Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Federal Fish and Wildlife Applications and Reports-Law Enforcement

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Published

January 30, 2026

Issuing agencies

Interior DepartmentFish and Wildlife Service

Abstract

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection without change.

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 20 (Friday, January 30, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 20 (Friday, January 30, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4099-4102]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-01910]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-HQ-LE-2025-N042; FXLE18110900000-267-FF09L00000; OMB Control
Number 1018-0092]

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the
Office of Management and Budget; Federal Fish and Wildlife Applications
and Reports--Law Enforcement

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA),
we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to
renew an information collection without change.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
March 2, 2026.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be submitted within 30 days of
publication of this notice at <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular information collection by selecting
``Currently under Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the
search function. Please provide a copy of your comments to the Service
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, MS: PRB (JAO/3W),

[[Page 4100]]

5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or by email to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6e27000801312d0102022e08191d40090118"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="064f6860695945696a6a4660717528616970">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>. Please reference ``1018-0092'' in the subject line
of your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0940676f66564a666565496f7e7a276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9f0d7dfd6e6fad6d5d5f9dfceca97ded6cf">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>, or by
telephone at (703) 358-2503. Individuals in the United States who are
deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial
711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay
services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay
services offered within their country to make international calls to
the point-of-contact in the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and its implementing regulations at 5 CFR
1320.8(d)(1), all information collections require approval under the
PRA. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond
to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
On September 11, 2025, we published in the Federal Register (90 FR
44091) a notice of notice of our intent to request that OMB approve
this information collection. In that notice, we solicited comments for
60 days, ending on November 10, 2025. We received the following
comments in response to that notice:
Comment 1: Anonymous electronic comment received 11/10/2025 via
<a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a> (FWS-HQ-LE-2025-0572-0007). The commenter did not
address the information collection requirements.
Agency Response to Comment 1: No response required.
Comment 2: Electronic comment received 11/10/2025 via
<a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a> (FWS-HQ-LE-2025-0572-0008) from the Zoological Society
of San Diego, doing business as the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
(SDZWA). The submission included the following comments:
SDZWA emphasized the importance of this permit in supporting
conservation programs such as the Species Survival Programs (SSP) and
other recovery efforts. These programs require frequent movement of
animals between institutions to maintain genetic diversity and
population sustainability.
The organization provided several recommendations to improve the
permit process:
1. Necessity and Utility: The permit is essential for managing
wildlife transport and preventing illegal trade. It also helps reduce
stress on animals by allowing the shortest and most direct travel
routes.
2. Burden Estimate Accuracy: The current estimate of 1.25 hours to
complete the form is often inaccurate, especially when specific
scenarios require input from multiple experts, sometimes taking days.
3. Quality and Clarity: SDZWA suggests revising the application
format to better align questions with the information USFWS needs.
Clearer guidance would help applicants provide accurate and complete
responses.
4. Minimizing Burden: The organization recommends transitioning to
ePermits and accepting online payments, which would streamline the
process and reduce reliance on paper checks.
5. Conservation Impact: Clarifying when the permit is required--
particularly in relation to CITES and ESA protections--would enhance
the effectiveness of the process. For instance, animals born in the
U.S. and not listed under CITES or ESA may not require the permit, and
such guidance should be made explicit.
The commenter concluded by reaffirming their commitment to wildlife
conservation and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to
contribute to the improvement of the permitting process.
Agency Response to Comment 2: The Service appreciates the comments
from the SDZWA and acknowledges the variances of completion times when
completing permit applications. The currently approved burden
represents an estimate based on the variety of applicants and their
comfort level completing the permit applications.
The Service is working to automate permits but is currently waiting
on the new direction regarding electronic permitting processes expected
to be developed by the Department of the Interior in the coming year.
We will also consider their recommendation for revisions and the
development of improved guidance as we work to develop the proposed
deregulatory action under RIN 1018-BF16, ``Importation, Exportation,
and Transportation of Wildlife; Updates to the Regulations'' which is
expected in late calendar year 2026.
Comment 3: Electronic comment received 11/10/2025 via
<a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a> (FWS-HQ-LE-2025-0572-0009) from Dan Ashe, President and
CEO, on behalf of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The
submission included the following key recommendations and observations:
1. Necessity and Utility: The permit is vital for enabling direct
and efficient transport of wildlife, reducing stress on animals and
supporting conservation goals. It also aids USFWS in managing wildlife
trade and preventing illegal activities.
2. Burden Estimate Accuracy: The current estimate of 1.25 hours to
complete the form is often inaccurate. The complexity of the
application, especially when specific scenarios are required, can
extend the process to several days.
3. Clarity and Quality of Application: AZA recommends revising the
application format to better align questions with the information USFWS
needs. A guided form or clearer questions would help applicants provide
accurate and complete responses.
4. Minimizing Burden: AZA urges USFWS to digitize the permit
process through ePermits and allow online payments, replacing the
current paper-based system and mailed checks. This would reduce
administrative burden for both applicants and agency staff.
The AZA concluded by expressing appreciation for USFWS's commitment
to wildlife protection and law enforcement, and emphasized the
importance of continued collaboration to streamline processes that
support the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered
species.
Agency Response to Comment 3: The Service appreciates the comments
from the AZA and acknowledges the variances of completion times when
completing permit applications. The currently approved burden
represents an estimate based on the variety of applicants and their
comfort level completing the permit applications.
The Service is working to automate permits but is currently waiting
on the new direction regarding electronic permitting processes expected
to be developed by the Department of the Interior in the coming year.
We will also take their remaining for revisions and the development
of improved guidance contained in this collection of information under
consideration as we work to develop the proposed deregulatory action
under RIN 1018-BF16, ``Importation, Exportation, and Transportation of
Wildlife; Updates to the Regulations'' which is expected in late
calendar year 2026.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we invite the public and other Federal agencies to comment on
new, proposed, revised, and continuing

