As Mother's Day gets close, Customs and Border Protection officials reminded people, especially those planning to cross the border soon, that not all flowers can be brought into the country, even if they are a gift.
According to Border Report, officials highlighted restrictions on certain imports of the kind, especially Chrysanthemums as they can carry a fungus and potentially infect local plants and agriculture.
Potted plants and soil are not allowed either to protect local crops from diseases, invasive insects and worms. All travelers have to declare flowers and plants when entering the U.S., CBP added.
Those who don't do it can face fines of up to $1,000 if they are first time offenders for non-commercial quantities.
"Prohibited agricultural items can harbor plant pests and foreign animal diseases that could seriously damage America's crops, livestock, and the environment – and a large sector of our country's economy," reads a passage of CBP's website explaining the restrictions.
"Upon examination of plants, animal products, and associated items, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the ports of entry will determine if these items meet the entry requirements of the United States," it adds.
Mother's Day takes place on May 10 in most of Latin America and on the second Sunday of May in the United States.
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