# [Amended]
**AGENCY:**
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Department of the Treasury.
**ACTION:**
Final rule (Treasury decision).
**SUMMARY:**
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is recodifying the regulations pertaining to the importation of distilled spirits, wines, and beer. The purpose of this recodification is to reissue the regulations in part 251 of title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations (27 CFR part 251) as 27 CFR part 27. This change improves the organization of title 27.
**DATES:**
This rule is effective on May 8, 2002.
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Jennifer Berry, Regulations Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 219, Buffalo, New York, (716) 434-8039.
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
**Background**
As a part of continuing efforts to reorganize the part numbering system of title 27 CFR, ATF is removing part 251, Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines, and Beers, in its entirety, and is recodifying the regulations as 27 CFR part 27. This change improves the organization of title 27 CFR. ATF intends to update and clarify the regulations in this part, but believes that such revisions would be best undertaken at a later time through a notice of proposed rulemaking with public comment.
| The requirements of sec. | Are derived from sec. |
| --- | --- |
| Subpart A | |
| 27.1 | 251.1 |
| 27.2 | 251.2 |
| 27.3 | 251.3 |
| Subpart B | |
| 27.11 | 251.11 |
| Subpart C | |
| 27.30 | 251.30 |
| 27.31 | 251.31 |
| Subpart D | |
| 27.40 | 251.40 |
| 27.41 | 251.41 |
| 27.42 | 251.42 |
| 27.42a | 251.42a |
| 27.43 | 251.43 |
| 27.44 | 251.44 |
| 27.45 | 251.45 |
| 27.46 | 251.46 |
| 27.48 | 251.48 |
| 27.48a | 251.48a |
| 27.49 | 251.49 |
| Subpart E | |
| 27.55 | 251.55 |
| 27.56 | 251.56 |
| 27.57 | 251.57 |
| 27.58 | 251.58 |
| 27.59 | 251.59 |
| 27.60 | 251.60 |
| 27.61 | 251.61 |
| 27.62 | 251.62 |
| 27.74 | 251.74 |
| 27.75 | 251.75 |
| 27.76 | 251.76 |
| 27.77 | 251.77 |
| Subparts F-G [Reserved] | |
| Subpart H | |
| 27.120 | 251.120 |
| 27.121 | 251.121 |
| Subpart I | |
| 27.133 | 251.133 |
| 27.134 | 251.134 |
| 27.136 | 251.136 |
| 27.137 | 251.137 |
| 27.138 | 251.138 |
| 27.139 | 251.139 |
| Subparts J-K [Reserved] | |
| Subpart L | |
| 27.171 | 251.171 |
| 27.172 | 251.172 |
| 27.173 | 251.173 |
| 27.174 | 251.174 |
| 27.175 | 251.175 |
| Subpart M | |
| 27.181 | 251.181 |
| 27.182 | 251.182 |
| 27.183 | 251.183 |
| 27.184 | 251.184 |
| 27.185 | 251.185 |
| Subpart N | |
| 27.201 | 251.201 |
| 27.202 | 251.202 |
| 27.204 | 251.204 |
| 27.206 | 251.206 |
| 27.207 | 251.207 |
| 27.208 | 251.208 |
| 27.209 | 251.209 |
| Subpart O | |
| 27.221 | 251.221 |
**Paperwork Reduction Act**
The provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, do not apply to this final rule because there are no new or revised recordkeeping or reporting requirements.
**Regulatory Flexibility Act**
Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is required for this rule under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553), the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 *et seq.* ) do not apply. We sent a copy of this final rule to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 7805(f); we received no comments.
**Executive Order 12866**
This final rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, this final rule is not subject to the analysis required by this Executive Order.
**Administrative Procedure Act**
Because this final rule merely makes technical amendments to improve the clarity and organization of the regulations, it is unnecessary to issue this final rule with notice and public comment procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b). Similarly, because this final rule makes no substantial changes and is merely the recodification of existing regulations, good cause is found that it is unnecessary to subject this final rule to the effective date limitation of 5 U.S.C. 553(d).
**Drafting Information**
The principal author of this document is Jennifer Berry, Regulations Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
**List of Subjects**
Advertising, Customs duties and inspection, Imports, Labeling, Liquors, Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Trade practices, Wine.
Advertising, Customs duties and inspection, Imports, Labeling, Liquors, Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Trade practices.
Advertising, Beer, Customs duties and inspection, Imports, Labeling, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Trade practices.
