CBP Inspecting More Than 1 Billion Cut Flowers For Pests Ahead Of Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day approaching, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is busy inspecting billions of flowers shipped from South America to check for harmful pests and plant diseases.

CBP said it deploys extra agriculture specialists to the Miami Field Office each year from mid-January through mid-February to inspect a flood of flower imports from South America, 91% of which are received through the Florida city. Since Jan. 1 this year, they have so far received more than 1 billion cut flower shipments.

“In preparation for Valentines Day, CBP agriculture specialists diligently inspect over a billion stems of cut flowers each year to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases into the United States,” Executive Director of Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison (APTL) Kevin Harriger said in a statement. “APTL supports these efforts by deploying personnel to the Miami port of entry during the peak cut flower import season. This collaboration ensures that CBP effectively facilitates trade while safeguarding our nations agriculture, highlighting the agencys integral role in the supply chain.”

Last year, CBP officials inspected more than 385 million mixed bouquets, 76 million roses, and 75 million chrysanthemums. As of Feb. 7, 2025, agriculture specialists have cleared more than 1.1 billion cut flowers, intercepting 1,158 shipments containing insects and pests, with 627 that could have potentially introduced diseases into the United States.

CBP says shipments through Miami are not the only way flowers enter the U.S. for Valentine’s Day — cut flower arrangements are also a popular gift purchased in Mexico and transported into the U.S. by individuals as well.

“We encourage all travelers who plan to cross the border with Valentines related flowers and goods to consult the CBP website to learn more about rules and regulations,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “This is one of the busiest times of the year for flowers and CBP agriculture specialists are working hard to prevent potentially harmful plant pests and foreign animal diseases from entering the U.S.” 

Individuals planning to purchase flower arrangements in Mexico for transport into the U.S. are advised to inform their florist so no prohibited plants will be included in the arrangement. Popular prohibited flowers and plants include all chrysanthemums (crisantemo), choisya, murraya (mock orange), cedar, and juniper. Fresh produce including mango, oranges, mandarins and grapefruit are also not allowed entry into the U.S. for personal use.