81 FR 78937 - Di-n-butyl Adipate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 218 (November 10, 2016)

This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of di-n-butyl adipate (CAS Reg. No. 105-99- 7) when used as an inert ingredient (plasticizer) at a concentration of not more than 25% by weight in pesticide formulations intended for varroa mite control around bee hives. Bayer Healthcare, LLC submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of di-n-butyl adipate.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 218 (Thursday, November 10, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78937-78941]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27209]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0631; FRL-9954-58]


Di-n-butyl Adipate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance for residues of di-n-butyl adipate (CAS Reg. No. 105-99-
7) when used as an inert ingredient (plasticizer) at a concentration of 
not more than 25% by weight in pesticide formulations intended for 
varroa mite control around bee hives. Bayer Healthcare, LLC submitted a 
petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 
requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum 
permissible level for residues of di-n-butyl adipate.

DATES: This regulation is effective November 10, 2016. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before January 9, 2017, 
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0631, is available at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory 
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency 
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 
1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public 
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public 
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP 
Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review the visitor instructions and 
additional information about the docket available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Goodis, Registration Division 
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone 
number: (703) 305-7090; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an 
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. 
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System 
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. 
Potentially affected entities may include:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).

B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?

    You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR 
part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.

C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an 
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a 
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a 
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided 
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0631 in the subject line on the first 
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must 
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before 
January 9, 2017. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and 
hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the 
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of 
the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for 
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential 
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without 
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing 
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0631, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Petition for Exemption

    In the Federal Register of October 21, 2015 (80 FR 63731) (FRL-
9935-29), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21 
U.S.C. 346a, announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP IN-
10838) by Bayer Healthcare, LLC, Animal Health Division, P.O. Box 390 
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.910 
be amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance for residues of di-n-butyl adipate, (CAS Reg. No. 105-99-7) 
when used as an inert ingredient (plasticizer) intended for varroa mite 
control around bee hives. That document referenced a summary of the 
petition prepared by Bayer Healthcare, LLC, the petitioner, which is 
available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no 
comments received in response to the notice of filing.

III. Inert Ingredient Definition

    Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active 
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not 
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a 
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and

[[Page 78938]]

hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty 
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as 
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing 
agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents; 
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply 
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active. 
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a 
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert 
ingredients.

IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines 
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, 
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for 
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through 
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include 
occupational exposure. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to 
give special consideration to exposure of infants and children to the 
pesticide chemical residue and to ``ensure that there is a reasonable 
certainty that no harm will result to infants and children from 
aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . . .''
    EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only 
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that aggregate 
exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably foreseeable 
circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human health. In order 
to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide inert 
ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the inert in 
conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert ingredient 
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as 
a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA is able to 
determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure that there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate 
exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the requirement of 
a tolerance may be established.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(A), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a 
determination on aggregate exposure for di-n-butyl adipate including 
exposure resulting from the exemption established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with di-n-butyl adipate 
follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children. Specific information on the studies received and the nature 
of the adverse effects caused by di-n-butyl adipate as well as the no-
observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-
effect level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies are discussed in this 
unit.
    Di-n-butyl adipate is of low acute oral toxicity, with an oral 
lethal dose (LD)50 in rats of 1.52 gram/kilogram (g/kg) body 
weight. An 8-hour inhalation exposure to air saturated with di-n-butyl 
adipate caused no deaths in a group of 6 albino rats. Di-n-butyl 
adipate as not acutely toxic to rabbits by the dermal route, with a 
dermal LD50 of 19.24 g/kg. Non-standard dermal irritation 
studies suggest that di-n-butyl adipate is a dermal irritant. Eye 
irritation studies in rabbits indicated minor eye irritation with 
recovery in a few days. Di-n-butyl adipate is not a dermal sensitizer 
in guinea pigs.
    In two separate Ames Assays, no mutations were induced in any 
bacterial strain at any concentration of di-n-butyl adipate with or 
without metabolic activation. A chromosomal aberration assay was 
conducted on di-n-butyl adipate using cultured Chinese Hamster lung 
(CHL/IU) cells. Details of the study were not reported, but structural 
chromosome aberrations were reported in this study with metabolic 
activation. In an in vivo micronucleus assay, no cytotoxic effects were 
identified in the bone marrow cells, and there was no significant 
increase in the number of cells with micronuclei at any dose or time 
after dosing.
    In a reproduction and developmental toxicity study, male and female 
rats received di-n-butyl adipate at oral doses of 0, 100, 300 and 1,000 
milligram/kilogram/day (mg/kg/day). There was no effect of di-n-butyl 
adipate exposure on any of the reproductive parameters measured. Pup 
body weight in the 1,000 mg/kg/day group was slightly reduced compared 
to controls at birth and on postnatal day 4. The study no-observable-
adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for general toxicity in the parental 
generation of 300 mg/kg/day is based on the increase in kidney weights 
in males and females at 1,000 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL for reproduction in 
male and female rats was 1,000 mg/kg. The NOAEL for the F1 
generation (offspring toxicity) was 300 mg/kg/day.
    The potential effects of repeated oral exposure to di-n-butyl 
adipate were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats in a 28-day toxicity 
test. Male and female rats received gavage doses of di-n-butyl adipate 
of 0, 20, 140, or 1000 mg/kg/day. No test substance-related changes 
were seen in any of the monitored endpoints. The NOAEL in both males 
and females was 1,000 mg/kg/day.
    The results of the OncoLogic Quantitative Structure Activity 
Relationship (QSAR) model has not identified any concerns for 
carcinogenicity relating to di-n-butyl adipate.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA 
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of 
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the 
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for 
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed 
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to 
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) 
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified 
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with 
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a 
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe 
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes 
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the 
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of 
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the 
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete 
description of the risk assessment process, see http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.

[[Page 78939]]

