Implementation of the February 2016 Australia Group (AG) Intersessional Decisions and the June 2016 AG Plenary Understandings, 90983-90987 [2016-30099]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations A small entity with questions regarding this document may contact its local FAA official, or the person listed under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT heading at the beginning of the preamble. To find out more about SBREFA on the Internet, visit https:// www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/ rulemaking/sbre_act/. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 121 to be used for each maneuver and procedure. * * * * * Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f) and 44701(a) in Washington, DC, on December 8, 2016. Michael P. Huerta, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2016–30211 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Air carriers, Aircraft, Airmen, Aviation safety. The Amendment DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 121 as follows: Bureau of Industry and Security PART 121—OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: DOMESTIC, FLAG, AND SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATIONS [Docket No. 160922876–6876–01] RIN 0694–AH14 1. The authority citation for part 121 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40119, 41706, 42301 preceding note added by Pub. L. 112–95, sec. 412, 126 Stat. 89, 44101, 44701–44702, 44705, 44709– 44711, 44713, 44716–44717, 44722, 44729, 44732, 46105; Pub. L. 111–216, 124 Stat. 2348 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note); Pub. L. 112–95, 126 Stat. 62 (49 U.S.C. 44732 note). 2. Amend § 121.441 by revising paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2) introductory text, and (f)(2)(ii) to read as follows: ■ § 121.441 Proficiency checks. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES * * * * * (f) * * * (1) The Administrator may authorize a deviation from the proficiency check requirements of paragraphs (a), (b)(1), and (c) of this section based upon a designation of related aircraft in accordance with § 121.418(b) of this part and a determination that the certificate holder can demonstrate an equivalent level of safety. (2) A request for deviation from paragraphs (a), (b)(1), and (c) of this section must be submitted to the Administrator. The request must include the following: * * * * * (ii) Based on review of the related aircraft, the operation, and the duty position: (A) For recurrent proficiency checks, the frequency of the related aircraft proficiency check, the maneuvers and procedures to be included in the related aircraft proficiency check, and the level of FSTD to be used for each maneuver and procedure. (B) For qualification proficiency checks, the maneuvers and procedures to be included in the related aircraft proficiency check and the level of FSTD VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Dec 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 15 CFR Part 774 Implementation of the February 2016 Australia Group (AG) Intersessional Decisions and the June 2016 AG Plenary Understandings Bureau of Industry and Security, Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) publishes this final rule to amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement the recommendations presented at the February 2016 Australia Group (AG) Intersessional Implementation Meeting, and later adopted pursuant to the AG silent approval procedure, and the understandings reached at the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting. This rule amends two Commerce Control List (CCL) entries to reflect the February 2016 Intersessional Implementation Meeting recommendations that were adopted by the AG. Specifically, this rule amends the CCL entry that controls certain human and zoonotic pathogens and toxins to reflect the AG updates to the nomenclature for certain bacteria and toxins identified on the AG ‘‘List of Human and Animal Pathogens and Toxins for Export Control.’’ In addition, this rule amends the CCL entry that controls equipment capable of handling biological materials to reflect the AG updates to the controls on cross (tangential) flow filtration equipment described on the AG ‘‘Control List of Dual-Use Biological Equipment and Related Technology and Software.’’ Consistent with the understandings adopted at the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting that updated the AG ‘‘List of Human and Animal Pathogens and Toxins for Export Control,’’ this rule amends the CCL SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 90983 entry that controls certain human and zoonotic pathogens and toxins by removing dengue fever virus, updating the nomenclature of the listing for conotoxin, and consolidating the controls for Shiga toxin and Verotoxin (and other Shiga-like ribosome inactivating proteins) under a single listing. This rule also amends the CCL entry that controls equipment capable of handling biological materials by updating the controls on biological containment facilities and related equipment and the controls on fermenters, consistent with the AG Plenary Implementation Meeting updates to the AG ‘‘Control List of DualUse Biological Equipment and Related Technology and Software.’’ DATES: This rule is effective December 16, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard P. Duncan, Ph.D., Director, Chemical and Biological Controls Division, Office of Nonproliferation and Treaty Compliance, Bureau of Industry and Security, Telephone: (202) 482– 3343, Email: Richard.Duncan@ bis.doc.gov. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement the recommendations presented at the Australia Group (AG) Intersessional Implementation Meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, on February 2, 2016, and adopted pursuant to the AG silent approval procedure in April 2016, and the understandings reached at the Implementation Meeting of the 2016 AG Plenary held in Paris, France, from June 6–10, 2016. The AG is a multilateral forum consisting of 41 participating countries that maintain export controls on a list of chemicals, biological agents, and related equipment and technology that could be used in a chemical or biological weapons program. The AG periodically reviews items on its control list to enhance the effectiveness of participating governments’ national controls and to achieve greater harmonization among these controls. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Amendments to the CCL Based on the February 2016 AG Intersessional Recommendations ECCN 1C351 (Human and Animal Pathogens and ‘‘toxins’’) This final rule amends Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 1C351 on the CCL to update the nomenclature for two bacteria and five toxins, consistent with the AG Intersessional Implementation Meeting updates to the AG ‘‘List of Human and Animal E:\FR\FM\16DER1.SGM 16DER1 90984 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Pathogens and Toxins for Export Control.’’ Specifically, this rule updates the nomenclature for the bacteria ‘‘Chlamydia pscittaci’’ and ‘‘Salmonella typhi’’ and the toxin ‘‘Viscum Album Lectin 1’’ to reflect current scientific usage. This rule also removes the word ‘‘toxin’’ from the listings for ‘‘Diacetoxyscirpenol toxin,’’ ‘‘Modeccin toxin,’’ and ‘‘Volkensin toxin,’’ because it was deemed to be redundant (i.e., the abbreviated nomenclature, absent the word ‘‘toxin,’’ adequately identifies these particular toxins). In addition, this rule revises the description for ‘‘Microcystin’’ by making it plural, thereby clarifying that ECCN 1C351.d.9 controls all variants of this toxin. Finally, this rule renumbers the listings for ‘‘Viscumin’’ and ‘‘Volkensin’’ to control these toxins under ECCN 1C351.d.17 and .d.18, respectively, to conform with the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting change in which the Shiga toxin and Verotoxin listings (ECCN 1C351.d.13 and .d.17, respectively) were merged into a single listing (ECCN 1C351.d.13). These amendments to ECCN 1C351 are summarized in the following table. Previous names of AG-controlled bacteria and toxins Current names of AG-controlled bacteria and toxins Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci). Salmonella typhi ..................................................... Chlamydia psittaci (Chlamydophila psittaci) .......... ECCN 1C351.c.7 No Change. ECCN 1C351.c.18 No Change. Diacetoxyscirpenol toxin ........................................ Microcystin (Cyanginosin) ...................................... Modeccin toxin ....................................................... Viscum Album Lectin 1 (Viscumin) ........................ Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhi (Salmonella typhi). Diacetoxyscirpenol ................................................. Microcystins (Cyanginosins) .................................. Modeccin ................................................................ Viscumin (Viscum album lectin 1) ......................... ECCN ECCN ECCN ECCN Volkensin toxin ....................................................... Volkensin ............................................................... ECCN 1C351.d.19 No Change. No Change. No Change. ECCN 1C351.d.17. ECCN 1C351.d.18. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES The license requirements applicable to the bacteria and toxins affected by these amendments to ECCN 1C351 remain unchanged. Specifically, all of these items continue to require a license for chemical/biological (CB) reasons to destinations indicated under CB Column 1 on the Commerce Country Chart and for anti-terrorism (AT) reasons to destinations indicated in AT Column 1 on the Commerce Country Chart. osmosis equipment (i.e., both hemodialysis equipment and reverse osmosis equipment, as specified by the manufacturer, are excluded from control under ECCN 2B252.d.1). All items controlled under ECCN 2B352 require a license for CB reasons to destinations indicated under CB Column 2 on the Commerce Country Chart and for AT reasons to destinations indicated in AT Column 1 on the Commerce Country Chart. ECCN 2B352 (Equipment Capable of Use in Handling Biological Materials) This final rule amends ECCN 2B352 on the CCL to reflect changes to the AG ‘‘Control List of Dual-Use Biological Equipment and Related Technology and Software’’ based on the February 2016 Intersessional Implementation Meeting recommendations that were adopted by the AG pursuant to its silent approval procedure. Specifically, this rule amends the controls on cross (tangential) flow filtration equipment described in 2B352.d.1 by removing the word ‘‘pathogenic’’ from the description of this equipment. This change is made because there is no distinction, with respect to either the technical characteristics or the use of this equipment, between pathogenic and non-pathogenic micro-organisms. This rule also amends ECCN 2B352, consistent with the AG intersessional recommendations, by revising the Nota Bene to 2B352.d.1 to clarify that the exclusion from the controls on cross (tangential) flow filtration equipment listed in 2B352.d.1 applies to hemodialysis equipment, as specified by the manufacturer, as well as reverse Amendments to the CCL Based on the June 2016 AG Plenary Understandings VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Dec 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 ECCN 1C351 (Human and Animal Pathogens and ‘‘Toxins’’) This final rule amends ECCN 1C351 on the CCL to remove the listing for ‘‘dengue fever virus,’’ revise the listing for ‘‘Conotoxin,’’ and merge the listings for ‘‘Shiga toxin’’ and Verotoxin’’ consistent with the AG Plenary Implementation Meeting updates to the AG ‘‘List of Human and Animal Pathogens and Toxins for Export Control.’’ The removal of ‘‘dengue fever virus’’ from control under ECCN 1C351 is designed to reduce barriers to the export of clinical samples, materials, and ‘‘technology’’ required for vaccine development, production, and distribution. To reflect the removal of the ECCN 1C351 controls on ‘‘dengue fever virus,’’ which was controlled under ECCN 1C351.a.11 prior to the publication of this final rule, this rule also makes conforming changes to ECCN 1C351.a by renumbering those items previously designated as 1C351.a.12 through .a.58 as 1C351.a.11 through .a PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Previous CCL designation 1C351.d.7 1C351.d.9 1C351.d.10 1C351.d.18 Current CCL designation 57. Consistent with this renumbering, this rule revises the Technical Note to newly redesignated ECCN 1C351.a.40 (‘‘reconstructed 1918 influenza virus’’) to reference the new designation for this listing. In addition, the listing for ‘‘tickborne encephalitis virus (Siberian subtype)’’ in ECCN 1C351.b.3 is amended by revising the parenthetical reference therein to ‘‘tick-borne encephalitis virus (Far Eastern subtype)’’ to reflect the new designation for the latter (i.e., ECCN 1C351.a.52). This rule also revises the description for ‘‘Conotoxin’’ by making it plural to clarify that ECCN 1C351.d.6 controls all variants of this toxin. In addition, the listings for ‘‘Shiga toxin’’ and ‘‘Verotoxin’’ which, prior to the publication of this final rule, were controlled under ECCN 1C351.d.13 and d.17, respectively, are merged into a single listing under ECCN 1C351.d.13 that also includes some changes in nomenclature to clarify the scope of these controls. The revised listing reads as follows: ‘‘Shiga toxins (shiga-like toxins, verotoxins, and verocytotoxins).’’ This rule also makes certain conforming changes to other listings in ECCN 1C351 to reflect the merger of the ‘‘Shiga toxin’’ and ‘‘Verotoxin’’ listings and the related nomenclature changes described above. First, the Note to ECCN 1C351.c.19 (Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli) is revised to read: ‘‘Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) includes, inter alia, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), verotoxin producing E. coli (VTEC) or verocytotoxin producing E. coli (VTEC).’’ Specifically, this Note is E:\FR\FM\16DER1.SGM 16DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations revised by adding the ‘‘Verotoxin’’ nomenclature and by replacing the phrase ‘‘also known as’’ with the phrase ‘‘inter alia,’’ thereby clarifying that this Note does not exclude other relevant shiga-toxin producing strains from the scope of ECCN 1C351.c.19. Second (as referenced in the description of the AG intersessional changes, above), this rule renumbers the listings for ‘‘Viscumin’’ and ‘‘Volkensin’’ to control these toxins under ECCN 1C351.d.17 and .d.18, respectively, to reflect the merger of the Shiga toxin and Verotoxin listings (which were previously designated as ECCN 1C351.d.13 and .d.17, respectively) into a single listing (ECCN 1C351.d.13). Except for the dengue fever virus, the license requirements applicable to the viruses, bacteria and toxins affected by these amendments to ECCN 1C351 remain unchanged. Specifically, all of these items, except the dengue fever virus, continue to require a license for CB reasons to destinations indicated under CB Column 1 on the Commerce Country Chart and for AT reasons to destinations indicated in AT Column 1 on the Commerce Country Chart. The dengue fever virus is now designated as EAR99 and, as such, no longer requires a license for CB or AT reasons. However, any item that is subject to the EAR, whether or not it is listed on the CCL, may require a license for reasons described elsewhere in the EAR (e.g., the end-user/end-use controls described in part 744 of the EAR or the embargoes and other special controls described in part 746 of the EAR). asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES ECCN 2B352 (Equipment Capable of Use in Handling Biological Materials) This final rule also amends ECCN 2B352 on the CCL to reflect changes to the AG ‘‘Control List of Dual-Use Biological Equipment and Related Technology and Software’’ based on the understandings reached at the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting. Specifically, this rule amends ECCN 2B352.a by expanding the controls on biological containment facilities and related equipment to include the following equipment designed for fixed installation in complete containment facilities at the P3 or P4 containment level: (1) Double-door pass-through decontamination autoclaves; (2) breathing air suit decontamination showers; and (3) mechanical-seal or inflatable-seal walkthrough doors. This change is made in recognition of the fact that such equipment could be acquired, individually, and subsequently assembled into a functional containment facility that would be VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Dec 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 subject to the controls described in ECCN 2B352.a. In addition, this rule amends ECCN 2B352.b.1 (fermenters) by removing the word ‘‘pathogenic’’ from the description of this equipment. This change is made, because there is no distinction, with respect to either the technical characteristics or the use of this equipment, between pathogenic and non-pathogenic micro-organisms. As revised, ECCN 2B352.b.1 reads: ‘‘Fermenters capable of cultivation of micro-organisms or of live cells for the production of viruses or toxins, without the propagation of aerosols, having a capacity of 20 liters or greater.’’ This clarification to ECCN 2B352.b.1 was adopted by the AG, subsequent to the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting, pursuant to their silent approval procedure. All items controlled under ECCN 2B352 require a license for CB reasons to destinations indicated under CB Column 2 on the Commerce Country Chart and for AT reasons to destinations indicated in AT Column 1 on the Commerce Country Chart. Effect of This Rule on the Scope of the CB Controls in the EAR The changes made by this rule only marginally affect the scope of the EAR controls on human and animal pathogens/toxins and equipment capable of use in handling biological materials. The scope of the CCL-based CB controls on human and animal pathogens and toxins was not affected by the nomenclature changes involving the following items in ECCN 1C351: the bacteria listed under ECCN 1C351.c.7 (Chlamydia psittaci) or .c.18 (Salmonella); the toxins listed under ECCN 1C351.d.6 (Conotoxins), .d.7 (Diacetoxyscirpenol), .d.9 (Microcystins), or .d.10 (Modeccin); and the toxins Viscumin and Volkensin (renumbered as ECCN 1C351.d.17 and .d.18, respectively). In addition, the merger of the listings for Shiga toxin and Verotoxin (previously controlled under ECCN 1C351.d.13 and .d.17, respectively) under a single listing (ECCN 1C351.d.13), and the related nomenclature changes involving these toxins, clarified the controls applicable to these toxins, but did not affect the scope of these controls. Furthermore, the removal of the dengue fever virus from ECCN 1C351 is not expected to significantly reduce the number of license applications that will have to be submitted for items controlled under this ECCN. Consequently, none of the changes made by this rule to ECCN 1C351 are expected to have a significant PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 90985 impact on the number of license applications that will have to be submitted for the items controlled under this ECCN. The updates in this rule to the ECCN 2B352.a controls on biological containment facilities represent an expansion in the number of items that require a license under this ECCN. However, the expanded controls apply to only a relatively small percentage of these types of items that were not controlled under ECCN 2B352 prior to the publication of this rule (i.e., only those double-door pass-through decontamination autoclaves, breathing air suit decontamination showers, and mechanical-seal or inflatable-seal walkthrough doors that are designed for fixed installation in P3 or P4 biological containment facilities). Consequently, any increase in the number of license applications resulting from this change is not expected to be significant, when considered as a percentage of these types of items. The scope of the CCL-based CB controls on equipment capable of use in handling biological materials was not affected by the clarifications involving fermenters controlled under ECCN 2B352.b or cross (tangential) flow filtration equipment controlled under ECCN 2B352.d. Consequently, none of these changes to ECCN 2B352 are expected to have a significant impact on the number of license applications that will have to be submitted for the items controlled under this ECCN. Export Administration Act Although the Export Administration Act expired on August 20, 2001, the President, through Executive Order 13222 of August 17, 2001, 3 CFR, 2001 Comp., p. 783 (2002), as amended by Executive Order 13637 of March 8, 2013, 78 FR 16129 (March 13, 2013), and as extended by the Notice of August 4, 2016 (81 FR 52587 (August 8, 2016)), has continued the Export Administration Regulations in effect under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.). BIS continues to carry out the provisions of the Export Administration Act, as appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, pursuant to Executive Order 13222 as amended by Executive Order 13637. Rulemaking Requirements 1. Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, E:\FR\FM\16DER1.SGM 16DER1 asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 90986 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This rule has been designated a ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’ although not economically significant, under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the rule has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. 2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (PRA), unless that collection of information displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number. This rule contains a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA. This collection has been approved by OMB under Control Number 0694–0088 (Multi-Purpose Application), which carries a burden hour estimate of 58 minutes to prepare and submit form BIS–748. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to Jasmeet Seehra, Office of Management and Budget, by email to Jasmeet_K._ Seehra@omb.eop.gov or by fax to (202) 395–7285; and to the Regulatory Policy Division, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce, 14th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 or by email to RPD2@bis.doc.gov. 3. This rule does not contain policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. 4. The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) requiring notice of proposed rulemaking, the opportunity for public participation, and a delay in effective date, are inapplicable because this regulation involves a military and foreign affairs function of the United States (see 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(1)). Immediate implementation of these amendments is non-discretionary and fulfills the United States’ international obligation to the Australia Group (AG). The AG contributes to international security and regional stability through the harmonization of export controls and seeks to ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical and biological weapons. The AG consists of 41 member countries that VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Dec 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 act on a consensus basis and the amendments set forth in this rule implement changes made to the AG common control lists (as a result of the adoption of the recommendations made at the February 2016 AG Intersessional Implementation Meeting and the understandings reached at the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting) and other changes that are necessary to ensure consistency with the controls maintained by the AG. Because the United States is a significant exporter of the items in this rule, immediate implementation of this provision is necessary for the AG to achieve its purpose. Any delay in implementation will create a disruption in the movement of affected items globally because of disharmony between export control measures implemented by AG members, resulting in tension between member countries. Export controls work best when all countries implement the same export controls in a timely manner. Further, no other law requires that a notice of proposed rulemaking and an opportunity for public comment be given for this final rule. Because a notice of proposed rulemaking and an opportunity for public comment are not required to be given for this rule under the Administrative Procedure Act or by any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are not applicable. Therefore, this regulation is issued in final form. List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 774 Exports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. For the reasons stated in the preamble, part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730–774) is amended as follows: PART 774—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for 15 CFR part 774 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 50 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 10 U.S.C. 7420; 10 U.S.C. 7430(e); 22 U.S.C. 287c, 22 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6004; 30 U.S.C. 185(s), 185(u); 42 U.S.C. 2139a; 43 U.S.C. 1354; 15 U.S.C. 1824a; 50 U.S.C. 4305; 22 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7210; E.O. 13026, 61 FR 58767, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 228; E.O. 13222, 66 FR 44025, 3 CFR, 2001 Comp., p. 783; Notice of August 4, 2016, 81 FR 52587 (August 8, 2016). Supplement No. 1 to Part 774— [Amended] 2. