Migratory Bird Permits; Revisions to Migratory Bird Import and Export Regulations, 47092-47098 [E8-18774]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 13, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47092-47098]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-18774]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 21

[FWS-R9-MB-2007-0012; 91200-1231-9BPP]
RIN 1018-AV35


Migratory Bird Permits; Revisions to Migratory Bird Import and 
Export Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, change the regulations 
governing migratory bird permitting. We amend 50 CFR part 21 to allow 
the export of lawfully-acquired, captive-bred raptors without obtaining 
a migratory bird export permit; to resolve problems related to export 
of species covered by Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits or certificates; to 
allow the importation and possession without an import permit of 
legally-acquired migratory game birds in the families Anatidae, 
Columbidae, Gruidae, Rallidae, or Scolopacidae that were lawfully 
hunted in a foreign country; to extend the maximum time for which an 
import and export permit is valid from 3 to 5 years; and to reorganize 
and reword the regulations to make them easier to understand.

DATES: This rule is effective on September 12, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. George T. Allen, Division of 
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 703-358-
1825.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the Federal agency that has 
been delegated the responsibility to carry out the Migratory Bird 
Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), which implements conventions 
with Great Britain (for Canada), Mexico, Japan, and the Soviet Union 
(Russia). Raptors (birds of prey) are afforded Federal protection by 
the 1972 amendment to the Convention for the Protection of Migratory 
Birds and Game Animals, February 7, 1936, United States-Mexico, as 
amended; the Convention between the United States and Japan for the 
Protection of Migratory Birds in Danger of Extinction and Their 
Environment, September 19, 1974; and the Convention Between the United 
States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Russia) 
Concerning the Conservation of Migratory Birds and Their Environment, 
November 26, 1976.
    Among other things, we manage the import and export of migratory 
birds and their parts, eggs, and nests. The regulations at 50 CFR 21.21 
set forth the requirements for import and export permits for migratory 
birds and their parts, eggs, and nests, including requirements for 
import and export permits, application procedures for these permits, 
additional permit conditions, and the term for which a permit is valid. 
These regulations are 18 years old and are, in part, outdated. In 
particular, these regulations do not mention the requirements 
associated with CITES, addressed in part 23 of our regulations. In 
addition, many of the requirements currently set forth at Sec.  21.21 
simply reference another part or section of our regulations. They are 
therefore difficult to read and understand.
    We proposed revisions to the regulations governing import and 
export of migratory birds on November 19, 2007 (72 FR 64981). Among 
other things, we wanted to: Address the export of species covered by 
CITES; allow the export of lawfully-acquired, captive-bred raptors 
without an export permit; allow the importation and possession without 
a migratory bird import permit of legally-acquired migratory game birds 
in the families Anatidae, Columbidae, Gruidae, Rallidae, and 
Scolopacidae that were lawfully hunted in a foreign country; extend the 
maximum time for which a migratory bird import and export permit is 
valid from 3 to 5 years; and reorganize and reword the regulations to 
make them easier to understand. We revised the proposed regulations to 
address comments we received, but we made no major changes to the 
proposed rule.

Changes in the Migratory Bird Import and Export Regulations

    General requirements (Sec.  21.21(a)): Current Sec.  21.21(a) 
provides the general requirements for import and export permits, as 
well as the exceptions to these requirements. We reorganize current 
Sec.  21.21 to separate the general requirements (Sec.  21.21(a)) from 
the exceptions to the requirements (Sec.  21.21(b), (c) and (d)). In 
Sec.  21.21(a), we acknowledge all of the regulations, including the 
CITES regulations at 50 CFR part 23, that apply to imports and exports 
of migratory birds and their parts, eggs, and nests. These revisions 
will help ensure that importers and exporters of migratory birds or 
their parts, eggs, or nests understand all the requirements applicable 
to their imports and exports.
    Exceptions for import permits (Sec.  21.21(b)): Current Sec.  
21.21(a)(1) provides the requirements for import permits; it does not 
provide any exceptions to import permit requirements for migratory 
birds or their parts, eggs, or nests. Current Sec.  21.21(a)(2) does 
have one import permit exception for raptors for falconry that will be 
discussed later in this document. We add, in a new Sec.  21.21(b), a 
provision to allow the importation and possession without an import 
permit of migratory game birds in the families Anatidae, Columbidae, 
Gruidae, Rallidae, and Scolopacidae that were lawfully hunted in a 
foreign country. The imported specimens can be carcasses, skins, or 
mounts. They must be accompanied by evidence of lawful export from the 
country of origin and by any other necessary permits, such as a

