Federal Register #2026-12578

Regulatory Update: Cephalopods Added to Federal Definition of Shellfish

This regulatory update from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service clarifies the definition of "shellfish" in federal regulations. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of the Interior - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - No OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement action - No products or services are being requested - Key Regulatory Changes: - The definition of "shellfish" in Title 50, Part 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended - The phrase "having a shell" is removed - Cephalopods (including squid, cuttlefish, and octopus) are now explicitly included as shellfish - The change is deregulatory, intended to reduce ambiguity and regulatory burden - No new compliance requirements are established for small entities - No purchase quantities, part numbers, or procurement requirements are present - The rule clarifies import/export compliance for wildlife but does not involve any acquisition of goods or services

Description

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is amending the definition of "shellfish" in the Code of Federal Regulations by removing the phrase "having a shell" and adding specific taxa. This amendment clarifies that squid, cuttlefish, octopus, and other cephalopods are included within the regulatory definition of shellfish. The action aims to reduce regulatory ambiguity, align regulations with current biological understanding and commercial practice, and reduce regulatory burden. The rule is deregulatory in nature and within the Service's authority to amend definitions as needed.

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