CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists Ensure Valentine’s Day Bouquets are Free from Pests and Disease

SAN DIEGO – With Valentine’s Day celebrations around the corner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists working at U.S. ports of entry are busy making sure that flower imports are free from pests and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industries of the United States.

"Travelers need to declare all items acquired in a foreign country to the CBP officer upon entry to the United States," said San Diego Director of Field Operations for CBP, Pete Flores. "It is an important part of the CBP mission to identify and stop pests and diseases at the border before they can be spread elsewhere."

Chrysanthemums from Mexico are prohibited through the passenger ports of entry. Travelers cannot bring arrangements with these flowers into the country. With the current restrictions, CBP is trying to prevent funguses, such as “Chrysanthemum White Rust” from entering the U.S.

Additionally, some cut greenery, which are the plants used to fill a bouquet, may have pests or diseases. For example, Murraya (common name “orange jasmine”) is a host for Asian citrus psyllid, a dangerous pest of citrus. If any portion of a bouquet has pests, the entire bouquet will be confiscated.

Roses, carnations, and many other flowers are allowed into the U.S. after they pass inspection. However, plants potted in soil cannot be brought from Mexico. Travelers must declare all flowers and plants to CBP officers.

If a traveler declares a bouquet with prohibited plants flowers and greenery, it will be seized, but travelers can avoid possible penalties by ensuring that they declare the items. After a traveler declares a bouquet with no prohibited items, CBP agriculture specialists will inspect the cut flowers and greenery for any sign of pests or diseases.