[[Page 47093]]

CITES permit. These families may be legally hunted under the provisions 
of the migratory bird treaties with Canada and Mexico, though hunting 
seasons have not been established for all of them. We will allow import 
of birds in these families that were legally hunted outside the United 
States without requiring an import permit to do so. However, should we 
determine that hunting of any species in these families is not 
consistent with the conservation of the species, we will disallow 
import of that species if it was originally acquired by hunting.
    Exceptions for export permits (Sec.  21.21(c)): As stated above, 
current Sec.  21.21(a) provides the requirements for import and export 
permits, and exceptions to these requirements. Current Sec.  21.21(a) 
does provide exceptions to the export permit requirements for certain 
captive-bred migratory game birds exported to Canada or Mexico and for 
raptors used for falconry exported to or imported from Canada or 
Mexico. Our Sec.  21.21(c) retains these exceptions, with changes 
described below.
    Instead of simply directing readers to 50 CFR 21.13(b) of the 
regulations for the marking requirements for captive-bred migratory 
game birds exported to Canada or Mexico, we detail those requirements 
in this new paragraph. This revision will help ensure that exporters of 
migratory game birds understand the exceptions to our export permit 
requirements.
    In addition, we add a provision to allow export of lawfully 
acquired, captive-bred raptors without an additional export permit, 
provided that the exporter holds both a valid raptor propagation permit 
and a CITES export permit, and has full documentation of the lawful 
origin of the raptor(s). The raptor(s) would also have to be properly 
identified by a captive-bred raptor band (see Sec.  21.30 of this 
subpart C of part 21). This change will eliminate redundant permitting 
reviews for export of captive-bred raptors and help ensure that border 
inspectors can easily and accurately identify birds for export.
    The exception to the import and export permit requirements for 
falconry birds under a CITES passport currently resides in Sec.  
21.21(a)(2), with the general export permit requirements for migratory 
birds. We moved the exception to the requirements for falconry birds 
into its own paragraph (new Sec.  21.21(d)) so that it is easier to 
find in the regulations. For clarity, we revise the language concerning 
the exception and acknowledge the CITES regulations at 50 CFR part 23 
that apply to exports of these birds. This revision will help ensure 
that importers and exporters of falconry birds understand this 
exception to the temporary export and import requirements for falconry 
birds. We believe that this change will help readers more easily find 
this information.
    We believe it is reasonable to allow the temporary export and 
subsequent import of birds held for falconry out of the United States. 
Therefore, a provision in the regulation makes it clear that we allow 
this action. The provision states that unless a permittee has the 
necessary CITES permit or certificate to permanently export a raptor 
from the United States, he or she must bring any raptor transported out 
of the country for use in falconry back to the United States when he or 
she returns. However, if the raptor dies or is lost, the permittee must 
document the loss of the bird as required by his or her State falconry 
regulations and any conditions on the CITES document.
    Inspection procedures (Sec.  21.21(e)): The current Sec.  21.21 is 
silent on inspection procedures for imported and exported migratory 
birds and their parts, eggs, and nests, even though these inspections 
occur regularly. We correct language in our proposed rule, in which we 
stated that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would be allowed to 
inspect any migratory birds brought into or out of the country. Doing 
so would be contrary to the provisions in 50 CFR part 14 and 23. 50 CFR 
Sec.  14.54 does not authorize CBP to act on the Service's behalf for 
any export. In addition, CBP is not authorized under 50 CFR 23 to 
validate CITES documents issued for the export of CITES listed 
migratory birds or for migratory birds traveling on a CITES pet 
passport.
    Application procedures (Sec.  21.21(f)): Current Sec.  21.21(b) 
provides the application procedures for permits to import or export 
migratory birds or their parts, eggs, or nests. The current regulations 
set forth the information required on the application forms. The 
``additional information,'' specified in current Sec.  21.21(b)(1) 
through (b)(6), has been incorporated into the relevant application 
forms, so we remove that information requirement from the regulations. 
Instead, we list the specific forms required to apply for an import or 
export permit (FWS form 3-200-6) or a permit for scientific collecting 
(FWS form 3-200-7). We also add language reminding applicants of the 
application fee that must accompany their application to import or 
export migratory birds or their parts, eggs, or nests. This change 
helps ensure that persons interested in importing or exporting know 
which form to complete and its associated application fee.
    Service criteria for issuing a permit (Sec.  21.21(g)): The current 
Sec.  21.21 is silent on the criteria we consider when deciding whether 
or not to issue a permit to import or export migratory birds or their 
parts, eggs, or nests. We include the issuance criteria in this 
paragraph to ensure that the public understands how we make our 
decisions.
    Standard conditions for a permit (Sec.  21.21(h)): The current 
Sec.  21.21(c) provides information on additional permit conditions. We 
retain this information, but rewrite it for clarity in this paragraph. 
We also add a reference to 50 CFR part 14 to ensure that importers and 
exporters of migratory birds or their parts, eggs, or nests understand 
that they must also comply with the general regulations concerning the 
importation, exportation, and transportation of wildlife.
    Term of permit (Sec.  21.21(i)): The current Sec.  21.21(d) 
provides information on the length of time that a permit is valid. We 
extend the maximum time for which an import or export permit is valid 
from 3 to 5 years. In recent years, as we have completed regulations 
revisions we have extended the duration of some permit types that we 
believe have a limited potential effect on bird populations. This eases 
the burden on both permittees and our permit examiners. We believe that 
is also true of the import and export regulations, so this rule extends 
the term of an import and export permit.
    Plain Language: Throughout our revisions to Sec.  21.21, we have 
used short sentences and active voice to make the regulations easy to 
understand.

