How to Declare Goods at Customs in Nebraska, United States
All travelers entering the United States, including at ports in Nebraska, must declare goods acquired abroad to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using Form 6059B, with declarations made at your first point of entry.
U.S. Customs Declaration Overview for Travelers
When entering the United States, every traveler must pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The declaration process is a federal requirement designed to control the import of goods, collect appropriate duties, and prevent the entry of prohibited items that could pose a risk to agriculture, public health, or security.
Important Notice
The customs declaration process is governed by federal law, specifically under Title 19 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. State laws do not apply. Procedures are uniform at all U.S. ports of entry, including those in Nebraska.
Required Forms and Procedures
The primary document is the CBP Form 6059B (Customs Declaration). You will receive this form onboard your aircraft or vessel before arrival, or at the port of entry.
Completing the Form
You must complete the form truthfully and in English. Provide your personal information, flight details, and a complete list of all articles you are bringing into the country that you did not have when you departed the U.S. Mark "Yes" or "No" to the specific questions regarding agriculture, currency, and commercial merchandise.
Family Declaration
One form may be submitted per family unit residing in the same household and traveling together. List all family members on the form. All goods for the family must be included in the declaration.
What Must Be Declared
You must declare all items you acquired abroad and are bringing back with you, regardless of value or whether they are for personal use, as gifts, or for commercial purposes.
| Item Category | Declaration Requirement | Notes and Examples | Documentation Needed | Potential Duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchases & Gifts | Mandatory | Clothing, electronics, souvenirs, gifts for others. | Sales receipts recommended. | Duty may apply over exemption. |
| Duty-Free Items | Mandatory | Items bought in foreign duty-free shops still count towards your exemption. | Receipt from duty-free shop. | Counted in exemption value. |
| Food & Agricultural Products | Mandatory | Fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, plants, seeds. Many are restricted or prohibited. | May require phytosanitary certificate. | Often subject to seizure. |
| Alcohol & Tobacco | Mandatory | Limited quantities are allowed duty-free (1 liter alcohol, 200 cigarettes for persons 21+). | Proof of age may be required. | Duty on amounts over limit. |
| Medications | Mandatory if controlled | Prescription medications should be in original containers. Declare controlled substances. | Doctor's prescription or letter. | Usually none for personal use. |
Duty-Free Allowances and Calculating Duty
Travelers are generally allowed a certain value of goods duty-free. Duty is a tariff or tax imposed on goods when they are transported across international borders.
| Traveler Status / Origin | Personal Exemption Value | Alcohol Limit (Duty-Free) | Tobacco Limit (Duty-Free) | Gifts Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residents (out 48+ hrs, most countries) | $800 | 1 liter (persons 21+) | 200 cigarettes (persons 21+) | Up to $100 may be sent as gifts per day. |
| Residents (out 48+ hrs, U.S. Insular Possessions) | $1,600 | 5 liters (persons 21+, max 1L from certain sources) | 1000 cigarettes (persons 21+) | Up to $800 may be sent as gifts. |
| Non-Residents (Visitors) | $100 | Generally none duty-free | Generally none duty-free | Not applicable. |
How Duty is Calculated: If the total value of your declared goods exceeds your personal exemption, duty is typically assessed at a flat rate (often 3%) on the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. For items above that, or for specific commodities like alcohol, the duty rate varies based on the item's classification, country of origin, and value. CBP officers will calculate the amount you owe.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Absolutely Prohibited
Narcotics and illegal drugs, hazardous materials (e.g., fireworks, toxins), counterfeit goods and pirated copies, most products from embargoed countries (e.g., Cuba, North Korea), and certain biological materials.
Restricted (Require Special Permits/Licenses)
Firearms and ammunition, wildlife and endangered species products (CITES), cultural artifacts and antiquities, certain fruits/vegetables/plants/soil, and most meats and animal products. These items will be seized if you do not have the required advance permits from relevant agencies (e.g., USDA, USFWS).
Declaring Currency and Monetary Instruments
Report Required Over $10,000
You must file a Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (FinCEN Form 105) if you, or members of your family traveling together, are transporting currency or monetary instruments totaling more than $10,000 (or foreign equivalent) into or out of the United States.
