How to Declare Goods at Customs in Maine, United States
All travelers entering Maine, whether by air, land, or sea, must declare goods acquired abroad to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, with declarations made via forms, kiosks, or verbally at border crossings.
U.S. Customs Declaration Overview for Travelers
All persons entering the United States, including through ports in Maine, are required to declare items they are bringing into the country to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The declaration process is a federal requirement designed to control the flow of goods, assess duties and taxes, and prevent the entry of prohibited items.
| Declaration Method | Primary Use Case | Required Form/Process | Key Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Electronic Form | Air and Sea Travelers | CBP Form 6059B (Declaration) | Complete truthfully, present to officer |
| Verbal Declaration | Land Border Crossings | Oral statement to CBP officer | Declare all goods and their value |
| Currency Report | Transporting >$10,000 | FinCEN Form 105 | File form; failure can lead to seizure |
Important Legal Note
Making a false or incomplete declaration to CBP is a violation of U.S. law (under Title 19, United States Code, Section 1592). Penalties may include seizure of goods, substantial fines, and potential legal consequences. Always declare all items accurately.
Declaration Procedures for Air Arrivals
Complete the Declaration Form
All passengers arriving by air, including at Maine's Portland International Jetport (PWM), must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B. This can be done on the paper form distributed during your flight or electronically via an Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosk or Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app.
Proceed to Primary Inspection
After retrieving your baggage, proceed to the CBP inspection area. Present your passport and your completed declaration form (or receipt from a kiosk/app) to the CBP officer. Be prepared to answer questions about your travels and declared items.
Secondary Inspection if Directed
The CBP officer may refer you to a secondary inspection for further examination of your luggage or documents. This is a standard procedure. Cooperate fully with the officers.
Declaration Procedures for Land & Sea Arrivals
| Port Type | Process | Declaration Method | Notes for Maine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Border (Canada) | Stop at CBP station | Verbal declaration to officer | Major crossings in Houlton, Calais, Fort Fairfield |
| Commercial Sea Port | CBP pre-clearance or onboard inspection | CBP Form 6059B or electronic filing | Applies to cruise ships and private vessels |
| General Aviation | Arrival at designated airport | Report to CBP via phone or in-person | Advance notice often required (eAPIS) |
Tip for Land Crossings: Have receipts for major purchases readily accessible. Clearly state the total value of all goods you are bringing back, including gifts.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Agricultural Products
Most fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, and certain meats are prohibited or restricted to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. You must declare all food items.
Controlled Substances & Paraphernalia
The importation of narcotics and drug paraphernalia is illegal, with severe penalties. Some prescription medications require prior approval or documentation.
Wildlife & Endangered Species Products
Items made from protected wildlife (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, certain furs) are generally prohibited under international treaties (CITES).
Firearms & Ammunition
Strict regulations govern the import of firearms. Travelers must generally declare them in advance and complete necessary forms with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Duty, Tax, and Payment Procedures
| Traveler Status | Duty-Free Exemption | Items Typically Dutiable | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Resident | $800 (personal exemption) | Value exceeding $800, alcohol over 1L, tobacco over limits | Cash, Credit/Debit Card, Traveler's Check |
| Non-Resident (Visitor) | $100 | Most purchases above the $100 exemption | Cash, Credit/Debit Card |
| Returning from Insular Possessions | $1600 | Value exceeding $1600 | Cash, Credit/Debit Card |
Duty Assessment
CBP officers will calculate duty based on the item's value, country of origin, and the applicable Harmonized Tariff Schedule rate. Duty is typically payable on the spot at the port of entry if your goods exceed your exemption. Keep your receipts for valuation.
Required Documentation and Forms
Primary Travel Document
A valid passport is required for all air travelers and for most land and sea travelers entering from Canada. Other documents like passport cards or enhanced driver's licenses may be accepted at land borders.
Customs Declaration Form
CBP Form 6059B: The primary declaration form. It asks for personal information, flight details, and a list of items to declare, including currency.
Proof of Purchase
Carry receipts, especially for valuable items like electronics, jewelry, or large purchases. This helps CBP officers verify the value of your goods for duty assessment.
Specialized Forms
For specific items like firearms, pets, or commercial samples, additional forms from CBP or other agencies (ATF, USDA, FDA) may be required. Research these items before travel.
