U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists are reminding travelers on May 7 to declare all flowers and plant materials brought from Mexico as Mother’s Day approaches.
The agency said that during the holiday weekend, more people bring bouquets and greenery across the border, which can introduce harmful pests and diseases to U.S. agriculture. To protect domestic crops and local ecosystems, all plants, flowers, and soil must be screened by a CBP agriculture specialist before entering the United States.
CBP explained that its specialists conduct thorough inspections of floral items at ports of entry. These inspections may include physically shaking bouquets to check for hidden insects or using specialized tools to detect pests or disease signs. If potential threats are found, samples are sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for further analysis using advanced identification methods.
The agency said many common flowers like roses and carnations are generally allowed after inspection, but others such as chrysanthemums cannot be brought in from Mexico due to risks like Chrysanthemum White Rust. Plants intended for planting or those in soil containers require proper permits. Greenery such as Murraya (orange jasmine) can host dangerous pests like the Asian citrus psyllid; if any part of a bouquet is infested, the entire arrangement may be denied entry.
"CBP strongly encourages travelers to declare all agriculture products, including flowers and plants, upon arrival to avoid potential penalties and protect U.S. agriculture," according to the release. The agency added that even one pest or disease introduction could cause widespread damage requiring costly mitigation efforts.
Further information about importing agricultural products is available on CBP’s official website under Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States and Know Before You Go. Travelers can also check real-time Border Wait Times online or through mobile apps available in app stores.
