This massive, annually updated publication serves as the official codification of general and permanent regulations issued by the executive departments and agencies of the U.S. federal government. In simpler terms, it’s the rulebook that dictates how various federal laws are implemented and enforced.
The CFR is a publicly available document, accessible through various channels:
- Printed Volumes
While less common in today’s digital age, the CFR is still available for purchase in hardcopy format from the Government Publishing Office (GPO).
- Electronic CFR (eCFR)
The official online version of the CFR, is hosted by the National Archives’ Office of the Federal Register. The eCFR offers a user-friendly interface for searching, browsing, and downloading specific sections of the code. (https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/code-federal-regulations-cfrs-print)
- Government Agency Websites
Many federal agencies also maintain their own websites, often providing summaries or easy access to CFR sections relevant to their specific areas of responsibility.