Caribbean Basin initiative, Claims, Electronic funds transfers, Excise taxes, Exports, Gasohol, Imports, Labeling, Liquors, Packaging and containers, Puerto Rico, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Research, Security measures, Surety bonds, Vinegar, Virgin Islands, Warehouses.
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, Claims, Cosmetics, Excise taxes, Labeling, Packaging and containers, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.
Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, Excise taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.
Administrative practice and procedure, Claims, Electronic funds transfers, Excise taxes, Exports, Food additives, Fruit juices, Labeling, Liquors, Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Research, Scientific equipment, Spices and flavorings, Surety bonds, Vinegar, Warehouses, Wine.
Beer, Claims, Electronic funds transfers, Excise taxes, Exports, Labeling, Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Research, Surety bonds.
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, Caribbean Basin initiative, Claims, Customs duties and inspection, Electronic funds transfers, Excise taxes, Packaging and containers, Puerto Rico, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds, Virgin Islands, Warehouses.
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, Beer, Cosmetics, Customs duties and inspection, Electronic funds transfers, Excise taxes, Imports, Labeling, Liquors, Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wine.
Administrative practice and procedure, Claims, Excise taxes, Freedom of information, Law enforcement, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, Beer, Cosmetics, Customs duties and inspection, Electronic funds transfers, Excise taxes, Imports, Labeling, Liquors, Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wine.
**Authority and Issuance**
**27 CFR Part 4**
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, ATF is amending chapter 1 of title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
**PART 4—LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF WINE**
*Paragraph. 1.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 4 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
27 U.S.C. 205, unless otherwise noted.
**27 CFR Part 4**
*Par. 2.* Under “CROSS REFERENCES,” remove the reference to “27 CFR Part 251—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer” and add, in part number order, a reference to—27 CFR Part 27—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer”.
**27 CFR Part 5**
**PART 5—LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF DISTILLED SPIRITS**
*Par. 3.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 5 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
26 U.S.C. 5301, 7805, 27 U.S.C. 205.
**27 CFR Part 5**
§ 5.2
*Par. 4.* Amend § 5.2 by removing the reference to “27 CFR Part 251—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer” and adding, in part number order, a reference to “27 CFR Part 27—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer”.
**27 CFR Part 7**
**PART 7—LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF MALT BEVERAGES**
*Par. 5.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 7 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
27 U.S.C. 205.
**27 CFR Part 7**
§ 7.4
*Par. 6.* Amend § 7.4 by removing the reference to “27 CFR Part 251—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer” and adding, in part number order, a reference to “27 CFR Part 27—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer”.
**27 CFR Part 19**
**PART 19—DISTILLED SPIRITS PLANTS**
*Par. 7.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 19 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
19 U.S.C. 81c, 1311; 26 U.S.C. 5001, 5002, 5004-5006, 5008, 5010, 5041, 5061, 5062, 5066, 5081, 5101, 5111-5113, 5142, 5143, 5146, 5171-5173, 5175, 5176, 5178-5181, 5201-5204, 5206, 5207, 5211-5215, 5221-5223, 5231, 5232, 5235, 5236, 5241-5243, 5271, 5273, 5301, 5311-5313, 5362, 5370, 5373, 5501-5505, 5551-5555, 5559, 5561, 5562, 5601, 5612, 5682, 6001, 6065, 6109, 6302, 6311, 6676, 6806, 7011, 7510, 7805; 31 U.S.C. 9301, 9303, 9304, 9306.
§ 19.3
**27 CFR Part 19**
*Par. 8.* Amend § 19.3 by removing the reference to “27 CFR Part 251—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wine, and Beer” and adding, in part number order, a reference to “27 CFR Part 27—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wine, and Beer”.
§ 19.524
**27 CFR Part 19**
*Par. 9.* Amend paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(1) and (b)(3) of § 19.524 by removing the reference to “parts 26 and 251” and adding, in its place, a reference to “parts 26 and 27”.
§ 19.538
**27 CFR Part 19**
*Par. 10.* Amend § 19.538(a)(1)(iii) by removing the reference to “part 251” and adding, in its place, a reference to “part 27”.
**27 CFR Part 20**
**PART 20—DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF DENATURED ALCOHOL AND RUM**
*Par. 11.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 20 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
26 U.S.C. 5001, 5206, 5214, 5271-5275, 5311, 5552, 5555, 5607, 6065, 7805.
**27 CFR Part 20**
§ 20.3
*Par. 12.* Amend § 20.3 by removing the reference to “27 CFR Part 251—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer” and adding, in part number order, a reference to “27 CFR Part 27—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer”.
