CBP System Glitch Causes Temporary Delays in Flower Shipments

Over the past weekend, a system glitch at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) created unexpected delays for flower importers.

The glitch prevented the system from showing that shipments—although already inspected—had been officially released.

As a result, many AFIA members experienced confusion and shipping disruptions. Several members reached out to us directly and were able to resolve the issue by visiting their local CBP office to obtain a manual stamp. This stamp served as confirmation for the airlines that the shipments were cleared and ready for release.

We’re happy to report that the system issue appears to be resolved, and normal operations have resumed.

If your business was affected and you’re still experiencing delays, please let us know so we can support you.

AFIA continues to monitor these situations closely and advocate for smoother, more transparent processes for our industry.