Hello,

When my family and I fly into the US next week, I'm going to need to complete the US customs declaration form (CBP Form 6059B).

It would take a lot of those little forms to list every single thing that we "purchased or acquired abroad".

So this question is particularly for US residents who were returning home after years abroad with hundreds of small items (like clothing and books). What experiences have you had at US customs that might help me comply with the intent of the regulations with as little inconvenience as possible? I really don't want to have to list each of our toothbrushes.

Thanks for any advice you might offer.

Customs in the  US is primarily concerned with high dollar value items like gold or jewelry

 

What you have are personal effects that have been used, so there is really no interest in them.  Just put down "various" and make a guess at the value and you will be fine.  Everyone should fill out a form so that the amount is spread around

    No need to list any personal items, especially if they're used.  If you have something that's "new" in great quantity or controlled items like tobacco/alcohol, list them.  Otherwise, I'd keep it simple and minimal.  Customs isn't interested in the toothbrushes and underwear you bought for personal use while overseas.  

Thanks for the feedback. Before I made my first post I actually used the CPB website to ask the same question. The automatic response informed me that I could expect a reply in a few weeks. . . but this morning there was one in my inbox:

Dear _____, 
That is OK. Most used personal goods are duty free, and the CBP officers at the airport can ask for more information if they need it.

So both replies above were right on.

I don't think we have to complete separate forms though. From this page: "If you are traveling with other immediate family members, then you can complete on [sic] form for your entire family." From this page: "A joint declaration is a Customs declaration that can be made by family members who live in the same household and return to the United States together. These travelers can combine their purchases to take advantage of a combined flat duty rate, no matter which family member owns a given item." (Although technically that second page is for visitors to the US, I assume the same applies to returning residents.)

Since I have a family of five, I believe we are duty-free up to 5x$800=$4,000. If we go over that, the next $5,000 ($1,000 per person) is taxed at 3%. If we declare over $9,000 in goods, then the officer will classify each declared item to calculate duty fees.

 

Aside from the CBP pages, this page was very useful: A traveler's guide to US customs

 

Thanks again.

The customs guy didn't quite laugh at me when he saw my form, but he did make a show out of asking me one question. "Are all of these items for your personal use?" Since my answer was yes, none of them had to be declared.

 

(Please bear in mind that I wasn't declaring booze or cigarettes...)