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 (the Commerce Control List), Category 1—Special Materials and Related Equipment, Chemicals, ■ PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 ‘‘Microorganisms’’ and ‘‘Toxins,’’ ECCN 1C351 is amended in the ‘‘Items’’ paragraph under the ‘‘List of Items Controlled’’ section: ■ a. By removing paragraph a.11 and redesignating paragraphs a.12 through a.58 as paragraphs a.11 through a.57; ■ b. By revising the Technical Note to newly designated paragraph a.40; ■ c. By revising paragraph b.3; ■ d. By revising paragraphs c.7 and c.18; ■ e. By revising the Note immediately following paragraph c.19; ■ f. By revising paragraphs d.6, d.7, d.9, d.10 and d.13; ■ g. By removing paragraph d.17 and redesignating paragraphs d.18 and d.19 as paragraphs d.17 and d.18, respectively; and ■ h. By revising newly designated paragraphs d.17 and d.18. The revisions read as follows: 1C351 Human and animal pathogens and ‘‘toxins’’, as follows (see List of Items Controlled). * * * * * List of Items Controlled * * * * * Items: a. * * * a.11. Dobrava-Belgrade virus; a.12. Eastern equine encephalitis virus; a.13. Ebolavirus (includes all members of the Ebolavirus genus); a.14. Foot-and-mouth disease virus; a.15. Goatpox virus; a.16. Guanarito virus; a.17. Hantaan virus; a.18. Hendra virus (Equine morbillivirus); a.19. Japanese encephalitis virus; a.20. Junin virus; a.21. Kyasanur Forest disease virus; a.22. Laguna Negra virus; a.23. Lassa virus; a.24. Louping ill virus; a.25. Lujo virus; a.26. Lumpy skin disease virus; a.27. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus; a.28. Machupo virus; a.29. Marburgvirus (includes all members of the Marburgvirus genus); a.30. Monkeypox virus; a.31. Murray Valley encephalitis virus; a.32. Newcastle disease virus; a.33. Nipah virus; a.34. Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus; a.35. Oropouche virus; a.36. Peste-des-petits ruminants virus; a.37. Porcine Teschovirus; a.38. Powassan virus; a.39. Rabies virus and all other members of the Lyssavirus genus; a.40. Reconstructed 1918 influenza virus; Technical Note: 1C351.a.40 includes reconstructed replication competent forms of the 1918 pandemic influenza virus containing any portion of the coding regions of all eight gene segments. a.41. Rift Valley fever virus; a.42. Rinderpest virus; a.43. Rocio virus; E:\FR\FM\16DER1.SGM 16DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations a.44. Sabia virus; a.45. Seoul virus; a.46. Severe acute respiratory syndromerelated coronavirus (SARS-related coronavirus); a.47. Sheeppox virus; a.48. Sin Nombre virus; a.49. St. Louis encephalitis virus; a.50. Suid herpesvirus 1 (Pseudorabies virus; Aujeszky’s disease); a.51. Swine vesicular disease virus; a.52. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (Far Eastern subtype, formerly known as Russian Spring-Summer encephalitis virus—see 1C351.b.3 for Siberian subtype); a.53. Variola virus; a.54. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus; a.55. Vesicular stomatitis virus; a.56. Western equine encephalitis virus; or a.57. Yellow fever virus. b. * * * b.3. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (Siberian subtype, formerly West Siberian virus—see 1C351.a.52 for Far Eastern subtype). c. * * * c.7. Chlamydia psittaci (Chlamydophila psittaci); * * * * * c.18. Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhi (Salmonella typhi); c.19. * * * Note: Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) includes, inter alia, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), verotoxin producing E. coli (VTEC) or verocytotoxin producing E. coli (VTEC). * * * * * d. * * * d.6. Conotoxins; d.7. Diacetoxyscirpenol; d.8. * * * d.9. Microcystins (Cyanginosins); d.10. Modeccin; * * * * * * * * * * * * asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 2B352 Equipment capable of use in handling biological materials, as follows (see List of Items Controlled). * * * List of Items Controlled Related Controls: * * * Related Definition: * * * Items: a. Containment facilities and related equipment, as follows: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Dec 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 * * * * * * * * N.B.: 2B352.d.1 does not control reverse osmosis and hemodialysis equipment, as specified by the manufacturer. * * * * * Dated: December 7, 2016. Kevin J. Wolf, Assistant Secretary for Export Administration. 20 CFR Parts 404, 405 and 416 * 3. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 (the Commerce Control List), Category 2—Materials Processing, ECCN 2B352 is amended in the ‘‘Items’’ paragraph, under the List of Items Controlled section, by revising paragraph a, by revising paragraph b.1, by revising the introductory text of paragraph d.1, and by revising the nota bene to paragraph d.1, to read as follows: * * d. * * * d.1. Cross (tangential) flow filtration equipment capable of separation of microorganisms, viruses, toxins or cell cultures having all of the following characteristics: SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION ■ * * BILLING CODE 3510–33–P d.17. Viscumin (Viscum album lectin 1); or d.18. Volkensin. * a.2. Equipment designed for fixed installation in containment facilities specified in paragraph a.1 of this ECCN, as follows: a.2.a. Double-door pass-through decontamination autoclaves; a.2.b. Breathing air suit decontamination showers; a.2.c. Mechanical-seal or inflatable-seal walkthrough doors. b. * * * b.1. Fermenters capable of cultivation of micro-organisms or of live cells for the production of viruses or toxins, without the propagation of aerosols, having a capacity of 20 liters or greater. [FR Doc. 2016–30099 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am] d.13. Shiga toxins (shiga-like toxins, verotoxins, and verocytotoxins); * a.1. Complete containment facilities at P3 or P4 containment level. Technical Note: P3 or P4 (BL3, BL4, L3, L4) containment levels are as specified in the WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual (3rd edition, Geneva, 2004). [Docket No. SSA–2014–0052] RIN 0960–AH71 Ensuring Program Uniformity at the Hearing and Appeals Council Levels of the Administrative Review Process Social Security Administration. Final rule. AGENCY: ACTION: We are revising our rules so that more of our procedures at the hearing and Appeals Council levels of our administrative review process are consistent nationwide. We anticipate that these nationally consistent procedures will enable us to administer our disability programs more efficiently and better serve the public. DATES: This final rule will be effective on January 17, 2017. However, compliance is not required until May 1, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick McGuire, Office of Appellate SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 90987 Operations, Social Security Administration, 5107 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041, (703) 605– 7100. For information on eligibility or filing for benefits, call our national tollfree number, 1–800–772–1213 or TTY 1–800–325–0778, or visit our Internet site, Social Security Online, at https:// www.socialsecurity.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Background We are revising and making final the rules for creating nationally uniform hearing and Appeals Council procedures, which we proposed in a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published in the Federal Register on July 12, 2016 (81 FR 45079). In the preamble to the NPRM, we discussed the changes we proposed from our current rules and our reasons for proposing those changes. In the NPRM, we proposed revisions to: (1) The time frame for notifying claimants of a hearing date; (2) the information in our hearing notices; (3) the period when we require claimants to inform us about or submit written evidence, written statements, objections to the issues, and subpoena requests; (4) what constitutes the official record; and (5) the manner in which the Appeals Council would consider additional evidence. As we explained in the preamble to our NPRM, we proposed these changes to ensure national consistency in our policy and procedures and improve accuracy and efficiency in our administrative review process. We expect this final rule will positively affect our ability to manage our workloads and lead to better public service. Interested readers may refer to the preamble to the NPRM, available at https://www.regulations.gov under docket number SSA–2014–0052. What changes are we making from the NPRM? We are making several changes in this final rule from the NPRM based on some of the public comments we received. We briefly outline those changes here and provide additional detail on the changes in the comment and response section that follows. We are also making minor editorial changes throughout this final rule. For the reader’s ease of review, we refer to the general requirement that all evidence, objections, or written statements be submitted at least 5 business days before the date of the hearing as the ‘‘5-day requirement.’’ We adopted the following changes from our NPRM in this final rule: • We lengthened the time frame for notifying claimants of a hearing date in E:\FR\FM\16DER1.SGM 16DER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 90983-90987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30099]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of Industry and Security

