[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 12, Volume 3] [Revised as of January 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 12CFR264b.3] [Page 775-776] TITLE 12--BANKS AND BANKING CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM PART 264b--RULES REGARDING FOREIGN GIFTS AND DECORATIONS--Table of Contents Sec. 264b.3 Foreign gifts. Except as provided below, Board Members and employees shall not request, or otherwise encourage the tender of, or accept, or retain, a tangible or intangible gift from a foreign government. (a) Gifts of minimal value. If not otherwise prohibited by Board regulations, Board members and employees may accept and retain a tangible or intangible gift of minimal value, intended as a souvenir or mark of courtesy, from a foreign government. A gift of minimal value is one having a retail value in the United States at the time of acceptance not in excess of $225 (or such higher amount established in 41 CFR part 101-49). (b) Educational scholarships or medical treatment. Board Members and employees may accept and retain a gift of more than minimal value from a foreign government when such gift is in the nature of an educational scholarship or medical treatment. (c) Tangible gifts of more than minimal value. A tangible gift of more than minimal value tendered by a foreign government may be accepted when it appears that to refuse the gift would likely cause offense or embarrassment or otherwise adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States. Such a gift accepted under these circumstances is deemed to have been accepted on behalf of the United States, and, upon acceptance, it shall become the property of the United States. Within 60 days after accepting a gift under these circumstances the member [[Page 776]] or employee must deposit the gift with the Secretary of the Board. (d) Travel or expenses for travel. Board Members and employees may accept gifts of travel or expenses for travel taking place entirely outside the United States (such as transportation, food, and lodging) of more than minimal value if such acceptance is appropriate, consistent with the interests of the United States, and is permitted by the Board. Requests for Board approval of acceptance of such expenses shall be submitted to the Vice Chairman of the Board, or, if the Vice Chairman is unavailable, to the Board's Administrative Governor. [44 FR 64399, Nov. 7, 1979, as amended at 55 FR 3576, Feb. 2, 1990; 55 FR 11360, Mar. 28, 1990; 58 FR 57730, Oct. 27, 1993; 59 FR 12805, Mar. 18, 1994]