Who has to fill out US Customs form?

Asked by: Ethan Nader  |  Last update: January 13, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (53 votes)

Whether you are a visitor to the United States or a U.S. citizen arriving in the United States, you must complete one or more entry forms.

Who fills out customs form?

Each individual arriving into the United States must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. Explanations and a sample declaration form can be found on the Sample Customs Declaration Form.

What happens if you don't fill out the customs form?

If you don't, the customs officials in the receiving country may reject and return (or, in certain cases, may even destroy) your package. Note: If you're mailing First-Class Mail International® service envelopes containing only documents that don't require customs forms, these new rules don't apply to you.

Why do I have to fill out a customs form?

Customs forms are mandatory if you send gifts or goods outside of the UK, except if posting to the EU from Northern Ireland. They help local customs authorities identify if items you're sending internationally are allowed into their destination country and calculate any duties or taxes due.

Is customs declaration form required?

Customs Declaration

All arriving travellers must accomplish a Customs Baggage Declaration Form (CBDF) which will be submitted to the assigned Customs Officer at the customs arrival area for clearance.

How to fill out US Customs Forms | Arriving in USA in 2021

42 related questions found

Who needs to fill out US Customs form?

Whether you are a visitor to the United States or a U.S. citizen arriving in the United States, you must complete one or more entry forms. You must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B.

Do I need to complete a customs declaration?

You will need to complete a customs declaration (CN22 or CN23) for any gifts and goods sent abroad. Items sent without a customs declaration (CN22 or CN23), associated electronic pre advice, or are incorrectly or partially completed may be delayed or returned to sender.

Is the US customs form no longer needed?

Foreign visitors to the U.S. no longer need to complete paper Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or Form I-94W Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Record.

Can I fill out my customs form online?

You can fill out all of your needed forms directly through the Stamps.com interface, and then print your postage, address labels, and customs forms in one easy step.

What goods need to be declared?

Most countries require travellers to complete a customs declaration form when bringing notified goods (alcoholic drinks, tobacco products, animals, fresh food, plant material, seeds, soils, meats, and animal products) across international borders.

Do I need to fill out customs form with Global Entry?

All travelers entering the U.S., including Global Entry members, must complete a declaration. With Global Entry, you do not need to complete the paper Customs Declaration form 6059B before arrival.

Do I have to declare candy at US customs?

As a general rule, candies, condiments, spices, coffee and teas that are commercially packaged are ok, however bulk teas or spices, etc. are subject to inspection and if they are found to have insects, they may be seized and destroyed.

What is the fine for not declaring customs?

However, if a traveller fails to declare goods of a kind known to pose a high level of biosecurity risk, and in doing so allegedly contravenes s 532 (1) or s 533 (1), the infringement notice amount increases to 6 penalty units ($1,980) or 12 penalty units ($3,960) depending on the risk of the goods.

How do I know if I need to pay customs?

If you need to pay import duty on a delivery, US customs will automatically let you or your courier know, and they'll contact you. They'll tell you how much you need to pay, and when it's due, so you won't need to worry about calculating it yourself (unless you think a mistake has been made).

What items do I have to declare at US customs?

For Customs purposes, clothing, jewelry, photography equipment, portable radios, and vehicles are considered personal effects and cannot be brought in duty-free as household effects. However, duty is usually waived on personal effects more than one year of age.

Can I use a Ziploc bag for customs forms?

Whether you use a ziplock bag or an envelope, label it with the phrase "Customs Forms" and affix that envelope to the outside of your package.

How much to declare at US customs?

How much money do you have to declare when you travel to or from the U.S.? If you are traveling with an excess of $10,000, you must report it to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when you enter or exit the U.S. But there is no limit to the amount of money you can travel with.

Do airlines still hand out customs forms?

Complete Entry Paperwork

Different versions of Form I-94 might still be issued by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies. If you are traveling by air, flight attendants should hand you a U.S. Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059).

What is the app to fill out a customs form?

The CBP Mobile Passport Control App.

Do US customs check every package?

Does Customs Check Every Package? In short, yes. Although the exact process differs from country to country, it is always best to be properly prepared. TecEx ships to over 200 destinations, each with unique customs processes.

What documents do I need for US customs?

Documents You Will Need
  • All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. ...
  • Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending.
  • A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit.

How to fill out customs declaration form USA?

How to Complete US Customs FORM 6059B
  1. Name: Write your complete name as it appears on your passport.
  2. Birth Date: Fill in your birth date in the MM/DD/YY format.
  3. Number of Family Members Traveling with You: Include any family members traveling with you in your immediate family.

When should you do a custom declaration?

Generally speaking, the following must be declared:
  1. Goods that may be prohibited or subject to restrictions, such as medicines, steroids, firearms, weapons of any kind and illicit drugs.
  2. Any alcohol above the 2.25 litres limit.
  3. Any tobacco products or cigars over the limit of 25 grams, or 25 cigarettes.

How to fill in a customs form?

CN22 form guide
  1. Sender's name and address are mandatory – include your full name and address including postcode.
  2. Content type and description of contents are mandatory – include an accurate description of each item enclosed. ...
  3. Value, quantity and weight of each item are mandatory.