EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at El Paso area ports of entry will be inspecting flower shipments due to the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday which lands on Wednesday, Feb. 14 this year, according to CBP.
CBP says agriculture specialists will be tapping and shaking cut flower shipments to make sure that personal and commercial importations are free from insects, pests and diseases that could
“harm the agricultural and floral industries of the United States.”
CBP says those who are planning to import flowers and plants from Mexico should advise their florist that the arrangements are destined for U.S. delivery.
“Some flowers and plant materials commonly found in floral arrangements at southwest border ports of entry are prohibited. Those include chrysanthemums and choisya ternata (a floral filler) due to pest risk,” CBP said.
CBP also encourages the public to check its website to know which flowers are permissible and which are prohibited or restricted.