[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 167 (Monday, August 28, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52018-52021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21901]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

27 CFR Parts 6, 8, 10 and 11

[T.D. ATF-428]
RIN 1512-AC01


Delegation of Authority (99R-282P)

AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury.

ACTION: Treasury Decision; Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule places most ATF authorities contained in 
certain ATF regulations with the ``appropriate ATF officer'' and 
requires that persons file documents required by those regulations with 
the ``appropriate ATF officer''. Also, this final rule removes the 
definitions of, and references to, specific officers subordinate to the 
Director. Concurrently with this Treasury Decision, ATF Order 1130.7 is 
being published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. 
Through this order, the Director has delegated most of the authorities 
in the affected regulations to the appropriate ATF officers and 
specified the ATF officers with whom applications, notices and other 
reports, which are not ATF forms, are filed.

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 28, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Ruhf, Regulations Division, 
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and

[[Page 52019]]

Firearms, 650 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20226, (202-927-
8220).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Pursuant to Treasury Order 120-01 (formerly 221), dated June 6, 
1972, the Secretary of the Treasury delegated to the Director of the 
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the authority to 
enforce, among other laws, the provisions of the Federal Alcohol 
Administration (FAA) Act. The Director has subsequently redelegated 
certain of these authorities to appropriate subordinate officers by way 
of various means, including by regulation, ATF delegation orders, 
regional directives, or similar delegation documents. As a result, to 
ascertain what particular officer is authorized to perform a particular 
function under the FAA Act, each of these various delegation 
instruments must be consulted. Similarly, each time a delegation of 
authority is revoked or redelegated, each of the delegation documents 
must be reviewed and amended as necessary.
    ATF has determined that this multiplicity of delegation instruments 
complicates and hinders the task of determining which ATF officer is 
authorized to perform a particular function. ATF also believes these 
multiple delegation instruments exacerbate the administrative burden 
associated with maintaining up-to-date delegations, resulting in an 
undue delay in reflecting current authorities.
    Accordingly, this final rule rescinds all authorities of the 
Director in parts 6, 8, 10 and 11 that were previously delegated and 
places those authorities with the ``appropriate ATF officer.'' Most of 
the authorities of the Director that were not previously delegated are 
also placed with the ``appropriate ATF officer.'' Along with this final 
rule, ATF is publishing ATF Order 1130.7, Delegation Order--Delegation 
of the Director's Authorities in Parts 6, 8, 10 and 11, which delegates 
certain of these authorities to the appropriate organizational level. 
The effect of these changes is to consolidate all delegations of 
authority in parts 6, 8, 10 and 11 into one delegation instrument. This 
action both simplifies the process for determining what ATF officer is 
authorized to perform a particular function and facilitates the 
updating of delegations in the future. As a result, delegations of 
authority will be reflected in a more timely and user-friendly manner.
    In addition, this final rule also amends parts 6, 8, 10 and 11 to 
provide that the submission of documents other than ATF forms (such as 
letterhead applications, notices and reports) must be filed with the 
``appropriate ATF officer'' identified in ATF Order 1130.7. These 
changes will facilitate the identification of the officer with whom 
forms and other required submissions are filed.
    This final rule also makes various technical amendments to 27 CFR 
parts 6, 8, 10 and 11. New sections are added in each part to recognize 
the authority of the Director to delegate regulatory authorities and to 
identify ATF Order 1130.7 as the instrument reflecting such 
delegations.
    ATF has begun to make similar changes in delegations to other parts 
of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations through separate 
rulemakings. By amending the regulations part by part, rather than in 
one large rulemaking document and ATF Order, ATF minimizes the time 
expended in notifying interested parties of current delegations of 
authority.

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, 
the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
do not apply.

Executive Order 12866

    It has been determined that this rule is not a significant 
regulatory action because it will not: (1) Have an annual effect on the 
economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way 
the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, 
the environment, public health or safety, or State, local or tribal 
governments or communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; 
(3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user 
fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
Executive Order 12866.

Administrative Procedure Act

    Because this final rule merely makes technical amendments and 
conforming changes to improve the clarity of the regulations, it is 
unnecessary to issue this final rule with notice and public procedure 
under 5 U.S.C. 553(b). Similarly 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 Robert Ruhf, Regulations 
Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

List of Subjects

27 CFR Part 6

    Advertising, Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, Antitrust, Credit, 
Trade agreements and Trade practices.

27 CFR Part 8

    Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, Antitrust, Trade agreements and 
Trade practices.

27 CFR Part 10

    Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, Antitrust, Trade agreements and 
Trade practices.

27 CFR Part 11

    Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, Antitrust, Trade agreements and 
Trade practices.

