With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it is important to remember that certain flowers, flower arrangements and potted plants are prohibited from entering the US.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and their agriculture specialists are busy at US ports making sure flowers from travelers are free from pests, diseases and insects that may cause harm to US agricultural and floral industries.

Travelers from Mexico commonly carry two prohibited items found in flower arrangements – chrysanthemums and orange jasmine. CBP is trying to prevent “chrysanthemum white rest”, pests, and other diseases from entering through bouquet arrangements.

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.

Customs advises travelers to declare all bouquets, flowers, and plants in order to avoid possible penalties. If you are currently facing CBP penalties after an agriculture specialist inspected your flowers or plants, contact David Hsu immediately at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com