McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — Cut-stem flowers brought across the border from Mexico this Valentine’s Day are subject to U.S. rules at U.S. ports of entry.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection forbids the entry of chrysanthemums and choisya, an ornamental filler, that is also called Mexican orange blossoms. Both plant products may not cross from Mexico because they are known to harbor harmful pests and diseases, the agency says.
Also all cut-stem flowers must be declared at ports of entry and will be inspected for pests and other contraband.
“These critical inspections help protect American agriculture, the U.S. floral industry and preserve the economic security of the U.S. as well,” CBP Laredo Field Office Director Donald Kusser said.
“Historically the period leading up to Valentine’s Day is among the busiest for CBP agriculture specialists. The volume of floral imports arriving at area ports of entry, including those being transported by individuals, is always high,” said Hector Mancha, CBP Director of Field Operations in El Paso. “Vigilant CBP agriculture specialists are hard at work making certain that any imported floral arrangements are free from insects, pests or disease, ensuring our nation’s economic prosperity.”
Inspections include tapping and shaking all cut flower shipments to make sure there are no insects, pests or diseases that could spread into the U.S. agricultural system and floral industries.
And for those opting to bring a fruit basket, instead of flowers, note that stone fruit — like apples, mangoes, oranges, guavas, sopote, cherimoya and sweet limes — from Mexico require a permit.
Failure to declare prohibited agricultural products can result in a $1,000 fine for first-time offenders.
More information on agricultural products that can be brought into U.S. ports of entry, as well as fines and how to declare products, can be found at the CBP website.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.