Authority and Issuance

    Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations is amended to read as 
follows:

PART 6--TIED HOUSE

    Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 6 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 49-50; 27 U.S.C. 202 and 205; 44 U.S.C. 
3504(h).

    Par. 2. Section 6.5 is redesignated as Sec. 6.6.

    Par. 3. A new section 6.5 is added and reads as follows:


Sec. 6.5  Delegations of the Director.

    Most of the regulatory authorities of the Director contained in 
this part 6 are delegated to appropriate ATF officers. These ATF 
officers are specified in ATF Order 1130.7, Delegation Order--
Delegation of the Director's Authorities in 27 CFR Parts 6, 8, 10 and 
11. ATF delegation orders, such as ATF Order 1130.7, are available to 
any interested person by mailing a request to the ATF Distribution 
Center, P.O. Box 5950, Springfield, Virginia 22150-5190, or by 
accessing the ATF web site (http://www.atf.treas.gov/).

    Par. 4. In newly designated Sec. 6.6, paragraph (c) is amended by 
removing the words ``Deputy Associate Director

[[Page 52020]]

(Regulatory Enforcement Programs)'' each time it appears and adding in 
its place the words ``appropriate ATF officer'' and by revising 
paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 6.6  Administrative provisions.

* * * * *
    (b) Examination and subpoena. Any appropriate ATF officer shall at 
all reasonable times have access to, for the purpose of examination, 
and the right to copy any documentary evidence of any person, 
partnership, or corporation being investigated or proceeded against. An 
appropriate ATF officer shall also have the power to require by 
subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production 
of all such documentary evidence relating to any matter under 
investigation, upon a satisfactory showing the requested evidence may 
reasonably be expected to yield information relevant to any matter 
being investigated under the Act.
* * * * *

    Par. 5-6. Section 6.11 is amended by removing the definitions of 
``ATF officer'' and ``Deputy Associate Director (Regulatory Enforcement 
Programs)'' and by adding in alphabetically order a new definition of 
``appropriate ATF officer'' to read as follows:


Sec. 6.11  Meaning of terms.

* * * * *
    Appropriate ATF Officer. An officer or employee of the Bureau of 
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) authorized to perform any functions 
relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by ATF Order 
1130.7, Delegation Order--Delegation of the Director's Authorities in 
27 CFR Parts 6, 8, 10 and 11.
* * * * *

PART 8--EXCLUSIVE OUTLETS

    Par. 7. The authority citation for part 8 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 49-50; 27 U.S.C. 202 and 205; 44 U.S.C. 
3504(h).

    Par. 8. Section 8.5 is redesignated as Sec. 8.6.

    Par. 9. A new section 8.5 is added and reads as follows:


Sec. 8.5  Delegations of the Director.

    Most of the regulatory authorities of the Director contained in 
this part 8 are delegated to appropriate ATF officers. These ATF 
officers are specified in ATF Order 1130.7, Delegation Order--
Delegation of the Director's Authorities in 27 CFR Parts 6, 8, 10 and 
11. ATF delegation orders, such as ATF Order 1130.7, are available to 
any interested person by mailing a request to the ATF Distribution 
Center, P.O. Box 5950, Springfield, Virginia 22150-5190, or by 
accessing the ATF web site (http://www.atf.treas.gov/).

    Par. 10. Paragraph (c) of newly designated Sec. 8.6 is amended by 
removing the words ``Deputy Associate Director (Regulatory Enforcement 
Programs)'' each place it appears and adding, in place thereof, the 
words ``appropriate ATF officer'' and revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 8.6  Administrative provisions.

* * * * *
    (b) Examination and subpoena. Any appropriate ATF officer shall at 
all reasonable times have access to, for the purpose of examination, 
and the right to copy any documentary evidence of any person, 
partnership, or corporation being investigated or proceeded against. An 
appropriate ATF officer shall also have the power to require by 
subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production 
of all such documentary evidence relating to any matter under 
investigation, upon a satisfactory showing the requested evidence may 
reasonably be expected to yield information relevant to any matter 
being investigated under the Act.
* * * * *

    Par. 11.-12. Section 8.11 is amended by removing the definitions of 
``ATF officer'' and ``Deputy Associate Director (Regulatory Enforcement 
Programs)'' and by adding in alphabeltical order a new definition of 
``appropriate ATF officer'' to read as follows:


Sec. 8.11  Meaning of terms.

* * * * *
    Appropriate ATF Officer. An officer or employee of the Bureau of 
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) authorized to perform any functions 
relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by ATF Order 
1130.7, Delegation Order--Delegation of the Director's Authorities in 
27 CFR Parts 6, 8, 10 and 11.
* * * * *

PART 10--COMMERCIAL BRIBERY

    Par. 13. The authority citation for part 10 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 49-50; 27 U.S.C. 202 and 205; 44 U.S.C. 
3504(h).