    No acute toxicological endpoint of concern has been identified for 
di-n-butyl adipate. On the basis of the reproduction study (OECD 
Preliminary Reproduction Test), the NOAEL for di-n-butyl adipate was 
300 mg/kg/day for offspring toxicity based on decreased in pup body 
weights seen at the LOAEL of 1,000 mg/kg/day was selected for risk 
assessment. The available toxicology data support that an Food Quality 
Protection Act safety factor (FQPA SF) of 3X for di-n-butyl adipate 
should be retained to account for uncertainties associated with 
subchronic to chronic extrapolation. Therefore, the chronic population 
adjusted dose (cPAD) is 1 mg/kg/day based upon a NOAEL of 300 mg/kg/day 
and the use of 10X factors for intra- and inter-species variability and 
an FQPA SF of 3X.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to di-n-butyl adipate, EPA considered exposure under the 
proposed exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. EPA assessed 
dietary exposures from di-n-butyl adipate in food as follows:
    Acute and chronic dietary assessments take into account exposure 
estimates from dietary consumption of food and drinking water. The 
Agency assessed the dietary exposures to di-n-butyl adipate as an inert 
ingredient at no more than 25% in the plastic of strips containing 
pesticides that are placed at the entrance to bee hives.
    No adverse effects attributable to a single exposure to di-n-butyl 
adipate were seen in the toxicity databases; therefore, an acute 
dietary risk assessment is not appropriate.
    In conducting the chronic dietary exposure assessment to di-n-butyl 
adipate the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model/Food Commodity Intake 
Database (DEEM-FCID)TM, Version 3.16 was used. EPA used food 
consumption information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in 
America, (NHANES/WWEIA). This dietary survey was conducted from 2003 to 
2008. As to residue levels in food, no residue data were submitted for 
di-n-butyl adipate. In the absence of specific residue data, EPA has 
developed an approach that uses surrogate information to derive upper 
bound exposure estimates for the subject inert ingredient. Upper bound 
exposure estimates are based on the highest tolerance for a given 
commodity from a list of high-use insecticides, herbicides, and 
fungicides. A complete description of the general approach taken to 
assess inert ingredient risks in the absence of residue data is 
contained in the memorandum entitled ``Alkyl Amines Polyalkoxylates 
(Cluster 4): Acute and Chronic Aggregate (Food and Drinking Water) 
Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessments for the Inerts.'' (D361707, S. 
Piper, 2/25/09) and can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0738. Adjustments were made to the 
DEEM model estimates for oral exposure from the use of di-n-butyl 
adipate to account for the use of not more than 25% di-n-butyl adipate 
in strips containing pesticides that are placed at the entrance to bee 
hives (for honey and including exposure through drinking water).
    The Agency has not identified any concerns for carcinogenicity 
relating to di-n-butyl adipate; therefore, a cancer dietary exposure 
assessment was not performed.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. For the purpose of the 
screening level dietary risk assessment to support this request for an 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for di-n-butyl adipate, a 
conservative drinking water concentration value of 100 parts per 
billion (ppb) based on screening level modeling was used to assess the 
contribution to drinking water for the chronic dietary risk assessments 
for parent compound. These values were directly entered into the 
dietary exposure model.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers), carpets, swimming 
pools, and hard surface disinfection on walls, floors, tables).
    Di-n-butyl adipate may be used in inert ingredients in products 
that are registered for specific uses that may result in residential 
exposure, such as pesticides used in and around the home. Based on the 
available data for products registered for residential use, the Agency 
SOPs concluded that products containing inert chemicals similar to di-
n-butyl adipate usually comprise no more than 2-5% of the inert 
ingredient in the final product. Therefore, the Agency conducted an 
assessment to represent conservative residential exposure by assessing 
di-n-butyl adipate in pesticide formulations (outdoor scenarios) and in 
disinfectant-type uses (indoor scenarios) at no more than 5% in the 
final formulation.
    4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of 
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when 
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance or 
exemption from a tolerance, the Agency consider ``available 
information'' concerning the cumulative effects of a particular 
pesticide's residues and ``other substances that have a common 
mechanism of toxicity.''
    EPA has not found di-n-butyl adipate to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and di-n-butyl adipate does not 
appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For 
the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
di-n-butyl adipate does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with 
other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine 
which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the 
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants 
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal 
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity 
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a 
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This 
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA SF. In 
applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X, 
or uses a different additional safety factor when reliable data 
available to EPA support the choice of a different factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. Considering the overall 
toxicity profile and the endpoints and doses selected for di-n-butyl 
adipate, the degree of concern for the effects observed in the di-n-
butyl adipate reproductive and developmental toxicity screening study 
is low, with a clear NOAEL for the offspring effects and regulatory 
doses selected to be protective of any observed effects. No other 
residual uncertainties were identified with respect to susceptibility.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the 
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the 
FQPA SF were reduced to 3X. That decision is based on the following 
findings:
    i. The toxicity database for di-n-butyl adipate is adequate to 
assess the safety of this chemical. However, to account for potential 
adverse effects from chronic exposures, an FQPA SF of 3X is retained to 
account for the extrapolation

[[Page 78940]]