**27 CFR Part 22**
**PART 22—DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF TAX-FREE ALCOHOL**
*Par. 13.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 22 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
26 U.S.C. 5001, 5121, 5142, 5143, 5146, 5206, 5214, 5271-5276, 5311, 5552, 5555, 6056, 6061, 6065, 6109, 6151, 6806, 7011, 7805; 31 U.S.C. 9304, 9306.
**27 CFR Part 22**
§ 22.3
*Par. 14.* Amend § 22.3 by removing the reference to “27 CFR Part 251—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer” and adding, in part number order, a reference to “27 CFR Part 27—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer”.
**27 CFR Part 22**
§ 22.171
*Par. 15.* Amend § 22.171(b) by removing the reference to “part 251” and adding, in its place, a reference to “part 27”.
**27 CFR Part 24**
**PART 24—WINE**
*Par. 16.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 24 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
5 U.S.C. 552(a); 26 U.S.C. 5001, 5008, 5041, 5042, 5044, 5061, 5062, 5081, 5111-5113, 5121, 5122, 5142, 5143, 5173, 5206, 5214, 5215, 5351, 5353, 5354, 5356, 5357, 5361, 5362, 5364-5373, 5381-5388, 5391, 5392, 5511, 5551, 5552, 5661, 5662, 5684, 6065, 6091, 6109, 6301, 6302, 6311, 6651, 6676, 7011, 7302, 7342, 7502, 7503, 7606, 7805, 7851; 31 U.S.C. 9301, 9303, 9304, 9306.
**27 CFR Part 24**
§ 24.4
*Par. 17.* Amend § 24.4 by removing the reference to “27 CFR Part 251—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer” and adding, in part number order, a reference to “27 CFR Part 27—Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines and Beer”.
**27 CFR Part 24**
§ 24.272
*Par. 18.* Amend paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(1), and (b)(3) in § 24.272, by removing the reference to “parts 26 and 251” and adding, in its place, a reference to “parts 26 and 27”.
**27 CFR Part 25**
**PART 25—BEER**
*Par. 19.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 25 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
19 U.S.C. 81c; 26 U.S.C. 5002, 5051-5054, 5056, 5061, 5091, 5111, 5113, 5142, 5143, 5146, 5222, 5401-5403, 5411-5417, 5551, 5552, 5555, 5556, 5671, 5673, 5684, 6011, 6061, 6065, 6091, 6109, 6151, 6301, 6302, 6311, 6313, 6402, 6651, 6656, 6676, 6806, 7011, 7342, 7606, 7805; 31 U.S.C. 9301, 9303-9308.
**27 CFR Part 25**
§ 25.165
*Par. 20.* Amend paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(1), and (b)(3) of § 25.165 by removing the reference to “parts 26 and 251” and adding, in its place, a reference to “parts 26 and 27”.
**27 CFR Part 26**
**PART 26—LIQUORS AND ARTICLES FROM PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS**
*Par. 21.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 26 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
19 U.S.C. 81c; 26 U.S.C. 5001, 5007, 5008, 5010, 5041, 5051, 5061, 5081, 5111, 5112, 5114, 5121, 5122, 5124, 5131-5134, 5141, 5146, 5207, 5232, 5271, 5276, 5301, 5314, 5555, 6001, 6301, 6302, 6804, 7101, 7102, 7651, 7652, 7805; 27 U.S.C. 203, 205; 31 U.S.C. 9301, 9303, 9304, 9306.
**27 CFR Part 26**
§ 26.112a
*Par. 22.* Amend § 26.112a as follows:
a. In paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(1) and (b)(3), remove the reference to “parts 19 and 251” and add, in its place, a reference to “parts 19 and 27”.
b. In paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(1) and (b)(3), remove the reference to “parts 240 and 251” and add, in its place, a reference to “parts 24 and 27”.
c. In paragraph (b)(1) and (b)(3), remove the reference to “parts 245 and 251” and add, in its place, a reference to “parts 25 and 27”.
d. In paragraph (a)(1), remove the reference to “parts 25 and 251” and add, in its place, a reference to “parts 25 and 27”.
