US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a statement on their official website regarding crossing with flowers due to Mother’s Day, one of the celebrations where floral arrangements are imported at a higher rate, as it is one of people’s favorite gifts when celebrating this beautiful day.

Just in the last year, the Otay Mesa port of entry registered the third highest rate of flower imports nationwide.

However, one should consider that these flowers will be inspected when brought into the United States and confiscated by CBP agriculture specialists in order to guarantee that flowers imported are free from fungi such as white rust.

Chrysanthemums, gladioli, and orange jasmines from Mexico are prohibited as a preventive measure to protect the United States’ agricultural and floral industry from insects, plagues, and diseases.

“Our CBP agriculture specialists are carefully inspecting cut flowers and other plant material to ensure they are pest-free and protect the U.S. agriculture industry, which is crucial for ensuring economic vitality”, said Mariza Marin, Port Director for the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

In addition, authorities reminded the community that all flowers should be declared so that it can be inspected; this inspection takes from 10 to 15 minutes. Not doing so could result in a penalty of $300 dollars.

Roses, carnations, and many other flowers can be brought into the United States after an inspection has been carried out. However, plants for harvesting require a permit, and soil cannot be imported from Mexico.