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USDA Announces Deregulation of Chrysanthemum White Rust Requirements Good news for the floral import industry! The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that, effective November 9, 2026, permits previously required under chrysanthemum white rust (CWR) regulations will no longer be required. This import requirement has been in place for more than 20 years and is now being lifted. Below is the official USDA announcement outlining the changes. APHIS Deregulates Chr

Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026.

A big thank you to Color Republic and Equiflor for providing the flowers that were given to students in the University of Florida MBA class where Christine Boldt, Executive Vice President of AFIA, recently served as a guest speaker. Having students leave the class with fresh flowers was a great way to extend the experience beyond the classroom—and keep flowers top of mind long after the discussion ended.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has shared an important reminder regarding the proper use of the Notice of Arrival (NOA), PPQ Form 368. The Notice of Arrival is only for fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut flowers and miscellaneous shipments should not be included on this form. CBP has also provided a copy of the Notice of Arrival with the proper procedures for completing it. If the form is completed by hand, all writing must be clear, neat, and legible. If information

AFIA is pleased to announce a new benefit for our members and their employees through our relationship with Juan Valdez Café locations in South Florida. AFIA has been working with representatives from Juan Valdez Café to explore opportunities to bring flowers and coffee together, including future events designed to promote both industries. As part of this relationship, AFIA members and their employees can now receive a 15% discount on coffee and snacks at participating Juan V

Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026.

IEEPA tariff refunds continue to be returned to importers of record. The tariffs that replaced the temporary tariffs in July remain unchanged. AFIA continues working to have flowers included on the Annex, which would provide tariff relief for the industry. However, achieving this remains challenging in the current trade environment. We will continue advocating on behalf of flower importers and keeping our members informed as developments occur.

AFIA has been working with representatives from Juan Valdez Café locations throughout South Florida, and we’re excited to explore opportunities to partner on upcoming events that bring together two things we all enjoy—flowers and coffee! As part of this relationship, AFIA members and their employees can receive a 15% discount on coffee and snacks at participating Juan Valdez Café locations in South Florida. Whether you’re stopping in for your morning coffee, meeting someone a

At midnight last night, the Section 122 tariffs imposed earlier this year will officially expire. The 10% Section 122 tariffs were implemented in February after the courts determined that the Administration's tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. Under U.S. law, Section 122 tariffs are temporary and may only remain in effect for up to 150 days. Section 301 Tariffs Begin July 24 Knowing that the Section 122 tariffs were temporary,

Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026.

Christine Boldt, Executive Vice President of the Association of Floral Importers of America (AFIA), attended the International Trade Commission (ITC) hearing in Washington, DC, held July 7–9, 2026. Over the course of the three-day hearing, representatives from numerous industries and countries testified about how the proposed Section 301 tariffs could impact their businesses, products, and trade with the United States. On behalf of AFIA and the floral import industry, Christi

Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026.

Public hearings on the proposed Section 301 tariffs are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., from July 7 through July 9. We are pleased to share that AFIA Executive Vice President Christine Boldt has been invited to testify on behalf of the fresh cut flower importing industry. Christine will speak directly to the impact these proposed tariffs would have on floral importers and the broader supply chain, ensuring that the voice of our industry is heard during this criti

I hope all of the dads in our floral community had a wonderful Father’s Day. As we move into the final weeks of June, we wanted to share an important update on tariff developments affecting floral importers, including the progress of IEEPA refunds, the Administration’s proposed Section 301 tariff actions, and AFIA’s upcoming participation in Washington hearings on behalf of the fresh cut flower industry. IEEPA Tariff Refunds: Phase 2 Expected to Begin June 29 When the IEEPA t

Today, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) determined under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that the acts, policies, and practices of 60 economies related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor are unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce. As a result, USTR has determined that these actions are actionable under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act. This determination begins the p

Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026.

AFIA Executive Vice President, Christine Boldt, was invited to a meeting with Susan S. Thomas, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). During the meeting, Commissioner Thomas provided an update on the priorities of the Office of Trade and discussed the progress of the CAPE system that is currently being used to process IEEPA tariff refunds.

Effective the week of Monday, July 13, 2026, the routine Saturday fumigation will be discontinued. Fumigations will continue to be available by reimbursable overtime for anyone who needs to use the service. The resources previously assigned to Saturday fumigation operations will be used to help meet the additional staffing needs on Mondays and Fridays. Regular pest identifications on Saturdays will not change and will continue to be available on Saturdays during regular opera

Here is our updated 2026 import volume report, reflecting an expanded list of flower and greenery categories. Notably, if a product has no figures reported for 2025-2026, it reflects a newly tracked HTS code for 2026.

Airport Operations: During the Mother’s Day season, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) added additional inspectors, helping achieve an average response time of 1 hour and 49 minutes, exceeding the operational goal of 2 hours. This year there was a slight decrease in total flower stem volume compared to last year: 9.6 million stems this year 9.87 million stems last year Overall decrease of approximately 2% Inspection activity remained significant throughout the season: 1