What Comments on the Proposed Rule Did We Receive?

    We received 58 sets of comments on the proposed rule. The following 
are concerns expressed about provisions of the regulations and 
suggestions for changes to them.
    Issue: Cross-border temporary export and import of falconry birds.
     ``I am concerned about the level of documentation required 
of falconers for a crossing and would prefer a clear definition 
concerning the sufficiency of documentation needed.''
     ``Due to the option of Customs being able to do the 
inspection, please clearly state there is no fee for the inspection. 
Some falconers are still being charged $195 each way for both the 
inspection and crossing at non-designated port of entry.''
     ``Please also clearly state that there is no inspection 
fee, because in the past

[[Page 47094]]

some falconers have been charged exorbitant fees. If at all possible, 
please exempt falconers from the requirement to use only specially 
designated ports of entry.''
     ``Almost all of the birds used in falconry are banded and/
or captive bred. There will be a few wild caught birds with plastic 
bands and a few non banded birds but in all cases the falconer on the 
U.S. side will arrive with a 3-186A and a health certificate. At that 
point it should be up to the Canadian customs agents to accept or 
reject a person's entry into the country based on having the health 
certificate and having birds that match the description on the 3-186As 
(or equivalent). The same would apply to Canadians coming south. The 
need for an expensive U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inspection coming 
and going needs to be dropped. A falconer should be able to cross at 
any port of entry without the need for either a U.S. or Canadian health 
inspector being present. Again, crossing with your dog or cat does not 
require such restrictions. There really can't be any legitimate health 
concerns as the very same falcons are flying overhead moving north and 
south over the borders every year.''
     ``Since the USFWS proposes to allow either a Service 
inspector or a Customs inspector to examine the birds at the border 
(which I think is very appropriate and agree with) and since birds held 
for falconry appear to be exempt (under 21.21(d), assuming all other 
requirements are met) * * * is it possible that falconers could also be 
granted an exemption from ``designated ports'' and not be required to 
file a 3-200-2 for a Designated Port Exception? This would certainly 
help ease the paperwork requirements on both the falconer and the 
Service.''
     ``Falconers meeting the documentation requirements should 
be exempt from specific designated ports of entry and should be able to 
use any legal point of entry with either customs or UFWS able to 
perform inspections.''
     ``Concerning documentation of legally held raptors 
crossing borders, the CITES international authorities have accepted a 
``passport'' system, now currently widely in use by falconers in the 
Middle East. Such documentation includes a microchip explicitly tying 
the passport to the individual bird described. It is good, I believe, 
for the life of the bird. Use of such a document in lieu of any import/
export permitting would greatly facilitate crossing procedures and, as 
already accepted by CITES, should obviate any further significant 
governmental procedural harangues regarding adoption of its use.''
     ``We also agree with proposed 21.21(e) that will allow 
inspections by either USFWS inspectors or Customs and Border 
Protection. However, we request a statement that falconers who are 
transporting birds for the purpose of practicing falconry are exempt 
from designated ports of entry and may use any legal point of entry. It 
is clear when the USFWS states that ``We believe it is reasonable to 
allow temporary transport of birds held for falconry out of the United 
States. Therefore, a proposed provision in the regulation makes it 
clear that we allow this action. The provision states that unless you 
have the necessary CITES permit or certificate to permanently export a 
raptor from the United States, you must bring any raptor you transport 
out of the country for use in falconry back to the United States when 
