When entering the United States, all travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. Here is a list of the items that must be declared on the U.S. customs form:
- Plant, animal, and agricultural products
- Currency or monetary instruments over $10,000 U.S. or foreign equivalent
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
- Food, fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds
- Live animals, including pets
- Prescription drugs and other medical devices
- Cultural artifacts and other items of cultural significance
- Anything you bring back that you did not have when you left the United States
It is important to fill out the declaration form accurately and thoroughly, and to declare all items you purchased and are carrying with you upon return to the United States, including gifts for other people as well as items you bought for yourself. If in doubt, declare it. Keeping all your purchase receipts handy in an envelope in your carry-on bag will ease the process. If warranted, the CBP officer will calculate the duties to pay on your newly acquired goods. Duty-free exemptions that do not require the traveler to pay duty will be $200, $800, or $1600 depending on the countries you visited.
