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Trade Practices

TTB is committed to creating a fair and level playing field nationwide for alcohol beverage industry members of all sizes through a strong regulatory compliance program and active enforcement of the trade practice provisions of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act). (See sections 105(a) through (d) of the FAA Act (27 U.S.C. 205(a)–(d)) for more information.) These provisions prohibit industry members from engaging in the following marketing practices that threaten the independence of retailers and/or give the industry members an unfair advantage over their competitors:

Industry members who engage in these anti-competitive practices damage other, law-abiding businesses and prevent consumers from enjoying a wide selection of products.

Reports

Competition in the Market for Beer, Wine and Spirits (February 2022)

This report on competition in the market for the alcohol industry details challenges to the growth of small businesses and new entrants into the marketplace. It also contains recommendations to better level the playing field for these businesses by enforcing existing laws and modernizing outdated alcohol regulations. 

TTB FY20 Report on FAA Act Enforcement

This file contains 8 identical copies of the report as submitted to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittees.

Trade Practices Resources

Educational Resources

TTB Trade Practices Video Series

Other media

 

This information is being issued to help the public to understand and comply with the laws and regulations that the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau administers. It is not intended to establish any new, or change any existing, definitions, interpretations, standards, or procedures regarding those laws and regulations. For specific questions about how the trade practice laws pertain to activities in Puerto Rico or other United States territories you may email TTB at tradepractices@ttb.gov.

 

CONTACT US

For more information about Trade Practices or to report a violation, contact our Market Compliance Office at 202-453-2251, (option 2), or by fax at 202-453-2873, or by email at TradePractices@ttb.gov

Visit our Trade Investigations Division (TID) page for more information about TID's mission and responsibilities.

Last reviewed: June 28, 2017
Last updated: October 30, 2020
Maintained by: Trade Investigation Division