you return. However, if the raptor dies or is lost, the permittee must 
document the loss of the bird as required by his or her State falconry 
regulations and any conditions on the CITES document.'' Therefore, is 
it not also reasonable that falconers transporting birds for the 
purpose of practicing falconry, be exempt for the provision of 
``designated ports''?''
     ``My personal recommendation includes both wild and CB 
[captive-bred] raptors being allowed to cross (because falconers use 
both CB and wild taken raptors in this sport) at any designated port of 
entry. The reason for this request (any port of entry) is that most 
border crossings will be for ``hunting falconry meets'' and these take 
place away from large cities, etc. So being able to cross the border at 
an entry that is close to the ``hunting meet location'' is critically 
important to the falconer.''
     ``Many of the designated and non-designated ports of entry 
can be many miles from your intended destination, and in the case of 
Canada, due to the lack of an elaborate road system along the U.S. 
border, can force you to detour many additional miles to reach a 
designated or non-designated port. Even when a non-designated port of 
entry is reached, planning must occur to ensure that the USFWS Agent is 
available to review the required documentation. This is an unneeded 
requirement and Customs agents are amply qualified to verify the 
documentation against the band numbers of the raptors. Crossing the 
border only at a designated or non-designated port of entry is an 
overly burdensome requirement and currently prevents crossings after 
normal business hours and on weekends. Entry at any port of entry, 
during their normal operating hours, should be allowed.''
     ``Please consider allowing either the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service or Customs to conduct inspections at border 
crossings.''
     ``Service actions at the time of my 1996 crossing make any 
``designated port of entry'' requirement ludicrous! My Canadian 
destination was some two hundred miles from my Montana hunting 
residence. To comply with your designated port requirement, however, 
those crossings necessitated my driving some four hundred additional 
miles each way. Further, in compliance with Service instructions I had 
made advanced appointments for the required personal Service-conducted 
inspection, both coming and going, with the Service resident ``agent'' 
agreeing as to both times and dates of my crossings. Despite my 
compliance with both agreed-upon appointments, no Service agent ever 
appeared, having told his Customs-inspector associates to just go ahead 
and pass me (and my bird) through. To add injury to insult (and I use 
such term explicitly), my use of the Service-designated port required 
me to pass through yet another province enroute where falconry was not 
yet legal, necessitating all the paperwork for yet another set of 
permits.''
     ``It is possible for our raptors to unintentionally pursue 
game across the U.S. border which could result in needing to cross the 
border to retrieve the raptor. Please consider language that would 
specifically allow the USFWS LE authority to allow falconers to recover 
lost birds across the US/Canada border without the typical 30-90 day 
wait period for a CITES permit.''
     ``[T]here should be policy that allows a falconer to 
recover a lost bird across the U.S./Canada border without the typical 
30-90 day wait period for a CITES permit. A statement that specifically 
allowed USFWS LE authority and discretion in this scenario is 
requested.''
     Add ``A statement specifically allowing USFWS LE authority 
to allow falconers to recover lost birds across the U.S./Canada border 
without the typical 30-90 day wait period for a CITES permit.''
     ``I should be able to recover a lost bird without need of 
a CITES permit also.''
    Response: These comments all address CITES-related and 50 CFR part 
14 requirements that are not the subject of this rulemaking. All 
wildlife must pass through a Service-designated port out of or into the 
United States unless authorized otherwise by a designated port 
exception permit. We cannot make

