Code of Federal Regulations Title 27 - Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms
Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is titled "Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms." This title contains the codified federal regulations primarily concerning the production, taxation, and trade of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, as well as the regulation of firearms and explosives.
Enforcing Agencies and Structure:
Due to a reorganization following the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Title 27 is primarily enforced by and divided between two key federal agencies:
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Department of the Treasury (Chapter I):
The TTB's mission is to collect federal excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and firearms and ammunition, and to ensure that alcoholic beverages are produced, labeled, and marketed in accordance with federal law.
Alcohol Regulations (Subchapter A): This covers a vast array of rules for producers, importers, and distributors of alcohol. Key areas include:
Permit Requirements: Basic permits for operating distilleries, wineries, breweries, and for importing/exporting alcohol.
Labeling and Advertising: Strict rules for how wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages must be labeled and advertised to ensure consumer information and prevent misleading claims. This includes requirements for health warning statements.
Production and Operations: Regulations for the production, storage, and removal of distilled spirits, wine, and beer.
Taxation: Rules related to the assessment and collection of federal excise taxes on alcoholic beverages.
Trade Practices: Regulations concerning "tied-house" arrangements, commercial bribery, and consignment sales to prevent unfair trade practices within the alcohol industry.
Tobacco Regulations (Subchapter B):
Manufacture and Importation: Rules for the manufacture, importation, and removal of tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, and processed tobacco.
Taxation: Excise taxes on tobacco products.
Exportation: Rules for exporting tobacco products without payment of tax.
Firearms (Subchapter C) (Certain Tax and Commerce aspects):
Regulations primarily related to the collection of excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, and aspects of their commercial trade.
Procedures and Practices (Subchapter F): General procedural rules for the TTB, including administration, rules of practice in permit proceedings, and disposition of seized property related to TTB's jurisdiction.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Department of Justice (Chapter II):
The ATF is primarily responsible for enforcing federal laws related to firearms and explosives, as well as arson and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. Their focus is on preventing terrorism, reducing violent crime, and protecting the public.
Firearms and Ammunition (Subchapter B):
Federal Firearms Act (FFA): Regulations for the licensing of manufacturers, importers, dealers, and collectors of firearms.
National Firearms Act (NFA): Specific regulations for certain highly regulated firearms, such as machine guns, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, silencers, and destructive devices, including registration and taxation.
Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA): Rules for interstate commerce of firearms, prohibitions on certain persons from possessing firearms, and record-keeping requirements.
Firearms Trafficking: Regulations aimed at preventing illegal firearms trafficking.
Explosives (Subchapter C):
Explosives Control: Regulations for the manufacture, storage, possession, and use of explosives.
Permit Requirements: Licensing for individuals and companies involved with explosives.
Security and Storage: Rules for safe and secure storage of explosive materials.
Miscellaneous Regulations Relating to Alcohol and Tobacco (Subchapter D): These might include rules related to the illegal diversion or trafficking of untaxed alcohol and tobacco products, often working in conjunction with the TTB.
Key Themes and Purpose of Title 27 CFR:
Revenue Collection: A significant portion of Title 27 is dedicated to the collection of federal excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and firearms/ammunition.
Public Safety: Regulations related to firearms and explosives are primarily designed to enhance public safety by controlling their manufacture, distribution, and possession.
Consumer Protection: Rules concerning alcohol labeling and advertising aim to protect consumers from misleading information and ensure product safety.
Fair Trade Practices: Regulations prevent unfair competition and monopolistic practices within the alcohol industry.
Enforcement: The rules provide the legal framework for the TTB and ATF to investigate violations, conduct inspections, and take enforcement actions.
How to Access:
You can access Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations through several official and unofficial sources:
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR): This is the most current and authoritative (though unofficial) online version, updated daily.
GovInfo (Government Publishing Office): Provides the official, annually updated PDF versions of the CFR.
Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School: Provides a searchable and well-organized version of the CFR.
TTB Website: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau's website also provides direct links to the regulations they administer.
ATF Website: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives website provides information on the laws and regulations they enforce.
When researching, it's always recommended to use the e-CFR for the most up-to-date information, as regulations are frequently amended.
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