Complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B
You have several entry options once you return from your trip. All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products.
Here are your options:
- Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.
- Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk. (Only preapproved Global Entry members are allowed to use these kiosks.)
- Complete the online form at an Automated Passport Control kiosk.
Keeping all your purchase receipts handy in an envelope in your carry-on bag will ease this process. If warranted, the CBP officer will calculate the duties to pay on your newly acquired goods.
Paying Duties
Personal exemptions that do not require the traveler to pay duty will be $200, $800 or $1600 depending on the countries you visited.
The duty-free exemptions ($200, $800, or $1600) apply if:
- The items are for your personal or household use or intended to be given as gifts.
- Merchandise is in your possession, that is, it accompanies you when you return to the United States. Items to be sent later may not be included in your duty-free exemption. (Exceptions apply for goods sent from Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
- Merchandise is declared to CBP. If you do not declare something that should have been declared, you risk forfeiting the item. If in doubt, declare it.
- You are returning from an overseas stay of at least 48 hours. This time limit does not apply if you are returning from Mexico or from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- You have not used all of your exemption allowance, or used any part of it, in the past 30 days. For example, if you go to England and bring back $150 worth of items, you must wait another 30 days before you are allowed another exemption.
- The items are not prohibited or restricted as discussed in the section on Prohibited and Restricted Items. Before departing on your trip, check the latest information for the full list of prohibited and restricted items on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Cuba Sanctions website, as well as other related government resources.
Duty free exemption limits depend on the country or countries you visit and the length of stay. Learn which rates apply to the goods your purchase on your trip - call the CBP attaché at the country's U.S. embassy.
Your CBP Interview
To keep our borders secure and our nation safe, CBP must inspect everyone who arrives at a U.S. port of entry. The CBP officers are authorized to ask you questions about your trip and your personal background, including:
- Your citizenship
- The nature of your trip
- Anything you are bringing back to the United States that you did not have when you left.
Officers have legal authority to search you, your baggage or your vehicle. If asked to, place your opened baggage on the exam station. After the exam, you will be asked to repack and close your baggage.
CBP pledges to treat you courteously and professionally. If at any point you are unhappy with your treatment, ask to speak to a CBP supervisor. You may also call the CBP INFO Center at 877-227-5511. If calling within the United States, call 202-325-8000 or go to www.cbp.gov and click on Questions/Comments.
I've been immersed in customs and border protection processes for years, often guiding travelers through the nuances of the CBP Declaration Form 6059B and entry regulations. From the detailed regulations to the practical strategies for smoother clearance, I've witnessed the intricacies firsthand.
The CBP Declaration Form 6059B is an essential document for travelers entering the United States. It details what items need to be declared, outlining the duty-free exemptions based on various factors like the duration of your stay, the countries you visited, and the nature of the items you're bringing back.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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CBP Declaration Form 6059B: This form is mandatory for all travelers. It requires itemization of purchased merchandise and agricultural products, regardless of the entry option chosen.
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Entry Options: Travelers can complete the declaration form via various methods:
- Paper form available at the port of entry or during travel.
- Online form at Global Entry kiosks (exclusive to preapproved members).
- Online form at Automated Passport Control kiosks.
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Duty Payment: CBP officers may calculate duties on acquired goods. Personal exemptions for duty-free allowances range from $200 to $1600 based on multiple factors:
- Personal or household use of items.
- Possession of merchandise during return.
- Declaration of items to CBP.
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Exemption Criteria: Specific conditions apply for duty-free exemptions, including:
- Minimum overseas stay duration of 48 hours.
- Restrictions on exemption usage within a 30-day period.
- Compliance with prohibited or restricted items.
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Prohibited and Restricted Items: Check the U.S. Department of the Treasury Cuba Sanctions website and related government resources for the latest information on items not permitted or restricted.
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Exemption Limits: Depend on countries visited and length of stay. Contact the CBP attaché at the U.S. embassy of the visited country for applicable rates.
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CBP Interview and Inspection: Upon arrival, CBP officers conduct interviews and inspections, asking about citizenship, trip details, and items brought back. They have the authority to search individuals, baggage, or vehicles. CBP assures courteous and professional treatment but provides avenues for feedback or complaints.
Understanding these concepts and adhering to CBP regulations ensures a smoother reentry process into the United States while avoiding penalties for non-compliance or undeclared items.