[[Page 47095]]

an exception for falconers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
can only act on the Service's behalf for imports, when their role is to 
collect documentation for later investigation by the Service. CBP is 
not authorized to validate CITES documents, either upon export, or for 
CITES pet passports upon import. Nor is CBP authorized to operate on 
behalf of the Service for exports, primarily because CBP generally does 
not process exports.
    A falconer can get a CITES Certificate of Ownership for Personally 
Owned Wildlife, or ``pet passport'' (Form 3-200-64) that facilitates 
temporary export and import of a falconry bird out of and into the 
United States. The 3-200-64 form ``is used to request a passport-like 
certificate for a single animal (one application per pet).'' A ``pet 
passport'' certificate may be valid for up to 3 years for multiple 
border crossings. If a falconer has more than one raptor that he or she 
wishes to temporarily export and import out of and back to the United 
States, he or she should get a CITES ``pet passport'' for each bird.
    Issue: ``If form 3-177 has not been pre-approved by USFWS, Customs 
should be allowed to stamp it.''
     ``Review of the required supporting documentation can 
easily be performed by the Border or Customs agents. Review by Border 
agents have been utilized and accepted by the FWS at times when FWS 
agents have not been available. Having only FWS agents to verify 
documentation is an unnecessary requirement and only serves as a 
punitive source of revenue for the FWS ($195 each way) to have a FWS 
Agent review and stamp the documentation. Allowing Customs to check and 
stamp all documentation (CITES & 3-177 forms) is probably the most 
important requested change. Not only would this allow for a much more 
streamlined process but would allow crossing at times other than those 
hours when a FWS Agent is on duty.''
    Response: We require a Form 3-177 for all wildlife imports and 
exports, regardless of whether a CITES document is required. CBP cannot 
stamp the Service's form. CBP may, however, collect it for later 
investigation by FWS, in which case CBP is conditionally allowing entry 
subject to FWS approval.
    Fees for permits, border inspections, and other fees are not set in 
this regulation.
    Issue: ``In proposed 21.21(b), (c) and (d) there contains a 
section, which states in part, that compliance with parts 14, 15, 17, 
21, 22 and 23 is required. While I agree, may I request that the title 
of each of those parts be included? (i.e.: 50 CFR part 14: Importation, 
Exportation, and Transportation of Wildlife)''
    Response: We made this change. It adds clarity to the rule.
    Issue: ``Regarding permanent export, thank you for increasing the 
permit length to 5 years. However, this permit still seems redundant, 
as it could be issued automatically with each CITES permit. Even if a 
raptor propagator is giving a bird to a friend, they are still treated 
as commercial and charged extra fees in addition to the CITES permit.''
    Response: If you have a CITES permit, you do not need an export 
permit under this rule. In paragraph (c)(2), we stated that an import/
export permit is not needed for the export of live lawfully-acquired, 
captive-bred raptors by a raptor propagation permittee if he or she has 
a CITES export permit or certificate issued under part 23 for the 
export. The language is unchanged in this final rule.
    Issue: The falconry transport provision did not allow for temporary 
export and import of wild-caught falconry birds without an import/
export permit.
     ``The first [issue] includes adding both WILD taken and 
captive bred birds to this exemption. We must still meet the CITES 
requirements to receive a Passport for both, so why not allow a 
falconer to take all of his/her falconry birds whether wild or captive 
bred?''
     ``In section (d), may I request some additional 
clarification? It does not appear that wild caught raptors, transported 
for falconry are clearly being considered. I am sure this is a simple 
oversight and not your intention. Some wild caught birds are not 
required to be banded by the various states in the U.S. For those birds 
that are not required to be banded, would a completed 3-186A suffice 
for documentation?''
    Response: We agree that temporary export and import of wild-caught 
falconry birds should be allowed. We added appropriate language to the 
regulations. However, a falconry raptor taken across a U.S. border will 
need to be banded unless it has been exempted from banding because of 
problems with bands placed on the bird, or if it has an implanted ISO-
compliant microchip that will allow us to identify it.
    Issue: ``We also feel it is vital to include in 21.21(d) or a 
separate section, that transport across the border for falconry birds 
for the purpose of practicing falconry (i.e. a weekend hunt), not just 
at falconry meets, is allowed. The Service states this and we feel it 
is appropriate to place such verbiage in the regulations. We also feel 
it is vital that such transports also do not require an import/export 
permit.''
    Response: The language in the proposed rule addressed the practice 
of falconry--not just falconry meets. No change from the proposed 
regulation is needed, nor do we require a migratory bird import/export 
permit. However, a CITES document would be required, even for a short 
weekend hunt.
    Issue: ``[T]he transport of semen should specifically be allowed 
without a permit due to its time sensitive nature.''
    Response: The MBTA addresses migratory birds and their parts, eggs, 
and nests. We may not exempt semen from the provisions of the Act.
    We made no major changes to the proposed rule based on comments we 
received.