    Par. 14. Section 10.5 is redesignated as Sec. 10.6.

    Par. 15. A new section 10.5 is added and reads as follows:


Sec. 10.5  Delegations of the Director.

    Most of the regulatory authorities of the Director contained in 
this part 10 are delegated to appropriate ATF officers. These ATF 
officers are specified in ATF Order 1130.7, Delegation Order--
Delegation of the Director's Authorities in 27 CFR Parts 6, 8, 10 and 
11. ATF delegation orders, such as ATF Order 1130.7, are available to 
any interested person by mailing a request to the ATF Distribution 
Center, P.O. Box 5950, Springfield, Virginia 22150-5190, or by 
accessing the ATF web site (http://www.atf.treas.gov/).

    Par. 16. Paragraph (c) of newly designated Sec. 10.6 is amended by 
removing the words ``Deputy Associate Director (Regulatory Enforcement 
Programs)'' each time it appears and adding in its place the words 
``appropriate ATF officer,'' and paragraph (b) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 10.6  Administrative Provisions.

* * * * *
    (b) Examination and subpoena. Any appropriate ATF officer shall at 
all reasonable times have access to, for the purpose of examination, 
and the right to copy any documentary evidence of any person, 
partnership, or corporation being investigated or proceeded against. An 
appropriate ATF officer shall also have the power to require by 
subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production 
of all such documentary evidence relating to any matter under 
investigation, upon a satisfactory showing the requested evidence may 
reasonably be expected to yield information relevant to any matter 
being investigated under the Act.
* * * * *

    Par. 17-18. Section 10.11 is amended by removing the definitions of 
``ATF officer'' and ``Deputy Associate Director (Regulatory Enforcement 
Programs)'' and by adding in alphabetical order a new definition of 
``appropriate ATF officer'' to read as follows:


Sec. 10.11  Meaning of terms.

* * * * *
    Appropriate ATF Officer. An officer or employee of the Bureau of 
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) authorized to perform any functions 
relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by ATF Order 
1130.7, Delegation Order--Delegation of the Director's Authorities in 
27 CFR parts 6, 8, 10 and 11.

[[Page 52021]]

PART 11--CONSIGNMENT SALES

    Par. 19. The authority citation for part 11 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 49-50; 27 U.S.C. 202 and 205.

    Par. 20. Section 11.5 is redesignated as Sec. 11.6.

    Par. 21. A new section 11.5 is added and reads as follows:


Sec. 11.5  Delegations of the Director.

    Most of the regulatory authorities of the Director contained in 
this part 11 are delegated to appropriate ATF officers. These ATF 
officers are specified in ATF Order 1130.7, Delegation Order--
Delegation of the Director's Authorities in 27 CFR Parts 6, 8, 10 and 
11. ATF delegation orders, such as ATF Order 1130.7, are available to 
any interested person by mailing a request to the ATF Distribution 
Center, P.O. Box 5950, Springfield, Virginia 22150-5190, or by 
accessing the ATF web site (http://www.atf.treas.gov/).

    Par. 22. Paragraph (b) of newly designated Sec. 11.6 is revised to 
read as follows:


Sec. 11.6  Administrative provisions.

* * * * *
    (b) Examination and subpoena. Any appropriate ATF officer shall at 
all reasonable times have access to, for the purpose of examination, 
and the right to copy any documentary evidence of any person, 
partnership, or corporation being investigated or proceeded against. An 
appropriate ATF officer shall also have the power to require by 
subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production 
of all such documentary evidence relating to any matter under 
investigation, upon a satisfactory showing the requested evidence may 
reasonably be expected to yield information relevant to any matter 
being investigated under the Act.
* * * * *

    Par. 23. Section 11.11 is amended by removing the definition of 
``ATF officer'' and by adding in alphabetical order a new definition of 
``appropriate ATF officer'' to read as follows:


Sec. 11.11  Meaning of terms.

* * * * *
    Appropriate ATF Officer. An officer or employee of the Bureau of 
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) authorized to perform any functions 
relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by ATF Order 
1130.7, Delegation Order--Delegation of the Director's Authorities in 
27 CFR parts 6, 8, 10 and 11.
* * * * *

    Signed: May 18, 2000.
Bradley A. Buckles,
Director.
    Approved: June 21, 2000.
John P. Simpson,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Regulatory, Tariff and Trade Enforcement).
[FR Doc. 00-21901 Filed 8-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P