Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

TTB
Agency overview
Formed	January 24, 2003
Jurisdiction	Federal government of the United States
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Parent agency	Department of the Treasury

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury that regulates and collects taxes on trade and imports of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms within the United States. Established on January 24, 2003, the TTB was created as a result of the restructuring of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) following the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The enforcement functions of the ATF were transferred to the newly formed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the Department of Justice, while the tax and trade functions remained with the Treasury as the TTB.

Functions

The primary functions of the TTB include:

• Issuing permits for companies producing, importing, and wholesaling alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
• Ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations related to the production, labeling, advertising, and marketing of alcohol and tobacco products.
• Collecting federal excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and ammunition and ensuring that these products are labeled and advertised in accordance with federal law.

Regulatory Activities

The TTB is responsible for a wide range of regulatory activities, including:

• Reviewing applications and issuing permits for alcohol and tobacco businesses.
• Conducting audits and investigations to ensure compliance with trade practices.
• Regulating labeling and advertising of alcohol and tobacco products to ensure that they meet federal standards and do not mislead consumers.

Impact

The TTB plays a crucial role in protecting consumers by ensuring that alcoholic and tobacco products on the market are safe, properly labeled, and sold in accordance with the law. It also helps to prevent illegal and fraudulent activities in the alcohol and tobacco industries, thereby supporting public health and safety.

See Also

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• United States Department of the Treasury
• Federal Alcohol Administration Act
• Tobacco Taxation in the United States