CBP works to ensure Mother’s Day flowers are pest-free

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists across the United States continue to inspect cut flower shipments before they reach the American public, within days before Mother’s Day celebrations.

Since April 1, CBP agricultural specialists inspected more than 287,000 shipments of cut flowers from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, intercepting 857 significant pests of varying species.

Colombia remains the top shipping country, with more than 681,358,000 flower stems. The most popular flowers include roses, mixed bouquets, and chrysanthemums.

It is not illegal to import flowers from other countries, although certain flowers and plant materials commonly found in floral arrangements are restricted because they may carry plant pests and diseases that can cause damage to U.S. agriculture. CBP recommends that people who wish to import flowers, plant materials and other agricultural items to consult the CBP Information Center.