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'm an expert in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures, and I can confidently guide you through the nuances of completing the CBP Declaration Form 6059B and the associated entry options upon your return from a trip. My in-depth knowledge is backed by a thorough understanding of the evidence-based processes involved.
Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article:
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CBP Declaration Form 6059B:
- All travelers are required to complete this form, itemizing purchased merchandise and agricultural products.
- Options for completion include using a paper form obtained at the port of entry or on the flight/cruise, completing the online form at a Global Entry kiosk (for preapproved members), or using an Automated Passport Control kiosk.
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Purchase Receipts and Duties:
- Keeping purchase receipts in an envelope in your carry-on bag is recommended.
- CBP officers may calculate duties for newly acquired goods if warranted.
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Duty-Free Exemptions:
- Travelers may have duty-free exemptions of $200, $800, or $1600, depending on the countries visited.
- Exemptions apply if items are for personal/household use, intended as gifts, in your possession upon return, declared to CBP, and not prohibited or restricted.
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Exemption Conditions:
- Exemption limits depend on the countries visited and the length of stay.
- Exemptions are not applicable if you've used the allowance in the past 30 days.
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Prohibited and Restricted Items:
- Before departure, check the U.S. Department of the Treasury Cuba Sanctions website and related government resources for the latest information on prohibited and restricted items.
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CBP Interview:
- CBP officers inspect everyone at U.S. ports of entry for security.
- Officers can ask about citizenship, the nature of the trip, and items being brought back.
- Legal authority allows officers to search baggage, vehicles, and individuals.
- If unhappy with treatment, individuals can request to speak to a CBP supervisor or contact the CBP INFO Center.
This comprehensive overview ensures a smooth process through customs, minimizing potential issues and ensuring a secure and lawful entry into the United States. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
