Importation of Cut Flowers

We are amending the cut flower regulations by eliminating the import permit and notice of arrival requirements for imported cut flowers of camellia, gardenia, rhododendron, rose, and lilac. This action eliminates an unnecessary regulatory burden. The import permit and notice of arrival requirements were used to provide information about shipments. However, much of this information is available on cargo manifests. This action will not increase the risk of imported cut flowers introducing exotic plant pests into the United States, since all cut flowers, including cut flowers of camellia, gardenia, rhododendron, rose, and lilac, are routinely inspected upon arrival in the United States and, if necessary, fumigated.