Currency and Monetary Instruments Declaration
Reporting Requirement
There is no limit to how much currency you can bring into or take out of the United States. However, you must file a report (FinCEN Form 105) if you are transporting more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments.
Definition of "Monetary Instruments"
This includes U.S. or foreign coin, currency, traveler's checks, money orders, negotiable instruments, and securities. It does not include personal checks made out to you.
Consequences of Non-Reporting
Failure to file the required report can lead to the seizure of all currency and monetary instruments, and may include substantial fines and potential criminal charges.
Major Ports of Entry in Maine
| Port Name | Type | Location | Primary Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland International Jetport (PWM) | Airport | Portland | International flights, general aviation |
| Houlton Port of Entry | Land Border | Houlton | I-95 traffic from New Brunswick, Canada |
| Calais Port of Entry | Land Border | Calais | Route 1 traffic from New Brunswick, Canada |
| Port of Portland | Sea Port | Portland | Cruise ships, commercial cargo |
Note: Procedures are standardized by U.S. CBP, but wait times and specific inspection facilities may vary by port size and traffic volume. Check CBP website for current wait times.
Customs Declaration Preparation Checklist
Before You Travel
- Review the latest CBP guidelines for prohibited/restricted items.
- Gather and organize receipts for items purchased abroad.
- If carrying >$10,000, prepare to file FinCEN Form 105.
- For special items (pets, medication, etc.), research and complete any required permits.
During Your Flight/Voyage
- Complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B accurately and legibly, or prepare to use an APC kiosk/MPC app.
- List all items you are bringing back that you did not take with you.
- Declare the total value of all goods in U.S. dollars.
At the Port of Entry
- Have your passport and declaration form/kiosk receipt ready.
- Answer the CBP officer's questions truthfully and completely.
- If directed to secondary inspection, cooperate fully with officers.
- Be prepared to pay any assessed duties and taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What items must I declare at U.S. customs?
A. You must declare all items you are bringing from abroad that you did not have when you left the United States. This includes gifts, purchases, duty-free items, and items for personal or commercial use. You must also declare any amount of currency or monetary instruments over $10,000.
How do I declare goods when arriving by air in Maine?
A. Upon arrival, you will proceed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You must complete a CBP Declaration Form (6059B), either on paper or electronically via a Mobile Passport Control app or an Automated Passport Control kiosk. You will present this form and your passport to a CBP officer for inspection.
What are the duty-free limits for goods brought into the U.S.?
A. The duty-free exemption for travelers varies. Typically, returning U.S. residents have an $800 exemption. Visitors (non-residents) have a $100 exemption. There are specific limits for alcohol, tobacco, and gifts. Amounts above the exemption are subject to duty and tax.
What happens if I do not declare an item?
A. Failure to declare prohibited or restricted items, or items over your duty-free limit, can lead to penalties. Consequences may include seizure of the goods, substantial fines, and in severe cases, legal prosecution. It is always best to declare all items.
Are there any items I cannot bring into Maine/the U.S.?
A. Yes, many items are prohibited or restricted. These include certain fruits, vegetables, meats, plants, soil, products made from endangered species, narcotics, and counterfeit items. Firearms and ammunition have strict regulations. Always check the latest CBP guidelines before traveling.
Do I need to declare food items?
A. Yes, all food items must be declared. Many food products are restricted to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Failure to declare food can result in penalties. A CBP agricultural specialist will inspect declared food items.
How do I declare goods if I am arriving by land from Canada?
A. At a land border crossing, you will stop at the CBP inspection station. You must verbally declare all items acquired abroad to the CBP officer and present any required documentation. Be prepared to answer questions about your purchases and the value of goods.
What is the process for declaring currency over $10,000?
A. You must file a Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (FinCEN Form 105) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This applies to U.S. and foreign currency, traveler's checks, money orders, and other negotiable instruments. Failure to report can lead to seizure of the currency and penalties.
Official U.S. Customs Resources
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Official Website: www.cbp.gov
- CBP Travel Information Page: www.cbp.gov/travel
- "Know Before You Go" Brochure: Download PDF
- FinCEN Form 105 (Currency Report): Online Filing
- Port of Portland (Maine) CBP Contact Information: Available on CBP.gov
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Customs regulations are complex and subject to change. Always consult the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website (www.cbp.gov) or contact CBP directly for the most current and authoritative information. The author is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Reference to specific legal statutes (e.g., 19 U.S.C. § 1592) is for informational context only.