If you’ve ever arrived in the United States after an international trip, you know the moment: an official hands you a form and you wonder exactly how to fill it out. The U.S. Customs Declaration Form can seem intimidating, but it’s a key step in entering the country smoothly.
Understanding how to complete this form correctly is important—it helps you avoid delays and ensures compliance with customs regulations. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step, offer helpful tips, and answer common questions to make the process simple and stress-free.
Related Video
Understanding the US Customs Declaration Form (Form 6059B)
If you’re planning to travel to the United States, one important step when arriving is completing the US Customs Declaration Form, also known as Form 6059B. This form helps US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assess what is being brought into the country and identifies prohibited or restricted items. Even though it may seem intimidating, filling out the form is straightforward once you know what to expect and how to do it correctly.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to complete the US Customs declaration form, why it matters, and practical tips to make the process stress-free. We’ll also answer common questions and discuss related topics that are useful for any international traveler.
What is the US Customs Declaration Form?
The Customs Declaration Form (Form 6059B) is a document each arriving traveler (or one per family) presents to US Customs when entering the United States. Its primary purpose is to declare goods, items of value, currency, and certain food or agricultural products in your possession. It serves as a crucial checkpoint for both personal compliance and national security.
Why Do You Need to Fill Out a Customs Declaration Form?
Whether you’re a returning US resident or an international visitor, you are required by law to declare specified items to the CBP. Failure to provide accurate, complete information can result in serious consequences, including fines, delays, or even confiscation of goods.
Filling out this form ensures:
- Compliance with US law and regulations
- Safe entry by preventing the introduction of harmful items or diseases
- That you pay required duties, taxes, or tariffs (if applicable)
When and Where Do You Get the Form?
You’ll usually receive the US Customs Declaration Form:
- On your flight, cruise, or other forms of transportation entering the US
- At your port of entry (airport, border, or seaport) before customs inspection
Many airlines distribute the form before landing, giving you enough time to fill it out. Alternatively, customs agents may provide it upon arrival at US entry points. Some ports and travelers now use automated kiosks, but paper forms remain common.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out Form 6059B
Filling out the customs form is easy if you know what to expect. Here’s how to complete each section:
1. Personal Information
Fill out information clearly and legibly, using a blue or black pen.
- Last Name, First Name: As printed in your passport.
- Birth Date: Format MM/DD/YYYY.
- Number of Family Members Traveling With You: Include immediate family (spouse, children) living at same address.
- Address in the United States: The full address where you’ll be staying. Hotels, friends, or relatives—be specific.
2. Passport and Flight Details
- Passport Issued By: The country where your passport was issued.
- Passport Number: Clearly write your complete number.
- Airline/Flight Number or Vessel Name: As found on your ticket or boarding pass.
3. Residency and Trip Information
- Country of Residence: Where you legally reside.
- Countries Visited on This Trip Prior to U.S. Arrival: List countries you visited before arriving.
- Purpose of Trip: Tourism, business, study, etc.
4. Questions About Items to Declare
You’ll be asked to answer “Yes” or “No” to several key questions:
- Are you bringing in fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, or insects?
- Are you carrying meats, animals, or animal/wildlife products?
- Do you have disease agents or cell cultures?
- Are you carrying soil or have you visited a farm/ranch?
- Are you carrying currency or monetary instruments over $10,000 USD?
- Are you carrying commercial merchandise?
5. Value of Goods
You must declare any goods you bought abroad (gifts, purchases) and indicate their total value.
- Total Value of All Goods: Include items you’re bringing home for yourself or as gifts.
- Items to be Left in the USA: Declare anything you’re not taking back with you.
6. Signature and Date
- Review your answers for accuracy.
- Sign and date the form to certify all information is accurate and complete.
What Needs to Be Declared?
Always Declare:
- Gifts or purchases brought into the United States
- Food items, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds
- Products made from animals (leather, furs, etc.)
