Traveler Identity
Full legal name and government-issued ID number (passport or trusted traveler ID). Matching ID at inspection expedites verification and admissibility determinations.
Completing the Customs Border Declaration correctly reduces inspection delays, avoids fines or seizure of goods, and ensures compliance with CBP requirements. Accurate information supports correct duty calculation and helps maintain a clear travel and import/export record.
Multiple parties must complete or provide information for customs declarations depending on the context: travelers, carriers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.
Each party’s role affects what fields they complete and what supporting documents they must attach.
Full legal name and government-issued ID number (passport or trusted traveler ID). Matching ID at inspection expedites verification and admissibility determinations.
Flight or vessel number, port of entry, arrival date, and final destination. These fields link the declaration to the specific arrival event and to passenger manifests.
Clear item descriptions, quantities, and use (personal vs. commercial). Ambiguous descriptions can trigger inspection, valuation disputes, and duty reassessments.
Declared value in U.S. dollars and country of origin for each item. Values determine duties; origin affects tariff treatments and trade preference eligibility.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or commodity codes for commercial shipments. Correct classification affects duty rates and admissibility requirements.
Signer’s declaration certifying accuracy under penalty of law. The attestation should include printed name, signature (electronic or handwritten), and date.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Identity Field | Require passport number; enforce exact format |
| Goods Detail Field | Make line-item entries mandatory |
| Value Field | Set currency and numeric validation rules |
| Attestation Field | Add electronic signature and timestamp |
Electronic collection requires secure transport, signer identification, and an auditable record that meets federal and carrier policies.
Present declaration to CBP upon arrival.
Submit e-manifest or entry information by carrier deadlines.
File entry documentation before cargo release.
Pay duties when entry is liquidated or per broker terms.
Retain copies as required by law or policy.
Tim Martin found online signatures streamlined cross-border document flow for corporate travel
BIS used secure e-forms to collect shipment declarations across multiple locations
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