[[Page 4101]]

collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our
information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting
burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection
requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.
We are especially interested in public comment addressing the
following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection
of information, including the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
(4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of information technology (e.g.,
permitting electronic submission of response).
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of
public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request
to OMB to approve this information collection request. Before including
your address, phone number, email address, or other personal
identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your
entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be
made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your
comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public
review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Abstract: The Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
makes it unlawful to import or export wildlife or wildlife products for
commercial purposes without first obtaining an import/export license
(see 16 U.S.C. 1538(d)). The ESA also requires that fish or wildlife be
imported into or exported from the United States only at a designated
port, or at a nondesignated port under certain limited circumstances
(see 16 U.S.C. 1538(f)). This information collection includes the
following permit/license application forms:

Form 3-200-2, ``Designated Port Exception Permit''

Under 50 CFR 14.11, it is unlawful to import or export wildlife or
wildlife products at ports other than those designated in 50 CFR 14.12,
unless you qualify for an exception. The following exceptions allow
qualified individuals, businesses, or scientific organizations to
import or export wildlife or wildlife products at a nondesignated port:
(a) To export the wildlife or wildlife products for scientific
purposes;
(b) To minimize deterioration or loss; or
(c) To relieve economic hardship.
To request authorization to import or export wildlife or wildlife
products at nondesignated ports, applicants must complete Form 3-200-2.
Designated port exception permits can be valid for up to 2 years. We
may require a permittee to file a report on activities conducted under
authority of the permit.

Forms 3-200-3a, ``Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Application Form:
Import/Export License--U.S. Entities,'' and 3-200-3b, ``Federal Fish
and Wildlife Permit Application Form: Import/Export License--Foreign
Entities'' (Paper and Electronic)

It is unlawful to import or export wildlife or wildlife products
for commercial purposes without first obtaining an import/export
license (50 CFR 14.91). Applicants located in the United States must
complete Form 3-200-3a to request this license. Foreign applicants that
reside or are located outside the United States must complete Form 3-
200-3b to request this license.
We use the information collected on Forms 3-200-3a and 3-200-3b as
an enforcement tool and management aid to (a) monitor the international
wildlife market and (b) detect trends and changes in the commercial
trade of wildlife and wildlife products. Import/export licenses are
valid for up to 1 year. We may require a licensee to file a report on
activities conducted under authority of the import/export license.

Form 3-200-44, ``Permit Application Form: Registration of an Agent/
Tannery Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)''

The information collected on Form 3-200-44 will be used by Service
employees to confirm that an applicant has provided a written
description of the procedures that they will use to receive, store,
process, and ship marine mammal parts and products. The information
collected will also be used to confirm the written description system
of the bookkeeping and inventory that the applicant will use to
receive, store, process and ship marine mammal parts and products, from
Native Alaskans to Native Alaskans.

Form 3-200-44a, ``Registered Agent/Tannery Bi-Annual Inventory Report''

The information collected on Form 3-200-44a will be used by Service
employees to review the activities of the registered agent or
registered tannery regarding the receipt and transfer of marine mammal
parts and products from Native Alaskans to Native Alaskans.
Unless a form number is specified in the table below, we collect
the following information on Forms 3-200-2, 3-200-3a, 3-200-3b, 3-200-
44, and 3-200-44a:

