Homepage >> CBP 6059B PDF Form

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Many individuals fail to provide all required information on the CBP 6059B form. This includes not filling out sections such as personal details, travel information, or declaring items accurately. Incomplete forms may lead to delays or complications during the customs process.

  2. Incorrect Item Valuation: Some travelers misrepresent the value of items they are bringing into the country. Underestimating or overestimating the value can result in penalties or the need for further clarification by customs officials.

  3. Failure to Declare Goods: A common mistake is not declaring certain goods that are subject to restrictions or duties. This can include gifts, food items, or merchandise. Not declaring these items can lead to fines or confiscation of the goods.

  4. Not Signing the Form: Some individuals neglect to sign the CBP 6059B form before submission. A missing signature can render the form invalid, causing delays in processing and potential issues with customs authorities.

Similar forms

The CBP 6059B form, commonly used by travelers entering the United States, serves as a declaration of items being brought into the country. Several other documents share similarities with the CBP 6059B form, particularly in their purpose of collecting information for customs and immigration purposes. Here are six documents that are comparable:

  • CBP Form 7501: This form is used for importing goods into the U.S. It requires detailed information about the shipment, similar to how the CBP 6059B collects data about personal items being brought in.
  • CBP Form I-94: The I-94 form records the arrival and departure of non-U.S. citizens. Like the CBP 6059B, it gathers essential information to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
  • Customs Declaration Form (Canada): This form is similar in that it requires travelers to declare goods when entering Canada, mirroring the process of declaring items on the CBP 6059B.
  • Arizona Durable Power of Attorney: This legal document allows you to designate someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf, remaining effective even during incapacitation. For more information, visit azformsonline.com/durable-power-of-attorney/.
  • USDA Declaration Form: This document is necessary for travelers bringing agricultural products into the U.S. It functions similarly to the CBP 6059B by ensuring that items meet safety regulations.
  • CBP Form 3499: This form is used for the declaration of personal effects and household goods. It parallels the CBP 6059B in its purpose of documenting items brought into the country.
  • Form 8840 (Closer Connection Exception Statement for Aliens): This form is used by certain individuals to establish a tax residency connection to the U.S. It collects personal information akin to the CBP 6059B, although it focuses on tax residency rather than customs.

Each of these forms plays a crucial role in the customs and immigration process, ensuring that travelers and their belongings comply with U.S. laws and regulations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the CBP 6059B form, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a smooth process. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do:

  • Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
  • Do provide accurate information about your travel plans.
  • Do double-check your personal details for any errors.
  • Do sign and date the form where required.
  • Don't leave any sections blank unless instructed.
  • Don't provide false information, as this can lead to penalties.
  • Don't forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don't submit the form late; ensure it is filled out in advance of your travel.

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)

Misconceptions

The CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is often misunderstood. Here are some common misconceptions about this form:

  • It is only for international travelers. While the CBP 6059B form is primarily used by travelers entering the United States from abroad, it can also apply to those returning from certain territories and possessions.
  • Only one form is needed per family. Each individual traveler must complete their own CBP 6059B form, even if they are traveling with family members.
  • It is only required for air travelers. The form is necessary for anyone entering the U.S., regardless of whether they arrive by air, land, or sea.
  • Completing the form is optional. It is mandatory to submit the CBP 6059B form when entering the U.S. with certain goods or when exceeding exemption limits.
  • Customs officers do not review the form. Customs officers do review the CBP 6059B form as part of the entry process to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.
  • There are no penalties for inaccuracies. Providing false information or failing to declare items can lead to fines, confiscation of goods, or other legal consequences.
  • The form is only about declaring goods. While the primary purpose is to declare goods, it also includes questions about the traveler’s health and potential risks to U.S. agriculture.

How to Use CBP 6059B

Filling out the CBP 6059B form is an important step for travelers entering the United States. This form collects necessary information to ensure compliance with customs regulations. The following steps will guide you through the process of completing the form accurately.

  1. Begin by obtaining the CBP 6059B form. You can find it at your port of entry or online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
  2. At the top of the form, fill in your name as it appears on your travel documents.
  3. Provide your date of birth in the designated section. Use the format MM/DD/YYYY.
  4. Enter your country of citizenship. This should match the information on your passport.
  5. Fill in your passport number. Ensure that you double-check for accuracy.
  6. Indicate your flight number or other means of transportation, if applicable.
  7. Complete the address where you will be staying in the United States. Include the street address, city, and state.
  8. Answer the questions regarding the items you are bringing into the country. Be honest and thorough.
  9. Review the entire form for any errors or missing information. Make corrections as needed.
  10. Sign and date the form at the bottom. Your signature indicates that the information provided is true and complete.

After completing the form, you will present it to the customs officer upon arrival in the United States. Ensure that you keep a copy for your records if needed.