15 CFR Part 774

[Docket No. 160922876-6876-01]
RIN 0694-AH14


Implementation of the February 2016 Australia Group (AG) 
Intersessional Decisions and the June 2016 AG Plenary Understandings

AGENCY: Bureau of Industry and Security, Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) publishes this final 
rule to amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement 
the recommendations presented at the February 2016 Australia Group (AG) 
Intersessional Implementation Meeting, and later adopted pursuant to 
the AG silent approval procedure, and the understandings reached at the 
June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting. This rule amends two 
Commerce Control List (CCL) entries to reflect the February 2016 
Intersessional Implementation Meeting recommendations that were adopted 
by the AG. Specifically, this rule amends the CCL entry that controls 
certain human and zoonotic pathogens and toxins to reflect the AG 
updates to the nomenclature for certain bacteria and toxins identified 
on the AG ``List of Human and Animal Pathogens and Toxins for Export 
Control.'' In addition, this rule amends the CCL entry that controls 
equipment capable of handling biological materials to reflect the AG 
updates to the controls on cross (tangential) flow filtration equipment 
described on the AG ``Control List of Dual-Use Biological Equipment and 
Related Technology and Software.''
    Consistent with the understandings adopted at the June 2016 AG 
Plenary Implementation Meeting that updated the AG ``List of Human and 
Animal Pathogens and Toxins for Export Control,'' this rule amends the 
CCL entry that controls certain human and zoonotic pathogens and toxins 
by removing dengue fever virus, updating the nomenclature of the 
listing for conotoxin, and consolidating the controls for Shiga toxin 
and Verotoxin (and other Shiga-like ribosome inactivating proteins) 
under a single listing. This rule also amends the CCL entry that 
controls equipment capable of handling biological materials by updating 
the controls on biological containment facilities and related equipment 
and the controls on fermenters, consistent with the AG Plenary 
Implementation Meeting updates to the AG ``Control List of Dual-Use 
Biological Equipment and Related Technology and Software.''

DATES: This rule is effective December 16, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard P. Duncan, Ph.D., Director, 
Chemical and Biological Controls Division, Office of Nonproliferation 
and Treaty Compliance, Bureau of Industry and Security, Telephone: 
(202) 482-3343, Email: Richard.Duncan@bis.doc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is 
amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement the 
recommendations presented at the Australia Group (AG) Intersessional 
Implementation Meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, on February 2, 2016, 
and adopted pursuant to the AG silent approval procedure in April 2016, 
and the understandings reached at the Implementation Meeting of the 
2016 AG Plenary held in Paris, France, from June 6-10, 2016. The AG is 
a multilateral forum consisting of 41 participating countries that 
maintain export controls on a list of chemicals, biological agents, and 
related equipment and technology that could be used in a chemical or 
biological weapons program. The AG periodically reviews items on its 
control list to enhance the effectiveness of participating governments' 
national controls and to achieve greater harmonization among these 
controls.

Amendments to the CCL Based on the February 2016 AG Intersessional 
Recommendations

ECCN 1C351 (Human and Animal Pathogens and ``toxins'')

    This final rule amends Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 
1C351 on the CCL to update the nomenclature for two bacteria and five 
toxins, consistent with the AG Intersessional Implementation Meeting 
updates to the AG ``List of Human and Animal

[[Page 90984]]

Pathogens and Toxins for Export Control.'' Specifically, this rule 
updates the nomenclature for the bacteria ``Chlamydia pscittaci'' and 
``Salmonella typhi'' and the toxin ``Viscum Album Lectin 1'' to reflect 
current scientific usage. This rule also removes the word ``toxin'' 
from the listings for ``Diacetoxyscirpenol toxin,'' ``Modeccin toxin,'' 
and ``Volkensin toxin,'' because it was deemed to be redundant (i.e., 
the abbreviated nomenclature, absent the word ``toxin,'' adequately 
identifies these particular toxins). In addition, this rule revises the 
description for ``Microcystin'' by making it plural, thereby clarifying 
that ECCN 1C351.d.9 controls all variants of this toxin. Finally, this 
rule renumbers the listings for ``Viscumin'' and ``Volkensin'' to 
control these toxins under ECCN 1C351.d.17 and .d.18, respectively, to 
conform with the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting change in 
which the Shiga toxin and Verotoxin listings (ECCN 1C351.d.13 and 
.d.17, respectively) were merged into a single listing (ECCN 
1C351.d.13). These amendments to ECCN 1C351 are summarized in the 
following table.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Current names of AG-
 Previous names of AG-controlled    controlled bacteria   Previous CCL  designation    Current CCL  designation
       bacteria and toxins              and  toxins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly   Chlamydia psittaci    ECCN 1C351.c.7.............  No Change.
 known as Chlamydia psittaci).      (Chlamydophila
                                    psittaci).
Salmonella typhi.................  Salmonella enterica   ECCN 1C351.c.18............  No Change.
                                    subspecies enterica
                                    serovar Typhi
                                    (Salmonella typhi).
Diacetoxyscirpenol toxin.........  Diacetoxyscirpenol..  ECCN 1C351.d.7.............  No Change.
Microcystin (Cyanginosin)........  Microcystins          ECCN 1C351.d.9.............  No Change.
                                    (Cyanginosins).
Modeccin toxin...................  Modeccin............  ECCN 1C351.d.10............  No Change.
Viscum Album Lectin 1 (Viscumin).  Viscumin (Viscum      ECCN 1C351.d.18............  ECCN 1C351.d.17.
                                    album lectin 1).
Volkensin toxin..................  Volkensin...........  ECCN 1C351.d.19............  ECCN 1C351.d.18.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The license requirements applicable to the bacteria and toxins 
affected by these amendments to ECCN 1C351 remain unchanged. 
Specifically, all of these items continue to require a license for 
chemical/biological (CB) reasons to destinations indicated under CB 
Column 1 on the Commerce Country Chart and for anti-terrorism (AT) 
reasons to destinations indicated in AT Column 1 on the Commerce 
Country Chart.

