Courtesy Richard Pauza,

LAREDO, Texas – As Mother’s Day rapidly approaches, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at South Texas ports of entry continue to conduct examinations and maintain vigilance to ensure that personal and commercial importations of flowers are free from insects, pests and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industries of the United States.

“As some travelers venture to Mexico to buy their Mother’s Day flowers, in order to avoid delays or costly fines, we encourage them to check the CBP website before they go so they do not inadvertently bring in prohibited or restricted agricultural items,” said Director, Field Operations David P. Higgerson, Laredo Field Office.

While a relatively small number of harmful pests are found among the millions of stems inspected by CBP, a single dangerous pest could cause millions of dollars of damage to our nation’s crops.

In advance of this traditionally busy period for floral imports, CBP is reminding border crossers who plan to import flowers and plants from Mexico to advise their florist that the arrangements are destined for U.S. delivery.  Some flowers and plant materials commonly found in floral arrangements are prohibited, including gladiolas, chrysanthemums and choysia (a green citrus-like floral filler) due to pest risk.

CBP recommends that people who wish to import flowers, plant materials, and other agricultural items consult the CBP Info Center section on the CBP website before they travel. This link addresses cut flower importations.

Cross-border travelers should also declare all items they’ve acquired abroad to CBP officers upon entry to avoid possible civil or criminal penalties.

Traditionally, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and the Easter holiday weekend are times when CBP agriculture specialists are very busy inspecting floral arrangements. At international ports of entry, land borders, and international mail facilities, CBP agriculture specialists are the front line in the fight against the introduction of insect pests and diseases into the United States.