
  • Customs Declaration Form 6059: This document is similar in function but is often used for travelers to declare items they are bringing into the U.S. It provides an overview of personal items and any purchases made abroad, ensuring compliance with customs regulations. Both forms require information about belongings and travel intentions.
  • Form DS-160: This is an online application form for a non-immigrant visa. While it is completed before traveling, it gathers crucial information about the traveler and their purpose of visit. The DS-160 and the CBP 6059B both aim to confirm the identity and purpose of foreign travelers entering the U.S.
  • Form I-551 (Green Card): Although this document is primarily for immigrants, it serves a similar purpose in establishing legal residency in the U.S. Both the Green Card and the CBP 6059B are used to ensure the U.S. government has accurate information about individuals entering or residing in the country.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the CBP 6059B form, attention to detail is crucial. To help ensure a smooth process, here are ten important dos and don'ts to consider.

  • Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
  • Do use a blue or black pen if filling out the form by hand.
  • Do provide accurate information about your travel details.
  • Do list all items you are bringing into the U.S. to avoid penalties.
  • Do double-check your personal information for typos or mistakes.
  • Don’t leave any required fields blank; this can delay your processing.
  • Don’t include unnecessary information that isn’t relevant to your travel.
  • Don’t submit the form late; ensure it’s filled out prior to your arrival.
  • Don’t forget to sign and date the form before submission.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure about any section of the form.

Following these guidelines can help make your experience smoother and less stressful. Be diligent, and you’ll be on your way in no time!

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The CBP 6059B form is only for U.S. citizens.
  • This form is required for all travelers entering the United States, regardless of their citizenship status. It collects information on goods and items being brought into the country.

  • Misconception 2: Filling out the CBP 6059B form is optional.
  • In reality, this form is mandatory for declaring items that travelers bring into the U.S. Failure to complete it can lead to penalties or delays at customs.

  • Misconception 3: The form is only necessary for people traveling by air.
  • The CBP 6059B form is required for travelers entering by air, land, or sea. It applies to all modes of transportation.

  • Misconception 4: You can bring any amount of goods without declaring them.
  • Travelers must declare all items over a certain value. The limit varies by country but typically includes cash, gifts, and other goods.

  • Misconception 5: The form is only about declaring monetary amounts.
  • The CBP 6059B form covers a wide range of items, including gifts, commercial goods, and personal belongings. It helps customs assess potential duties and taxes.

  • Misconception 6: Customs agents check the form against personal belongings thoroughly.
  • While customs agents may not inspect every item personally, they will review the form to ensure compliance with regulations. Random checks may still occur.

  • Misconception 7: It is a lengthy, complicated form to complete.
  • The CBP 6059B form is straightforward. It consists of simple questions and requires basic information, making it accessible for all travelers.

  • Misconception 8: The form is only needed for international trips.
  • Even travelers coming from U.S. territories may need to complete the form depending on the items they are bringing back.

  • Misconception 9: There are penalties only for not submitting the form.
  • Providing false information or failing to declare items can also result in serious consequences, including fines and confiscation of goods.

  • Misconception 10: The form is only used by fictional characters in movies.
  • This form exists in reality and is used daily by countless travelers entering the U.S. It plays a crucial role in regulating items brought into the country.

Key takeaways

The CBP 6059B form is essential for travelers entering the United States. Below are key takeaways regarding its completion and use.

  • Purpose of the Form: The CBP 6059B form is used for customs declaration. It helps officials understand what items travelers are bringing into the country.
  • Who Must Fill It Out: All travelers, including U.S. citizens and non-citizens, must complete the form when entering the U.S. from abroad.
  • Information Required: Travelers need to provide details about their trip, including the countries visited, items purchased abroad, and any gifts or goods intended for commercial purposes.
  • Submission Process: The form is collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials upon arrival at the airport or port of entry.
  • Consequences of Inaccuracy: Failing to accurately complete the form can lead to delays, fines, or even confiscation of items brought into the country.