Beware of Illegal Imported Mother's Day Flowers...

SAN DIEGO — As Mother’s Day approaches, CBP agriculture specialists are issuing a reminder to the traveling public regarding the restrictions on certain commodities imported from Mexico, particularly in the realm of floral imports.

Mother’s Day stands as one of the peak periods for flower imports, a practice that may inadvertently introduce pests and diseases posing threats to U.S. agriculture and the environment. The restrictions encompass various items including flowers, greenery, potted plants, and soil, all aimed at preventing the spread of plant diseases, invasive insects, and parasitic nematodes. The destructive potential of invasive plant diseases and pests not only diminishes the quality of ornamental plants and crops but also incurs significant costs in eradication endeavors and export trade restrictions.

Among the items barred for importation through passenger ports of entry are "Chrysanthemums" from Mexico. CBP is particularly vigilant against the entry of funguses like "Chrysanthemum White Rust," recognizing the potential jeopardy it poses to flower growers. Propagation plants necessitate a permit for entry into the U.S., while soil imports are strictly prohibited to stave off the introduction of soil pests.

Moreover, certain varieties of cut greenery commonly used in floral arrangements may harbor pests and diseases. Notably, the Murraya, commonly referred to as "orange jasmine," serves as a host for the Asian citrus psyllid, a perilous pest prevalent in citrus cultivation. CBP emphasizes that if any segment of a bouquet harbors pests, the entire arrangement will be confiscated upon entry into the United States.

While roses, carnations, and numerous other flowers are permitted entry following inspection, plants intended for propagation necessitate permits for admissibility, with soil imports from Mexico strictly forbidden. Travelers are mandated to declare all flowers and plants to CBP officers upon arrival. Although the instances of harmful pests among the millions of inspected stems by CBP are relatively low, the introduction of a single dangerous pest could potentially wreak millions of dollars in damage to the nation's crops.

CBP strongly advises travelers intending to import flowers, plant materials, and other agricultural items to consult the CBP Info Center section on the agency's website before embarking on their journey.

It is emphasized that travelers must dutifully declare all items acquired abroad to CBP officers to sidestep civil or criminal penalties and minimize the risk of introducing pests and diseases to the U.S. ecosystem. For further information on prohibited or restricted items, travelers are directed to visit CBP’s Know Before You Go website.

Travelers can track wait times by accessing CBP’s Border Wait Time (BWT) webpage or by downloading the BWT app via Google Play or the Apple App Store.