With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is stepping up agricultural inspections at ports of entry to stop pests and diseases from entering the country hidden in bouquets to protect the country’s floral and farming industries from potentially devastating threats.
“Our agriculture specialists are the first line of defense against invasive pests that can devastate our agriculture industry,” said Sidney Aki, Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office. “Their dedication to ensuring the safety of imported plants is vital to the economic well-being of our nation.”
One of the biggest concerns this season is chrysanthemums grown in Mexico. These flowers are strictly prohibited at passenger ports of entry due to the risk of chrysanthemum white rust, a fungal disease caused by the fungus Puccinia horiana P. Henn. If introduced and allowed to spread in the U.S., the pathogen could inflict serious damage on both agricultural and ornamental plant sectors.
Related: CBP Enables On-the-Spot Global Entry and SENTRI Interviews at CBX
Even filler plants used to round out a bouquet can pose a threat. Murraya, commonly known as orange jasmine, is a known host of the Asian citrus psyllid, one of the most destructive citrus diseases worldwide. If any prohibited foliage or pest is detected, the entire floral arrangement will be denied entry.
Roses, carnations, and many cut flowers are permitted after passing inspection. However, potted plants containing soil or compost are not allowed under any circumstances.
Travelers must declare all flowers and plant materials to CBP officers upon arrival. If a bouquet contains prohibited items, it will not be allowed in. If it is free of restrictions and passes inspection, travelers may keep it.
CBP warns that failing to declare agricultural items can result in penalties. Travelers are urged not to bring fruits, vegetables, meats, or plants into the U.S. without first verifying they are admissible.
For more information on what can and cannot cross the border, visit CBP’s “Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States” webpage.