Required Determinations

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that this 
rule is not significant and has not reviewed this rule under Executive 
Order 12866. OMB bases its determination upon the following four 
criteria:
    (a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or 
more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector, 
productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government.
    (b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other Federal 
agencies' actions.
    (c) Whether the rule will materially affect entitlements, grants, 
user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their 
recipients.
    (d) Whether the rule raises novel legal or policy issues.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as 
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121)), whenever an agency is required to 
publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must 
prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility 
analysis that describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., 
small businesses, small organizations, and small government 
jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required 
if the head of an agency certifies the rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    SBREFA amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal 
agencies to provide the statement of the

[[Page 47096]]

factual basis for certifying that a rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. We have 
examined this rule's potential effects on small entities as required by 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and have determined that this action 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities, because the changes we are proposing are intended 
primarily to simplify export for a limited number of raptor 
propagators.
    There are no costs associated with this regulatory change. 
Consequently, we certify that because this rule will not have a 
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities, 
a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.
    This rule is not a major rule under SBREFA (5 U.S.C. 804(2)). It 
will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    a. This rule will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 
million or more.
    b. This rule will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local government 
agencies; or geographic regions.
    c. This rule will not have significant adverse effects on 
competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the 
ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based 
enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 
et seq.), we have determined the following:
    a. This rule does not ``significantly or uniquely'' affect small 
governments. A small government agency plan is not required. Actions 
under this regulation will not affect small government activities in 
any significant way.
    b. This rule does not produce a Federal mandate of $100 million or 
greater in any year; i.e., it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Takings

    In accordance with E.O. 12630, this rule does not have significant 
takings implications because it does not contain a provision for taking 
of private property. Therefore, a takings implication assessment is not 
required.

Federalism

    This rule will not have sufficient Federalism effects to warrant 
preparation of a Federalism assessment under E.O. 13132. It will not 
interfere with the States' ability to manage themselves or their funds. 
No significant economic impacts are expected to result from changing 
exemptions in migratory bird permit requirements.

Civil Justice Reform

    In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has 
determined that the rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and 
meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    We examined these regulations for compliance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). We may not collect or sponsor, 
nor is a person required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget 
control number. The Office of Management and Budget approved the 
information collection requirements for this part, and assigned OMB 
Control Number 1018-0022. There are no new information collection 
requirements associated with this regulatory change.