Definition of Monetary Instruments
This includes U.S. or foreign coin, currency, traveler's checks, money orders, negotiable instruments (checks, promissory notes), and securities or stocks in bearer form. The requirement is for physical transportation. Funds in electronic form or in financial accounts are not included.
The Inspection Process
Upon arrival, you will present your passport and completed declaration form to a CBP officer. The officer may ask questions about your trip and your declarations.
Secondary Inspection
If selected, you may be directed to a secondary inspection area for a more detailed examination of your luggage and documents. This is a standard procedure. Cooperate fully with the officers.
Agricultural Inspection
After clearing CBP, your luggage may be checked by an agricultural specialist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They are looking for prohibited food and agricultural items that could carry pests or diseases.
Penalties for Non-Declaration
Civil and Criminal Penalties
Failure to declare prohibited or restricted items, or making false statements on the declaration form, can result in severe consequences under 19 U.S.C. 1592. Penalties may include substantial fines, seizure and forfeiture of the undeclared goods, and in cases of intentional fraud, criminal prosecution.
Simplified Penalty Process
For minor violations involving non-prohibited goods, CBP may issue a simplified penalty under 19 U.S.C. 1497. This typically involves a flat penalty based on the value of the undeclared merchandise, which is in addition to any duty owed.
Specifics for Nebraska Ports of Entry
Nebraska's primary international port of entry for travelers is Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha. All procedures described above apply here. If you enter the U.S. at a different airport (e.g., Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles), you will clear CBP at that first point of entry, even if Nebraska is your final destination.
| Port of Entry Type | Location Example | Declaration Point | Notes for Travelers | Contact/Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA), Omaha | Federal Inspection Station in Terminal | Follow signs to "Baggage Claim" and "Customs". | CBP Omaha Port Director |
| Land Border (Highway) | Various (e.g., from Canada via other states) | At the land border crossing booth | Procedures are identical; have documents ready for officer. | Local Port Office |
Global Entry: Consider applying for the Global Entry program, which includes TSA PreCheck and allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. Kiosks are available at Eppley Airfield.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What form do I use to declare goods to U.S. Customs?
A. You must complete the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, also known as the Customs Declaration form. This is typically provided on your flight or vessel before arrival.
What items must I declare to Customs?
A. You must declare all items acquired abroad, including gifts, purchases, duty-free items, and any merchandise you are bringing back for someone else. You must also declare any food, plants, agricultural products, currency over $10,000, and commercial samples.
What are the consequences of not declaring goods?
A. Penalties for failure to declare prohibited or restricted items, or undervaluing goods to avoid duty, may include substantial fines, seizure of the goods, and potential civil or criminal penalties.
What items are prohibited from entering the United States?
A. Prohibited items include narcotics and illegal drugs, hazardous materials, counterfeit goods, certain fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, meats, and animal products. Many wildlife and wildlife products are also restricted.
How much duty-free allowance do I have?
A. The personal exemption for residents returning from most countries is $800. For travelers returning from U.S. insular possessions (e.g., U.S. Virgin Islands), it is $1,600. There are specific limits on alcohol, tobacco, and gifts.
Do I need to declare currency?
A. Yes. You must file a report with CBP if you are transporting currency or monetary instruments totaling more than $10,000 (or its foreign equivalent) into or out of the United States. This includes coin, currency, traveler's checks, and certain monetary instruments.
Can I mail items instead of carrying them?
A. Yes, but items mailed to the United States are also subject to customs inspection and may be subject to duty. You must accurately declare the contents and value on the customs form attached to the package.
Where do I declare goods in Nebraska?
A. Goods are declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at your first port of entry into the United States. For most travelers arriving in Nebraska by air, this occurs at the federal inspection area at Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha, or at your connecting airport if entering the U.S. elsewhere.
Official U.S. Customs Resources
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Official Website: www.cbp.gov
- CBP "Know Before You Go" Traveler Information: www.cbp.gov/travel
- CBP Contact Center: 1-877-227-5511 (within U.S.) / 1-202-325-8000 (outside U.S.)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): www.aphis.usda.gov
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Wildlife Inspection: www.fws.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. Compliance with all federal laws and regulations, including those under Titles 19 and 31 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, is the sole responsibility of the traveler.