ECCN 2B352 (Equipment Capable of Use in Handling Biological Materials)

    This final rule amends ECCN 2B352 on the CCL to reflect changes to 
the AG ``Control List of Dual-Use Biological Equipment and Related 
Technology and Software'' based on the February 2016 Intersessional 
Implementation Meeting recommendations that were adopted by the AG 
pursuant to its silent approval procedure. Specifically, this rule 
amends the controls on cross (tangential) flow filtration equipment 
described in 2B352.d.1 by removing the word ``pathogenic'' from the 
description of this equipment. This change is made because there is no 
distinction, with respect to either the technical characteristics or 
the use of this equipment, between pathogenic and non-pathogenic micro-
organisms.
    This rule also amends ECCN 2B352, consistent with the AG 
intersessional recommendations, by revising the Nota Bene to 2B352.d.1 
to clarify that the exclusion from the controls on cross (tangential) 
flow filtration equipment listed in 2B352.d.1 applies to hemodialysis 
equipment, as specified by the manufacturer, as well as reverse osmosis 
equipment (i.e., both hemodialysis equipment and reverse osmosis 
equipment, as specified by the manufacturer, are excluded from control 
under ECCN 2B252.d.1).
    All items controlled under ECCN 2B352 require a license for CB 
reasons to destinations indicated under CB Column 2 on the Commerce 
Country Chart and for AT reasons to destinations indicated in AT Column 
1 on the Commerce Country Chart.

Amendments to the CCL Based on the June 2016 AG Plenary Understandings

ECCN 1C351 (Human and Animal Pathogens and ``Toxins'')

    This final rule amends ECCN 1C351 on the CCL to remove the listing 
for ``dengue fever virus,'' revise the listing for ``Conotoxin,'' and 
merge the listings for ``Shiga toxin'' and Verotoxin'' consistent with 
the AG Plenary Implementation Meeting updates to the AG ``List of Human 
and Animal Pathogens and Toxins for Export Control.''
    The removal of ``dengue fever virus'' from control under ECCN 1C351 
is designed to reduce barriers to the export of clinical samples, 
materials, and ``technology'' required for vaccine development, 
production, and distribution. To reflect the removal of the ECCN 1C351 
controls on ``dengue fever virus,'' which was controlled under ECCN 
1C351.a.11 prior to the publication of this final rule, this rule also 
makes conforming changes to ECCN 1C351.a by renumbering those items 
previously designated as 1C351.a.12 through .a.58 as 1C351.a.11 through 
.a 57. Consistent with this renumbering, this rule revises the 
Technical Note to newly redesignated ECCN 1C351.a.40 (``reconstructed 
1918 influenza virus'') to reference the new designation for this 
listing. In addition, the listing for ``tick-borne encephalitis virus 
(Siberian subtype)'' in ECCN 1C351.b.3 is amended by revising the 
parenthetical reference therein to ``tick-borne encephalitis virus (Far 
Eastern subtype)'' to reflect the new designation for the latter (i.e., 
ECCN 1C351.a.52).
    This rule also revises the description for ``Conotoxin'' by making 
it plural to clarify that ECCN 1C351.d.6 controls all variants of this 
toxin.
    In addition, the listings for ``Shiga toxin'' and ``Verotoxin'' 
which, prior to the publication of this final rule, were controlled 
under ECCN 1C351.d.13 and d.17, respectively, are merged into a single 
listing under ECCN 1C351.d.13 that also includes some changes in 
nomenclature to clarify the scope of these controls. The revised 
listing reads as follows: ``Shiga toxins (shiga-like toxins, 
verotoxins, and verocytotoxins).''
    This rule also makes certain conforming changes to other listings 
in ECCN 1C351 to reflect the merger of the ``Shiga toxin'' and 
``Verotoxin'' listings and the related nomenclature changes described 
above. First, the Note to ECCN 1C351.c.19 (Shiga-toxin producing 
Escherichia coli) is revised to read: ``Shiga toxin producing 
Escherichia coli (STEC) includes, inter alia, enterohaemorrhagic E. 
coli (EHEC), verotoxin producing E. coli (VTEC) or verocytotoxin 
producing E. coli (VTEC).'' Specifically, this Note is

[[Page 90985]]

revised by adding the ``Verotoxin'' nomenclature and by replacing the 
phrase ``also known as'' with the phrase ``inter alia,'' thereby 
clarifying that this Note does not exclude other relevant shiga-toxin 
producing strains from the scope of ECCN 1C351.c.19. Second (as 
referenced in the description of the AG intersessional changes, above), 
this rule renumbers the listings for ``Viscumin'' and ``Volkensin'' to 
control these toxins under ECCN 1C351.d.17 and .d.18, respectively, to 
reflect the merger of the Shiga toxin and Verotoxin listings (which 
were previously designated as ECCN 1C351.d.13 and .d.17, respectively) 
into a single listing (ECCN 1C351.d.13).
    Except for the dengue fever virus, the license requirements 
applicable to the viruses, bacteria and toxins affected by these 
amendments to ECCN 1C351 remain unchanged. Specifically, all of these 
items, except the dengue fever virus, continue to require a license for 
CB reasons to destinations indicated under CB Column 1 on the Commerce 
Country Chart and for AT reasons to destinations indicated in AT Column 
1 on the Commerce Country Chart. The dengue fever virus is now 
designated as EAR99 and, as such, no longer requires a license for CB 
or AT reasons. However, any item that is subject to the EAR, whether or 
not it is listed on the CCL, may require a license for reasons 
described elsewhere in the EAR (e.g., the end-user/end-use controls 
described in part 744 of the EAR or the embargoes and other special 
controls described in part 746 of the EAR).