National Environmental Policy Act

    We have analyzed this rule in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 432-437(f), and Part 516 of 
the U.S. Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM). We have no data on 
the number of legally hunted birds that individuals might wish to 
import, though we doubt that the number will be large. Because these 
species are legally hunted elsewhere, we doubt that this regulations 
change will appreciably change the impact of hunting on these species. 
Therefore, we do not believe that there will be a significant 
environmental impact due to the regulations change.

Environmental Consequences of the Action

    The primary change is to allow export of lawfully-acquired, 
captive-bred raptors without an export permit provided that the 
exporter holds a valid raptor propagation permit and has been issued a 
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) export 
permit. This change should eliminate redundant permitting required for 
this activity. Another important change is to allow the import of 
legally-acquired migratory game birds without a permit. A permit is 
currently required to import such species. We believe that there are no 
significant environmental impacts of this action.
    Socioeconomic. This rule will not have discernible socioeconomic 
impacts.
    Migratory bird populations. This rule will not affect migratory 
bird populations.
    Endangered and threatened species. The regulation is for migratory 
bird species that are not threatened or endangered. It will not affect 
threatened or endangered species or critical habitats.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have 
evaluated potential effects on Federally recognized Indian Tribes and 
have determined that there are no potential effects. This rule will not 
interfere with the Tribes' ability to manage themselves or their funds 
or to regulate migratory bird activities on tribal lands.

Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (E.O. 13211)

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 addressing 
regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and 
use. E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy 
Effects when undertaking certain actions. Because this rule will affect 
only import and export of birds in limited circumstances, it is not a 
significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, and will not 
significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, 
this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of 
Energy Effects is required.

Compliance With Endangered Species Act Requirements

    Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended 
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), requires that ``The Secretary [of the 
Interior] shall review other programs administered by him and utilize 
such programs in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter'' (16 
U.S.C. 1536(a)(1)). It further states that the Secretary must ``insure 
that any action authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely 
to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or 
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification 
of [critical] habitat'' (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)). The regulations change 
will not affect listed species.

[[Page 47097]]

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 21

    Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.

Regulation Promulgation

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend part 21 of subchapter 
B, chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:

PART 21--MIGRATORY BIRD PERMITS

0
1. The authority citation for part 21 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755 (16 U.S.C. 
703); Public Law 95-616, 92 Stat. 3112 (16 U.S.C. 712(2)); Public 
Law 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note following 16 U.S.C. 703.


0
2. Revise Sec.  21.21 to read as follows:


Sec.  21.21  Import and export permits.