- Currency or monetary instruments over $10,000 (including travelers cheques)
- Goods intended for sale, or for someone else
- Medicine and prescription drugs (bring supporting documentation)
- Alcohol and tobacco (declare amount, subject to limits)
Do NOT Attempt to Bring:
- Illegal drugs
- Counterfeit goods
- Certain agricultural products (some fruits, meats, or plants might be prohibited or restricted)
- Firearms or weapons (unless in full compliance with US regulations)
Practical Tips for a Smooth Customs Declaration
- Be Honest and Accurate: If unsure, declare it. Under-declaring or omitting information can lead to penalties.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Keep receipts, prescriptions, or import/export certificates with you for goods over declared limits or restricted items.
- Stay Within Allowances: Familiarize yourself with limits for alcohol, tobacco, and gifts.
- Group Family Members: One form can cover immediate family members traveling together.
- Filling Out in Advance: If the form is available beforehand, fill it at home to avoid last-minute stress.
- Understand Agricultural Restrictions: Even certain foods like fruits and nuts require declaration.
Challenges and How to Avoid Them
- Language Barriers: Forms are available in multiple languages; ask customs officers if you need translation support.
- Unclear Rules: When in doubt, ask for clarification at the customs help desk.
- Digital vs. Paper Forms: Some airports use Automated Passport Control kiosks. The questions remain similar, even if the format changes.
- Penalties for Mistakes: Honest errors are generally handled with clarification, but deliberate falsehoods can attract severe fines.
Mailing or Shipping Goods to the US? Cost and Customs Tips
If you’re shipping items instead of carrying them with you, there are important customs processes and cost considerations:
- Use the Right Forms: For shipping by mail, use USPS Customs Forms such as CN 22, CN 23, or the US Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note. Accurate labeling helps avoid delays.
- Declare Value Honestly: Understating goods’ value may reduce duty in the short-term but can cause confiscation or penalties.
- Duty-Free Limits: Many personal shipments under a specific value may be exempt; check current limits.
- Keep Receipts and Documentation: Customs may ask for proof of purchase or value.
- Factor in Extra Costs: Beyond declared value, the recipient may need to pay import duties, taxes, or processing fees.
What Happens After You Submit the Form?
- Customs Inspection
- Present your form to the customs officer.
- Officers may ask follow-up questions, inspect checked baggage, or direct you to secondary inspection if needed.
- Secondary Inspection (if required)
- If something requires further investigation (like large sums of cash, certain foods), you’ll be taken aside for additional checks.
- Final Clearance
- After inspection, you are cleared to enter the US.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving out family members traveling together on one form
- Not declaring food items or gifts, even small quantities
- Forgetting to sign and date the form
- Ignoring the need to declare currency over $10,000
- Throwing away receipts that customs officers might request
Best Practices
- Always keep all paperwork, including boarding passes, handy until you fully clear customs.
- Take your time when filling out the form; rushed answers can cause honest errors.
- If you buy duty-free items, keep them in sealed bags and declare them.
- If you travel frequently, stay updated on any changes to customs regulations.
- When in doubt, ask the customs officer. They are there to help, not just to enforce rules.
Concluding Summary
Filling out the US Customs Declaration Form is a routine but essential part of entering the United States. By understanding what needs to be declared, being honest and precise, and preparing your paperwork, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free border crossing. Remember, customs officials are there to protect everyone—declaring even seemingly unimportant items avoids delays, confusion, and penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I fill out the US Customs Declaration Form online?
Many airports now use kiosks that replace the paper form, but you’ll still answer the same questions electronically. The paper form is still widely used, especially at certain entry points.
2. What happens if I forget to declare an item on the form?
If it’s a minor honest mistake, customs officials may simply confiscate the undeclared item. However, failing to declare prohibited or restricted goods, or large amounts of currency, can lead to hefty fines or more serious consequences.
3. Do I have to declare food or snacks?
Yes, all food—fruit, snacks, homemade goods, even packaged items—must be declared. Some items may be allowed in, while others will be confiscated to prevent pests or disease.
4. How much cash can I bring to the US?
You can bring in any amount, but you must declare if you are carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments. Not declaring amounts over this limit is a legal offense.
5. Who should fill out the customs declaration form—a single traveler or each family member?
One form can cover an entire immediate family group (living at the same address) traveling together. Families should fill out one joint declaration form when arriving together.
By following these guidelines and tips, you’ll navigate US customs with confidence and ease. Safe travels!