of adverse effects seen in subchronic toxicity studies to chronic 
exposure scenarios.
    ii. There is no indication that di-n-butyl adipate is a neurotoxic 
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study 
or additional uncertainty factors (UFs) to account for neurotoxicity.
    iii. There is some indication that potential effects of di-n-butyl 
adipate results in increased susceptibility in young rats in the 2-
generation reproduction study but the concern is low due to the 
selected endpoints.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based 
on 100% CT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative 
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used 
to assess exposure to di-n-butyl adipate in drinking water. EPA used 
similarly conservative assumptions to assess postapplication exposure 
of children as well as incidental oral exposure of toddlers. These 
assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by di-
n-butyl adipate.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    Determination of safety section. EPA determines whether acute and 
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are safe by comparing aggregate 
exposure estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For 
linear cancer risks, EPA calculates the lifetime probability of 
acquiring cancer given the estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, 
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks are evaluated by comparing the 
estimated aggregate food, water, and residential exposure to the 
appropriate PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE exists.
    1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into 
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and 
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure 
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore, 
di-n-butyl adipate is not expected to pose an acute risk.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
di-n-butyl adipate from food and water will utilize <1% of the cPAD for 
all population subgroups.
    3. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term 
aggregate exposure takes into account short- and intermediate-term 
residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water 
(considered to be a background exposure level).
    A short- and intermediate-term adverse effect was identified from 
the chronic oral end-point. Although di-n-butyl adipate is not 
currently used as an inert ingredient in pesticide products that are 
registered for any use patterns that would result in short- or 
intermediate-term residential exposure, there is a possibility that di-
n-butyl adipate could be used in residential pesticide products that 
would result in short- or intermediate-term residential exposure. As a 
result, the Agency has determined that it is appropriate to aggregate 
chronic exposure through food and water with short- and intermediate-
term residential exposures to di-n-butyl adipate.
    Using the exposure assumptions described above, EPA has concluded 
that the combined chronic food and water, and short- and intermediate-
term residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 1700 for adult 
males and females. Adult residential exposure combines liquids/trigger 
sprayer/home garden use with a high end post application dermal 
exposure from contact with treated lawns. As the level of concern is 
for MOEs that are lower than 100, this MOE is not of concern. EPA has 
concluded the combined short- and intermediate-term aggregated food, 
water, and residential exposures result in an aggregate MOE of 3200 for 
children. Children's residential exposure includes total exposures 
associated with contact with treated surfaces (dermal and hand-to-mouth 
exposures). As the level of concern is for MOEs that are lower than 
100, this MOE is not of concern.
    4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Results of a 
predictive Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) model 
using the OncoLogicTM Model (EPA, 2013b, version 8.0) 
indicate no evidence for carcinogenicity of di-n-butyl adipate. Based 
on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in the toxicity database and 
the model results, di-n-butyl adipate not expected to pose a cancer 
risk to humans.
    5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate 
exposure to di-n-butyl adipate residues.

V. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Although EPA is establishing a limitation on the amount of di-n-
butyl adipate that may be used in pesticide formulations, an analytical 
enforcement methodology is not necessary for this exemption from the 
requirement of tolerance. The limitation will be enforced through the 
pesticide registration process under the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. EPA will 
not register any pesticide for sale or distribution for use on growing 
crops or raw agricultural commodities after harvest with concentrations 
of di-n-butyl adipate exceeding 25% by weight of the formulation.

B. Revisions to Petitioned-for Tolerances

    Although not indicated the petitioner's notice of filing (NOF), the 
proposed concentration of di-n-butyl adipate indicated is not to exceed 
a maximum of 25%.

VI. Conclusions

    Therefore, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is 
established under 40 CFR 180.910 for di-n-butyl adipate (CAS Reg. No. 
105-99-7) when used at no more than 25% by weight in pesticide 
formulation for varroa mite control around bee hives.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a petition 
submitted to the Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
exempted these types of actions from review under Executive Order 
12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (58 FR 51735, 
October 4, 1993). Because this action has been exempted from review 
under Executive Order 12866, this action is not subject to Executive 
Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 
28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled ``Protection of 
Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not contain any information 
collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any special 
considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal Actions 
to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis 
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as

[[Page 78941]]

the exemption in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a 
proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) 
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), do not apply.
    This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that 
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or 
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has 
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled 
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this 
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded 
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

VIII. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required 
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and 
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of 
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: October 28, 2016.
Rachel C. Holloman,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.

0
2. In Sec.  180.910, add alphabetically the inert ingredient to the 
table to read as follows:


Sec.  180.910   Inert ingredients used pre- and post-harvest; 
exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance.

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Inert ingredients              Limits                Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
di-n-Butyl adipate (CAS Reg.    Not to exceed 25%  Plasticizer in
 No. 105-99-7).                  by weight of       pesticide
                                 pesticide          formulations for
                                 formulation.       varroa mite control
                                                    around bee hives
 
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[FR Doc. 2016-27209 Filed 11-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P