Trade Practices Background

Trade Practices refer to alcohol beverage marketing practices that are allowed and those that are prohibited under Federal law (Federal Alcohol Administration Act). These practices apply to alcohol beverage manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers in specific contexts. The objective of these trade practice standards is to promote fair competition in the alcohol beverage industry.

TTB is charged with administering and enforcing laws relating to these trade practices within the alcohol beverage industry. TTB conducts investigations to verify that the trade practice standards are being followed, including in response to allegations or complaints from members of the public. The relevant law and regulations are found at 27 USC 205(a)-(d) and 27 CFR Parts 6, 8, 10, and 11.

TTB conducts seminars for alcohol beverage industry members to familiarize them with the law and regulations that set forth these trade practice standards, to answer related questions from industry members, and to explain the current role of TTB.