If you're a Chinese traveler planning to visit the United States, you need to understand the U.S. Customs regulations.
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for enforcing rules to protect public safety and national security.
To help you avoid fines, this article lets you know which items you need to declare, how to declare food, and other tips to ensure a smooth declaration process at U.S. customs.
Introduction to the U.S. Customs Declaration Form
Form 6059B is a customs declaration form for entering the United States. You may hear it referred to by different names such as:
- Customs Declaration - CBP Form 6059B
- CBP Declaration Form
- U.S. Customs Form
This form is an essential entry document for traveling to the United States, along with your passport and, if you need it, a USA visa.
The declaration form helps CBP assess whether you present a safety or national security threat based on the items you are carrying. You must fill out the form accurately and thoroughly.
What Do I Have to Declare at U.S. Customs?
Here is a list of the items you must declare on the U.S. customs form:
Plant, animal, and agricultural products
- Plants, seeds, food, fruit, vegetables, insects
- Meat, animals or animal products
- Disease agents, cell cultures, snails
- Soil, or if you have been on a farm, ranch, or pasture
You also need to declare whether you have been in close proximity to livestock.
Currency and monetary instruments
- Currency or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000 U.S. or equivalent in foreign currency.
Commercial merchandise
- Articles for sale, samples, and other items not considered personal effects.
Other goods
- Residents declare the total of goods acquired abroad, including gifts purchased for others
- Visitors need to declare the value of goods that will remain in the U.S.
How to Declare Food at U.S. Customs
If you are taking any food into the U.S. you must answer yes to ‘I am bringing fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects’.
Although not all items are banned, you need to let customs officers know if you are carrying any food so that the relevant checks can be carried out.
Many prepared foods such as packaged snacks and baked goods can be taken into the United States. Items such as tea, coffee, and condiments are also generally allowed.
Fruits and vegetables can carry pests or diseases and are therefore restricted. Whether or not you can import fruits and vegetables depends on where they come from.
How Much Money Can I Take into the U.S.?
You must declare if you are “carrying currency or monetary instruments over $10,000 U.S. or foreign equivalent”.
Monetary instruments include:
- U.S. or foreign coins or bills currently in circulation
- Currency
- All forms of traveler's checks
- Money orders
- Negotiable instruments
- Investment securities in bearer form
If you are carrying any combination of the above with a total value exceeding $10,000, you need to ask the CBP officer for the Currency Reporting Form FinCEN Form 105.
When Do I Fill Out the U.S. Declaration Form?
You can now fill out the Customs Declaration - CBP Form 6059B before you travel by downloading it from the CBP website. You can fill it out online, print it at home, and take it with you when you travel.
Alternatively, you can fill out the form during your flight. You’ll be handed a declaration form by airline staff.
You’ll need to present your completed declaration form to customs officers on arrival in the United States.
Does Every Family Member Need a U.S. Customs Declaration Form?
Every traveler or responsible family member needs to fill out the U.S. customs declaration.
If traveling as a family, only one written declaration is required. Family members must be residing in the same household and related by:
- Blood
- Marriage
- Adoption
- Domestic relationship
If this applies, one declaration is made on behalf of the family. If any family member is carrying any of the listed items, it must be declared using the form.
Tips for a Smooth U.S. Declaration Process
The U.S. customs declaration form can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time traveling to the United States. Here are some tips to help simplify the process:
- Do your research ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the items that need to be declared.
- While completing the declaration form, ensure that all the required fields are filled out accurately and honestly.
- Make a list of any specific items that you carry, which may require further explanation to the CBP officer.
- If you're unsure whether an item needs to be declared, declare it anyway.
- Be polite and courteous to the CBP officer, and comply with their instructions at all times.
Consequences of Not Declaring Items at U.S. Customs
Failure to declare items to CBP can have serious consequences.
- Fines and Penalties: fines and penalties vary depending on the nature of the undeclared item.
- Seizure of Goods: CBP officers have the authority to seize items that you do not declare or for which you provide false information.
- Criminal Charges: In serious cases, especially when there's a suspicion of smuggling or importing illegal goods, visitors may face criminal charges.
All these situations will lead to delays at customs as CBP officers will need to carry out additional checks. If you are unsure whether a particular item needs declaring, it is best to declare it instead of risking fines and delays.
Other U.S. Immigration Requirements
The customs declaration form is one of the documents Chinese travelers need to enter the United States. Other requirements include:
- Valid Passport: it must not expire for at least 6 months after you’ll leave the United States.
- Valid U.S. Visa: the type of visa needed depends on the purpose of the visit. B1, B2, or B1/B2 visas are issued for business or tourism.
- EVUS Enrollment: Chinese passport holders with a 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa are required to enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS).
Entry requirements are subject to change. Make sure you have all the documents you need in the lead-up to your trip to the United States of America.