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We collect information on . . . So that we can . . .
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Name of the individual and personal Identify the individual and the
identifying information such as date activity conducted by the
of birth, social security number, applicant for which a license/
occupation, and address and contact permit is required.
information.
Name of business, tax identification Identify the business and the
number or social security number, activity conducted by the
description of business, website, and applicant for which a license/
name and contact information for the permit is required.
principal officer.
Name, street address, and contact Identify all individuals or
information for each additional businesses associated with the
partner/principal officer (3-200-3a entity requesting a license/
and 3b). permit.
Whether or not applicant has or has Identify prior or current
ever had any Federal fish and wildlife activity under Federal
permits; if yes, number of current wildlife permits. This helps
permit or permit to be renewed/ in determining their knowledge
reissued. of Service laws and
regulations.
U.S. address for foreign applicant..... Inspect records, as necessary.
Name, physical address, and telephone Inspect records, as necessary.
number of agent or location where
business records will be maintained.
Street address and contact information Provide Service Officers access
for location where wildlife to their facility to examine
inventories will be kept (3-200-3a and inventories of wildlife or
3b). wildlife products imported or
to be exported.
Port(s) of entry where importation/ Determine if port is
exportation is requested (3-200-2). appropriate to be requested.
Determine if additional
workload can be accommodated
by staff presently available
at the requested port.
Valid import/export license number (for Establish compliance with
commercial shipments) (3-200-2). commercial import/export
requirements.

[[Page 4102]]

Reason for requesting port exception (3- Determine if there is a bona
200-2). fide scientific purpose,
potential deterioration or
loss, or potential economic
hardship that would occur from
the issuance of the permit.
General description of wildlife or Determine workload burden.
wildlife products.
Whether the applicant is applying for a Determine whether the business
registration under the Marine Mammal qualifies for a registration
Protection Act (MMPA) as agent, under the MMPA.
tannery, or both (3-200-44).
The species that the agent or tannery Determine that the species
wishes to use in the transfer of requested are eligible under
marine mammal parts and products from the MMPA.
Native Alaskans to Native Alaskans (3-
200-44).
The procedure that the agent or tannery Determine that these procedures
will use to receive, store, process, are sufficient to ensure the
and ship marine mammal parts and legitimate transfer of mammal
products from Native Alaskans to parts and products from Native
Native Alaskans (3-200-44). Alaskans to Native Alaskans.
The system of bookkeeping and inventory Determine that the system of
used to receive, store, process, and bookkeeping and inventory are
ship marine mammal parts and products sufficient to ensure the
from Native Alaskans to Native legitimate transfer of mammal
Alaskans (3-200-44). parts and products from Native
Alaskans to Native Alaskans.
A certification by the applicant that Confirm that the applicant is
they will responsibly receive, store, aware of the requirements in
process, and ship marine mammal parts order to receive an exemption
and products from Native Alaskans to under the MMPA.
Native Alaskans to receive an
exemption under the MMPA (3-200-44).
A description of the activities of the Confirm that the applicant is
registered agent or registered tannery receiving, storing,
regarding the receipt and transfer of processing, and shipping
marine mammal parts and products from marine mammal parts and
Native Alaskans to Native Alaskans (3- products from Native Alaskans
200-44a). to Native Alaskans.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Permittees and licensees must maintain records that accurately
describe each importation or exportation of wildlife or wildlife
products under the permit/license, and any subsequent sale or transfer
of the wildlife or wildlife products. In addition, licensees must make
these records and the corresponding inventory of wildlife or wildlife
products available for our inspection at reasonable times, subject to
applicable limitations of law. Any live wildlife possessed under a
Service permit/license must be maintained under humane and healthful
conditions. We believe the burden associated with these recordkeeping
requirements is minimal because the records already exist.
Importers and exporters must complete Form 3-177 (Declaration for
Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife) for all imports or
exports of wildlife or wildlife products. This form provides an
accurate description of the imports and exports. OMB has approved the
information collection for Form 3-177 and assigned OMB Control Number
1018-0012. Normal business practices should produce records (e.g.,
invoices or bills of sale) needed to document additional sales or
transfers of the wildlife or wildlife products.
Generally, we do not require individuals and government entities to
submit a report on activities conducted under the authority of a
designated port exception permit. On an occasional basis, we may
require entities to provide a report on activities conducted under a
designated port exception permit or an import/export license.
The public may request a copy of any form contained in this
information collection by sending a request to the Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer (see ADDRESSES).
Title of Collection: Federal Fish and Wildlife Applications and
Reports--Law Enforcement; 50 CFR parts 13 and 14.
OMB Control Number: 1018-0092.
Form Number: Forms 3-200-2, 3-200-3a, 3-200-3b, 3-200-44, and 3-
200-44a.
Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved
collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals, private sector, and
State/local/Tribal entities.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 11,933.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 11,953.
Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 15 minutes to 1
hour 15 minutes, depending on activity.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 13,431.
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion for Forms 3-200-2, 3-200-3a,
3-200-3b, 3-200-44, and reporting requirements. Biannually for Form 3-
200-44a.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $1,188,700. There is a
$100 fee associated with applications (Forms 3-200-2, 3-200-3a, and 3-
200-3b) and a $150 fee associated with applications (Form 3-200-44)
received from individuals and the private sector. There is no fee for
applications from government agencies or for processing reports.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-01910 Filed 1-29-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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