Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Overview of the C.F.R. & F.R.

Introduction to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR):

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) annual edition is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government. It is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. The 50 subject matter titles contain one or more individual volumes, which are updated once each calendar year, on a staggered basis.

Each title is divided into chapters, which usually bear the name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into parts that cover specific regulatory areas. Large parts may be subdivided into subparts. All parts are organized in sections, and most citations to the CFR refer to material at the section level.

Summary from US Government Printing Office

Introduction to the Federal Register (FR)

The Federal Register (FR) is a daily publication which contains proposed agency rules and federal agency regulations, as well as Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations. The FR contains final rules and regulations, organized under the title of the issuing agency (and subagency, if applicable), the CFR Title and parts affected, and a brief description of the specific subject of the document. As required by the federal notice-and-comment process, the FR also houses notices to the public of proposes issuance of rules and regulations. "The purpose of these notices is to give interested parties notice and an opportunity to participate in the rule making process." (Summary from U.S. Gov't Printing Office).

While the CFR is updated on an annual basis, the FR is published daily. This distinction positions the FR as the most up-to-date rules, regulations, and actions taken by agencies to affect such rules or regulations. As a result, the FR can be used to "update" rules and regulations cited in the CFR.