    (a) Permit requirement. Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), 
and (d) of this section, you must have a permit to import or export 
migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs. You must meet the 
applicable permit requirements of the following parts of this 
subchapter B, even if the activity is exempt from a migratory bird 
import or export permit:
    (1) 13 (General Permit Procedures);
    (2) 14 (Importation, Exportation, and Transportation of Wildlife);
    (3) 15 (Wild Bird Conservation Act);
    (4) 17 (Taking, Possession, Transportation, Sale, Purchase, Barter, 
Exportation, and Importation of Wildlife and Plants);
    (5) 20 (Migratory Bird Hunting);
    (6) 21 (Migratory Bird Permits);
    (7) 22 (Eagle Permits); and
    (8) 23 (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of 
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)).
    (b) Game bird exception to the import permit requirements. If you 
comply with the requirements of parts 14, 20, and 23 of this subchapter 
B, you do not need a migratory bird permit to import or possess 
migratory game birds in the families Anatidae, Columbidae, Gruidae, 
Rallidae, and Scolopacidae for personal use that were lawfully hunted 
by you in a foreign country. The game birds may be carcasses, skins, or 
mounts. You must provide evidence that you lawfully took the bird or 
birds in, and exported them from, the country of origin. This evidence 
must include a hunting license and any export documentation required by 
the country of origin. You must keep these documents with the imported 
bird or birds permanently.
    (c) General exceptions to the export permit requirements. You do 
not need a migratory bird export permit to:
    (1) Export live, captive-bred migratory game birds (see Sec.  20.11 
of this subpart) to Canada or Mexico if they are marked by one of the 
following methods:
    (i) Removal of the hind toe from the right foot;
    (ii) Pinioning of a wing by removal of all or some of the 
metacarpal bones of one wing, which renders the bird permanently 
incapable of flight;
    (iii) Banding of one metatarsus with a seamless metal band; or
    (iv) A readily discernible tattoo of numbers and/or letters on the 
web of one foot.
    (2) Export live, lawfully-acquired, captive-bred raptors provided 
you hold a valid raptor propagation permit issued under Sec.  21.30 and 
you obtain a CITES permit or certificate issued under part 23 to do so. 
You must have full documentation of the lawful origin of each raptor, 
and each must be identifiable with a seamless band issued by the 
Service, including any raptor with an implanted microchip for 
identification.
    (d) Falconry birds covered under a CITES ``pet passport.'' You do 
not need a migratory bird import or export permit to temporarily export 
and subsequently import a raptor or raptors you lawfully possess for 
falconry to and from another country for use in falconry when the 
following conditions are met:
    (1) You must meet applicable requirements in part 14 (Importation, 
Exportation, and Transportation of Wildlife) of this subchapter B.
    (2) You may need one or more additional permits to take a bird from 
the United States or to return home with it (see 50 CFR part 15 (Wild 
Bird Conservation Act), part 17 (Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and 
Plants), and part 23 (Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)).
    (3) Each raptor must be covered by a CITES certificate of ownership 
issued under part 23 of this chapter. You must have full documentation 
of the lawful origin of each raptor (a copy of a propagation report 
with band number or a 3-186A report), and each must be identifiable 
with a seamless band or a permanent, nonreusable, numbered Fish and 
Wildlife Service leg band issued by the Service, including any raptor 
with an implanted microchip for identification. We may exempt a raptor 
from banding because of health concerns, but you must provide proof of 
the exemption from your falconry permitting authority.
    (4) You must bring any raptor that you export out of the country 
for falconry under a CITES ``pet passport'' back to the United States 
when you return.
    (5) If the raptor dies or is lost, you are not required to bring it 
back, but you must report the loss immediately upon your return to the 
United States in the manner required by the falconry regulations of 
your State, and according to any conditions on your CITES certificate.
    (e) Inspection of imported or exported migratory birds. All 
migratory birds imported into, or exported from, the United States, and 
any associated documentation, may be inspected by the Service. You must 
comply with the import and export regulations in Part 14 of this 
chapter.
    (f) Applying for a migratory bird import or export permit. You must 
apply to the appropriate Regional Director--Attention Migratory Bird 
Permit Office. You can find the address for your Regional Director in 
Sec.  2.2 of subchapter A of this chapter. Your application package 
must include a completed application (form 3-200-6, or 3-200-7 if the 
import or export is associated with an application for a scientific 
collecting permit), and a check or money order made payable to the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service in the amount of the application fee for 
permits issued under this section, as listed in Sec.  13.11 of this 
chapter.
    (g) Criteria we will consider before issuing a permit. After we 
receive a completed import or export application, the Regional Director 
will decide whether to issue you a permit based on the general criteria 
of Sec.  13.21 of this chapter, and whether you meet the following 
requirements:
    (1) You are at least 18 years of age;
    (2) The bird was lawfully acquired; and
    (3) The purpose of the import or export is consistent with the 
conservation of the species; and
    (4) For an import permit, whether you are authorized to lawfully 
possess the migratory bird after it is imported.
    (h) Are there standard conditions for the permit? Yes, standard 
conditions for your permit are set forth in part 13 of this subchapter 
B. You must also comply with the regulations in part 14 (Importation, 
Exportation, and Transportation of Wildlife). We may place additional 
requirements or restrictions on your permit as appropriate.
    (i) Term of a migratory bird import and export permit. Your 
migratory bird import or export permit will be valid for not more than 
5 years. It will expire on the date designated on its face unless it is 
amended or revoked.


[[Page 47098]]


    Dated: August 4, 2008.
David M. Verhey,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. E8-18774 Filed 8-12-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P