**27 CFR Part 26**
§ 26.267
*Par. 23.* Amend paragraph (a) of § 26.267 as follows:
a. Remove the reference to “parts 19 and 251” and add, in its place, a reference to “parts 19 and 27”.
b. Remove the reference to “parts 240 and 251” and add, in its place, a reference to “parts 24 and 27”.
c. Remove the reference to “parts 25 and 251” and add, in its place, a reference to “parts 25 and 27”.
**27 CFR Part 70**
**PART 70—PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION**
*Par. 24.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 70 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
5 U.S.C. 301 and 552; 26 U.S.C. 4181, 4182, 5146, 5203, 5207, 5275, 5367, 5415, 5504, 5555, 5684(a), 5741, 5761(b), 5802, 6020, 6021, 6064, 6102, 6155, 6159, 6201, 6203, 6204, 6301, 6303, 6311, 6313, 6314, 6321, 6323, 6325, 6326, 6331-6343, 6401-6404, 6407, 6416, 6423, 6501-6503, 6511, 6513, 6514, 6532, 6601, 6602, 6611, 6621, 6622, 6651, 6653, 6656-6658, 6665, 6671, 6672, 6701, 6723, 6801, 6862, 6863, 6901, 7011, 7101, 7102, 7121, 7122, 7207, 7209, 7214, 7304, 7401, 7403, 7406, 7423, 7424, 7425, 7426, 7429, 7430, 7432, 7502, 7503, 7505, 7506, 7513, 7601-7606, 7608-7610, 7622, 7623, 7653, 7805.
**27 CFR Part 70**
§ 70.411
*Par. 25.* Amend § 70.411(c)(27) by removing the reference to “part 251” and adding, in its place, a reference to “part 27”.
**27 CFR Part 251**
**PART 251—IMPORTATION OF DISTILLED SPIRITS, WINES, AND BEER**
*Par. 26.* The authority citation for 27 CFR part 251 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
5 U.S.C. 552(a), 19 U.S.C. 81c, 1202; 26 U.S.C. 5001, 5007, 5008, 5010, 5041, 5051, 5054, 5061, 5111, 5112, 5114, 5121, 5122, 5124, 5201, 5205, 5207, 5232, 5273, 5301, 5313, 5555, 6302, 7805.
**27 CFR Part 251**
**PART 251—[REDESIGNATED AS PART 27]**
*Par. 27.* Transfer 27 CFR part 251 from subchapter M to subchapter A and redesignate as 27 CFR part 27.
**27 CFR Part 27**
**PART 27—IMPORTATION OF DISTILLED SPIRITS, WINES, AND BEER**
*Par. 28.* The authority citation for the newly redesignated 27 CFR part 27 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
5 U.S.C. 552(a), 19 U.S.C. 81c, 1202; 26 U.S.C. 5001, 5007, 5008, 5010, 5041, 5051, 5054, 5061, 5111, 5112, 5114, 5121, 5122, 5124, 5201, 5205, 5207, 5232, 5273, 5301, 5313, 5555, 6302, 7805.
**27 CFR Part 27**
*Par. 29.* Amend the newly redesignated part 27 as follows:
| Amend section | By removing the reference to | And adding in its place |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 27.3 | Part 251 | Part 27. |
| 27.11, definition of Appropriate ATF Officer | Part 251 | Part 27. |
| 27.31 | 251.30 | 27.30. |
| 27.40(c) | 251.40a | 27.41. |
| 27.44 | 251.43 | 27.43. |
| 27.74 (three times) | 251.49 | 27.49. |
| 27.74 | 251.75 | 27.75. |
| 27.76(c)(3) | 251.40a | 27.41. |
| 27.77(a) | 251.76(c) | 27.76(c). |
| 27.77(b)(1) | 251.76(b)(1) | 27.76(b)(1). |
| 27.77(b)(2) | 251.76(b)(2) | 27.76(b)(2). |
| 27.77(b)(3)(iii) | 251.40a | 27.41. |
| 27.77(d) | 251.76(d) | 27.76(d). |
| 27.120 | 251.133 | 27.133. |
| 27.120 | 251.134 | 27.134. |
| 27.133 | 251.134 | 27.134. |
| 27.138 (Introductory text) | 251.172 | 27.172. |
| 27.172 | 251.138 | 27.138. |
| 27.172 | 251.139 | 27.139. |
| 27.185(b) | 251.139 | 27.139. |
| 27.208 | 251.206 | 27.206. |
Signed: February 2, 2002.
Bradley A. Buckles,
Director.
Approved: April 9, 2002.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Regulatory, Tariff and Trade Enforcement).