Do I have to declare cut flowers and wreaths at United States customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare cut flowers and wreaths in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship cut flowers and wreaths to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take cut flowers and wreaths out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking cut flowers and wreaths out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for cut flowers and wreaths apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in International Traveler: Plants, Plant Parts, Cut Flowers, and Seeds. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Fresh cut flowers and greenery must be presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the first port of entry for inspection.”

How does United States compare with other countries on cut flowers and wreaths?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit cut flowers and wreaths, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Cut flowers and wreaths can I bring into United States?

Declare

You can bring Cut flowers and wreaths into United States, but you must declare it.

Carried Allowed, declare

Declaration Required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

International Traveler: Plants, Plant Parts, Cut Flowers, and Seeds USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Questions about Cut flowers and wreaths in United States

Do I have to declare cut flowers and wreaths at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare cut flowers and wreaths in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship cut flowers and wreaths to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take cut flowers and wreaths out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking cut flowers and wreaths out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for cut flowers and wreaths apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in International Traveler: Plants, Plant Parts, Cut Flowers, and Seeds. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Fresh cut flowers and greenery must be presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the first port of entry for inspection.”
How does United States compare with other countries on cut flowers and wreaths?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit cut flowers and wreaths, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Eggs Fish and other fishery products Food, plant and animal products under agency control Fruits and vegetables