Fresh cut flowers and buds fall under the 060311–060319 subheadings by species. Flowers that have been dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated, or otherwise prepared are grouped together under 060390 regardless of species, so the preparation method — not the flower type — drives the subheading choice for non-fresh material.

USDA APHIS inspects fresh cut flowers for quarantine pests such as thrips, mites, and certain moth species. Shipments must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country, and inspectors may require treatment or refuse entry if regulated pests are detected. Cold-chain integrity also affects pest risk assessment.