EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Ahead of Mother’s Day taking place this weekend, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at El Paso area ports of entry are gearing up to make sure that personal and commercial flower importations are free from insects, pests, and diseases.
CBP said this is to prevent any potential harm to the agricultural and floral industries of the U.S.
Mother’s Day is observed in Mexico on Saturday, May 10, and the U.S. observance is Sunday, May 11.
“This is always one of the busiest weeks of the year for CBP agriculture specialists. Typically, we note an increase in the number of floral imports arriving at area ports of entry,” CBP director of Field Operations in El Paso, Hector Mancha, said. “Vigilant CBP agriculture specialists are hard at work making certain that any imported floral arrangements are free from insects, pests, and disease. The public can help by declaring all agricultural products they are importing.”
CBP said this time of year, they see a surge of flower imports in the region, and to protect U.S. crops and the environment, certain flowers, plants, and soil are not allowed to cross the border.
These restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of invasive species and plant-related illnesses that can damage crops and result in expensive containment efforts and limits on exports, CBP said.
CBP said agriculture specialists meticulously examine all flowers and plant materials entering the U.S. This thorough inspection process involves physically shaking the flowers to dislodge any hidden insects and carefully using magnifying glasses and microscopes to detect the presence of pests and diseases.
When pests or diseases are found, CBP sends them to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where experts employ digital imagery and other advanced technologies to accurately identify them, according to the news release by CBP.
CBP said one commonly imported restricted flower is the chrysanthemum, which is banned from entering the U.S. when brought in from Mexico.
This measure helps stop the spread of harmful fungi such as chrysanthemum white rust, a disease that could affect domestic flower producers, CBP said.
Some bouquet fillers are also banned from crossing the border. For example, murraya (also known as orange jasmine) can carry the Asian citrus psyllid, a pest that threatens citrus crops.
If any bouquet includes infested greenery, the entire arrangement will be seized at the border, CBP said.
CBP said plants meant for growing must have the proper permits, and soil from Mexico is not permitted due to the risk of soil-borne pests.
“All travelers must declare any plants or flowers to CBP officers upon arrival. Even though harmful pests are found in only a small percentage of inspected flowers, just one invasive species could lead to extensive crop damage,” read the news release.
CBP is also advising travelers who are planning to bring in flowers, plant materials, and other agricultural products to visit the page here before traveling abroad.
Additionally, to avoid potential civil or criminal penalties and help prevent the introduction of pests and diseases into the U.S. ecosystem, travelers should always declare everything they acquired abroad to CBP officers and agriculture specialists.
More information on prohibited and restricted items can be found here.
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