CFRs

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive branch of the United States federal government. It is issued under the authority of the Federal Register Act and is compiled by the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) in coordination with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and published by the Government Publishing Office (GPO). The CFR organizes federal regulations into 50 titles representing broad areas subject to federal regulation. Each title is subdivided into chapters, subchapters, parts, and sections. The CFR contains regulations enacted by federal agencies and departments to implement statutes passed by Congress. It does not contain the statutes themselves but the rules that have the force of law.

Regulations in the CFR originate from statutory authority and are intended to be enforceable nationwide. For ongoing accuracy, the CFR exists in print editions and in the electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), which is maintained and updated daily to reflect changes such as new regulations, amendments, or removals. The official annual edition consolidates the revised material as of January 1 of the publication year, while the eCFR provides near real-time access. Researchers typically consult the CFR to determine current regulatory requirements for businesses, individuals, and government entities.