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Miami is the main U.S. gateway for imported fresh flowers. Miami International Airport reported that it handled 394,181 tons of flower imports valued at $1.8 billion in 2025 and receives approximately 91% of all U.S. flower imports arriving by air. Colombia and Ecuador are the two dominant suppliers through this trade lane.
Commercial cut-flower imports are time-sensitive and also subject to U.S. plant-health requirements. Importers need to check whether the particular flowers are admissible from the country of origin, arrange the appropriate transportation and documentation, and make the shipment available for agricultural inspection when it reaches the United States.
This guide explains the main requirements and logistics involved in importing fresh cut flowers into the U.S.
Cut flowers and greenery are regulated by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service because imported plant material can carry pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture.
The exact entry requirements depend on the type of flower and country of origin. Before shipping, importers should check USDA APHIS’s Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements database for the particular commodity and origin rather than assuming the same requirements apply to every flower shipment.
Fresh cut flowers must be made available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the first port of arrival for agricultural inspection. Some flowers or greenery can also face additional requirements if they are edible, capable of propagation, or involve protected or endangered plant species.
Requirements vary considerably between agricultural commodities. See A1’s U.S. import guides for guidance on other commercial imports.
The United States imports commercial flowers and floral products from a number of major producing countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, India, China and the Netherlands.
The overall U.S. import process is similar, but the exact requirements can vary depending on the type of flower or plant material and the country of origin. Importers should check the applicable USDA APHIS requirements for the specific commodity and origin before shipment rather than assuming the same documentation applies to every country.
Colombia and Ecuador are particularly important sources of fresh cut flowers entering through Miami, while the Netherlands is a major international flower-trading hub. Imports from India and China can involve different flower varieties and plant materials, so admissibility and documentation should be checked carefully for the actual commodity being shipped.
If your shipment is coming from Colombia, see our dedicated guide to importing flowers from Colombia into the United States
Admissible cut flowers without botanical fruit generally do not require a phytosanitary certificate for entry into the United States. However, requirements can change depending on the specific plant material and country of origin, and additional documentation or permits may apply to particular commodities.
Importers should therefore check the current requirements in USDA APHIS’s ACIR database before shipment rather than assuming either that a certificate is always required or that none is needed.
Because fresh cut flowers are perishable and time-sensitive, air freight is particularly important to the U.S. flower trade. Miami International Airport is the country’s dominant air gateway for flower imports, with extensive cargo connections to Colombia and Ecuador.
Flowers need to move quickly from the grower through the departure airport, international flight, agricultural inspection and onward distribution. Temperature-controlled handling is also important for maintaining product quality during the journey.
A1 Worldwide Logistics is based in North Miami and can coordinate international freight forwarding and the U.S. import process for commercial flower shipments entering through Miami or other U.S. ports of entry.
The exact documentation depends on the flowers, country of origin, and transportation method. For a commercial shipment, the customs broker will commonly need the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Air Waybill or Bill of Lading, along with any plant-health documentation required for that particular commodity.
If a phytosanitary certificate, permit or other supporting document is required under the applicable APHIS conditions, it should be arranged before the shipment leaves the exporting country.
A Certificate of Origin may also become relevant where an importer is claiming preferential tariff treatment under a trade agreement, but it should not be treated as a universal requirement for every flower shipment.
See our guide to documents used in customs clearance for more information about common commercial import documents.
The duty treatment depends on the type of flower, its classification, and country of origin. Fresh cut flowers and related plant products are generally classified within Chapter 6 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
The specific classification can vary according to the flower or product being imported, while preferential treatment may be available for qualifying goods from countries that have applicable trade agreements with the United States.
A customs broker can confirm the appropriate classification and current duty treatment before the shipment arrives.
Imported cut flowers must be made available for agricultural inspection at the first U.S. port of arrival before they are released or authorized to move onward.
CBP agriculture specialists inspect imported flower shipments for pests and other plant-health concerns and verify that the cargo meets the applicable entry requirements. If a shipment does not comply or harmful pests are found, officials can require treatment, re-export, destruction, or other corrective action before the flowers can move into U.S. commerce.
Once the shipment has satisfied the agricultural and Customs requirements and is released, the flowers can be collected and moved quickly into refrigerated storage or onward distribution.
A1 can provide customs clearance and coordinate trucking and final delivery after release.
Fresh flower imports are particularly sensitive to timing because international transportation, agricultural inspection, customs clearance, and onward delivery all need to be coordinated while the product remains perishable.
A1 Worldwide Logistics is based in North Miami and provides customs brokerage, international freight forwarding, and final delivery for commercial flower imports entering the United States. Miami International Airport is the leading U.S. gateway for imported cut flowers, handling approximately 91% of U.S. cut-flower imports by air.
If you have a flower shipment being prepared in Colombia, Ecuador, India, China, Holland, or another country, contact A1 at 305-821-8995 or info@a1wwl.com with the flower type, country of origin, and shipment details to begin the importation process. We coordinate with the Port of Miami and every other U.S. port to ensure the successful delivery of your shipment.
Regulatory note: This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. U.S. import rules and agency requirements can change and may vary by product, country of origin, and shipment. Importers should confirm current requirements with the relevant U.S. agency and, where appropriate, a licensed customs broker or legal adviser before shipping.
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