ECCN 2B352 (Equipment Capable of Use in Handling Biological Materials)

    This final rule also amends ECCN 2B352 on the CCL to reflect 
changes to the AG ``Control List of Dual-Use Biological Equipment and 
Related Technology and Software'' based on the understandings reached 
at the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting. Specifically, this 
rule amends ECCN 2B352.a by expanding the controls on biological 
containment facilities and related equipment to include the following 
equipment designed for fixed installation in complete containment 
facilities at the P3 or P4 containment level: (1) Double-door pass-
through decontamination autoclaves; (2) breathing air suit 
decontamination showers; and (3) mechanical-seal or inflatable-seal 
walkthrough doors. This change is made in recognition of the fact that 
such equipment could be acquired, individually, and subsequently 
assembled into a functional containment facility that would be subject 
to the controls described in ECCN 2B352.a.
    In addition, this rule amends ECCN 2B352.b.1 (fermenters) by 
removing the word ``pathogenic'' from the description of this 
equipment. This change is made, because there is no distinction, with 
respect to either the technical characteristics or the use of this 
equipment, between pathogenic and non-pathogenic micro-organisms. As 
revised, ECCN 2B352.b.1 reads: ``Fermenters capable of cultivation of 
micro-organisms or of live cells for the production of viruses or 
toxins, without the propagation of aerosols, having a capacity of 20 
liters or greater.'' This clarification to ECCN 2B352.b.1 was adopted 
by the AG, subsequent to the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation 
Meeting, pursuant to their silent approval procedure.
    All items controlled under ECCN 2B352 require a license for CB 
reasons to destinations indicated under CB Column 2 on the Commerce 
Country Chart and for AT reasons to destinations indicated in AT Column 
1 on the Commerce Country Chart.

Effect of This Rule on the Scope of the CB Controls in the EAR

    The changes made by this rule only marginally affect the scope of 
the EAR controls on human and animal pathogens/toxins and equipment 
capable of use in handling biological materials.
    The scope of the CCL-based CB controls on human and animal 
pathogens and toxins was not affected by the nomenclature changes 
involving the following items in ECCN 1C351: the bacteria listed under 
ECCN 1C351.c.7 (Chlamydia psittaci) or .c.18 (Salmonella); the toxins 
listed under ECCN 1C351.d.6 (Conotoxins), .d.7 (Diacetoxyscirpenol), 
.d.9 (Microcystins), or .d.10 (Modeccin); and the toxins Viscumin and 
Volkensin (renumbered as ECCN 1C351.d.17 and .d.18, respectively). In 
addition, the merger of the listings for Shiga toxin and Verotoxin 
(previously controlled under ECCN 1C351.d.13 and .d.17, respectively) 
under a single listing (ECCN 1C351.d.13), and the related nomenclature 
changes involving these toxins, clarified the controls applicable to 
these toxins, but did not affect the scope of these controls. 
Furthermore, the removal of the dengue fever virus from ECCN 1C351 is 
not expected to significantly reduce the number of license applications 
that will have to be submitted for items controlled under this ECCN. 
Consequently, none of the changes made by this rule to ECCN 1C351 are 
expected to have a significant impact on the number of license 
applications that will have to be submitted for the items controlled 
under this ECCN.
    The updates in this rule to the ECCN 2B352.a controls on biological 
containment facilities represent an expansion in the number of items 
that require a license under this ECCN. However, the expanded controls 
apply to only a relatively small percentage of these types of items 
that were not controlled under ECCN 2B352 prior to the publication of 
this rule (i.e., only those double-door pass-through decontamination 
autoclaves, breathing air suit decontamination showers, and mechanical-
seal or inflatable-seal walkthrough doors that are designed for fixed 
installation in P3 or P4 biological containment facilities). 
Consequently, any increase in the number of license applications 
resulting from this change is not expected to be significant, when 
considered as a percentage of these types of items.
    The scope of the CCL-based CB controls on equipment capable of use 
in handling biological materials was not affected by the clarifications 
involving fermenters controlled under ECCN 2B352.b or cross 
(tangential) flow filtration equipment controlled under ECCN 2B352.d. 
Consequently, none of these changes to ECCN 2B352 are expected to have 
a significant impact on the number of license applications that will 
have to be submitted for the items controlled under this ECCN.

Export Administration Act

    Although the Export Administration Act expired on August 20, 2001, 
the President, through Executive Order 13222 of August 17, 2001, 3 CFR, 
2001 Comp., p. 783 (2002), as amended by Executive Order 13637 of March 
8, 2013, 78 FR 16129 (March 13, 2013), and as extended by the Notice of 
August 4, 2016 (81 FR 52587 (August 8, 2016)), has continued the Export 
Administration Regulations in effect under the International Emergency 
Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.). BIS continues to carry 
out the provisions of the Export Administration Act, as appropriate and 
to the extent permitted by law, pursuant to Executive Order 13222 as 
amended by Executive Order 13637.

Rulemaking Requirements

    1. Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic,

[[Page 90986]]

environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, 
and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of 
quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing 
rules, and of promoting flexibility. This rule has been designated a 
``significant regulatory action,'' although not economically 
significant, under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, 
the rule has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
    2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.) (PRA), unless that collection of information displays a currently 
valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number. This rule 
contains a collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
PRA. This collection has been approved by OMB under Control Number 
0694-0088 (Multi-Purpose Application), which carries a burden hour 
estimate of 58 minutes to prepare and submit form BIS-748. Send 
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this 
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the 
burden, to Jasmeet Seehra, Office of Management and Budget, by email to 
Jasmeet_K._Seehra@omb.eop.gov or by fax to (202) 395-7285; and to the 
Regulatory Policy Division, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department 
of Commerce, 14th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, 
Washington, DC 20230 or by email to RPD2@bis.doc.gov.
    3. This rule does not contain policies with Federalism implications 
as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132.
    4. The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 
553) requiring notice of proposed rulemaking, the opportunity for 
public participation, and a delay in effective date, are inapplicable 
because this regulation involves a military and foreign affairs 
function of the United States (see 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(1)). Immediate 
implementation of these amendments is non-discretionary and fulfills 
the United States' international obligation to the Australia Group 
(AG). The AG contributes to international security and regional 
stability through the harmonization of export controls and seeks to 
ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical 
and biological weapons. The AG consists of 41 member countries that act 
on a consensus basis and the amendments set forth in this rule 
implement changes made to the AG common control lists (as a result of 
the adoption of the recommendations made at the February 2016 AG 
Intersessional Implementation Meeting and the understandings reached at 
the June 2016 AG Plenary Implementation Meeting) and other changes that 
are necessary to ensure consistency with the controls maintained by the 
AG. Because the United States is a significant exporter of the items in 
this rule, immediate implementation of this provision is necessary for 
the AG to achieve its purpose. Any delay in implementation will create 
a disruption in the movement of affected items globally because of 
disharmony between export control measures implemented by AG members, 
resulting in tension between member countries. Export controls work 
best when all countries implement the same export controls in a timely 
manner.
    Further, no other law requires that a notice of proposed rulemaking 
and an opportunity for public comment be given for this final rule. 
Because a notice of proposed rulemaking and an opportunity for public 
comment are not required to be given for this rule under the 
Administrative Procedure Act or by any other law, the analytical 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
are not applicable. Therefore, this regulation is issued in final form.

List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 774

    Exports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, part 774 of the Export 
Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730-774) is amended as 
follows:

PART 774--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for 15 CFR part 774 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  50 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 10 
U.S.C. 7420; 10 U.S.C. 7430(e); 22 U.S.C. 287c, 22 U.S.C. 3201 et 
seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6004; 30 U.S.C. 185(s), 185(u); 42 U.S.C. 2139a; 43 
U.S.C. 1354; 15 U.S.C. 1824a; 50 U.S.C. 4305; 22 U.S.C. 7201 et 
seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7210; E.O. 13026, 61 FR 58767, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 
228; E.O. 13222, 66 FR 44025, 3 CFR, 2001 Comp., p. 783; Notice of 
August 4, 2016, 81 FR 52587 (August 8, 2016).

Supplement No. 1 to Part 774--[Amended]

0
2. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 (the Commerce Control List), 
Category 1--Special Materials and Related Equipment, Chemicals, 
``Microorganisms'' and ``Toxins,'' ECCN 1C351 is amended in the 
``Items'' paragraph under the ``List of Items Controlled'' section:
0
a. By removing paragraph a.11 and redesignating paragraphs a.12 through 
a.58 as paragraphs a.11 through a.57;
0
b. By revising the Technical Note to newly designated paragraph a.40;
0
c. By revising paragraph b.3;
0
d. By revising paragraphs c.7 and c.18;
0
e. By revising the Note immediately following paragraph c.19;
0
f. By revising paragraphs d.6, d.7, d.9, d.10 and d.13;
0
g. By removing paragraph d.17 and redesignating paragraphs d.18 and 
d.19 as paragraphs d.17 and d.18, respectively; and
0
h. By revising newly designated paragraphs d.17 and d.18.
    The revisions read as follows:

1C351 Human and animal pathogens and ``toxins'', as follows (see 
List of Items Controlled).
* * * * *

List of Items Controlled

* * * * *
Items:

    a. * * *
    a.11. Dobrava-Belgrade virus;
    a.12. Eastern equine encephalitis virus;
    a.13. Ebolavirus (includes all members of the Ebolavirus genus);
    a.14. Foot-and-mouth disease virus;
    a.15. Goatpox virus;
    a.16. Guanarito virus;
    a.17. Hantaan virus;
    a.18. Hendra virus (Equine morbillivirus);
    a.19. Japanese encephalitis virus;
    a.20. Junin virus;
    a.21. Kyasanur Forest disease virus;
    a.22. Laguna Negra virus;
    a.23. Lassa virus;
    a.24. Louping ill virus;
    a.25. Lujo virus;
    a.26. Lumpy skin disease virus;
    a.27. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus;
    a.28. Machupo virus;
    a.29. Marburgvirus (includes all members of the Marburgvirus 
genus);
    a.30. Monkeypox virus;
    a.31. Murray Valley encephalitis virus;
    a.32. Newcastle disease virus;
    a.33. Nipah virus;
    a.34. Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus;
    a.35. Oropouche virus;
    a.36. Peste-des-petits ruminants virus;
    a.37. Porcine Teschovirus;
    a.38. Powassan virus;
    a.39. Rabies virus and all other members of the Lyssavirus 
genus;
    a.40. Reconstructed 1918 influenza virus;

    Technical Note: 1C351.a.40 includes reconstructed replication 
competent forms of the 1918 pandemic influenza virus containing any 
portion of the coding regions of all eight gene segments.

    a.41. Rift Valley fever virus;
    a.42. Rinderpest virus;
    a.43. Rocio virus;

[[Page 90987]]

    a.44. Sabia virus;
    a.45. Seoul virus;
    a.46. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 
(SARS-related coronavirus);
    a.47. Sheeppox virus;
    a.48. Sin Nombre virus;
    a.49. St. Louis encephalitis virus;
    a.50. Suid herpesvirus 1 (Pseudorabies virus; Aujeszky's 
disease);
    a.51. Swine vesicular disease virus;
    a.52. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (Far Eastern subtype, 
formerly known as Russian Spring-Summer encephalitis virus--see 
1C351.b.3 for Siberian subtype);
    a.53. Variola virus;
    a.54. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus;
    a.55. Vesicular stomatitis virus;
    a.56. Western equine encephalitis virus; or
    a.57. Yellow fever virus.
    b. * * *
    b.3. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (Siberian subtype, formerly 
West Siberian virus--see 1C351.a.52 for Far Eastern subtype).
    c. * * *
    c.7. Chlamydia psittaci (Chlamydophila psittaci);
* * * * *
    c.18. Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhi 
(Salmonella typhi);
    c.19. * * *
    Note: Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) includes, 
inter alia, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), verotoxin producing 
E. coli (VTEC) or verocytotoxin producing E. coli (VTEC).
* * * * *
    d. * * *
    d.6. Conotoxins;
    d.7. Diacetoxyscirpenol;
    d.8. * * *
    d.9. Microcystins (Cyanginosins);
    d.10. Modeccin;
* * * * *
    d.13. Shiga toxins (shiga-like toxins, verotoxins, and 
verocytotoxins);
* * * * *
    d.17. Viscumin (Viscum album lectin 1); or
    d.18. Volkensin.
* * * * *


0
3. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 (the Commerce Control List), 
Category 2--Materials Processing, ECCN 2B352 is amended in the 
``Items'' paragraph, under the List of Items Controlled section, by 
revising paragraph a, by revising paragraph b.1, by revising the 
introductory text of paragraph d.1, and by revising the nota bene to 
paragraph d.1, to read as follows:

2B352 Equipment capable of use in handling biological materials, as 
follows (see List of Items Controlled).
* * * * *

List of Items Controlled

Related Controls: * * *
Related Definition: * * *
Items:

    a. Containment facilities and related equipment, as follows:
    a.1. Complete containment facilities at P3 or P4 containment 
level.

    Technical Note: P3 or P4 (BL3, BL4, L3, L4) containment levels 
are as specified in the WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual (3rd 
edition, Geneva, 2004).

    a.2. Equipment designed for fixed installation in containment 
facilities specified in paragraph a.1 of this ECCN, as follows:
    a.2.a. Double-door pass-through decontamination autoclaves;
    a.2.b. Breathing air suit decontamination showers;
    a.2.c. Mechanical-seal or inflatable-seal walkthrough doors.
    b. * * *
    b.1. Fermenters capable of cultivation of micro-organisms or of 
live cells for the production of viruses or toxins, without the 
propagation of aerosols, having a capacity of 20 liters or greater.
* * * * *
    d. * * *
    d.1. Cross (tangential) flow filtration equipment capable of 
separation of microorganisms, viruses, toxins or cell cultures 
having all of the following characteristics:
* * * * *
    N.B.: 2B352.d.1 does not control reverse osmosis and 
hemodialysis equipment, as specified by the manufacturer.

* * * * *

    Dated: December 7, 2016.
Kevin J. Wolf,
Assistant Secretary for Export Administration.
[FR Doc. 2016-30099 Filed 12-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-33-P
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