(a) The regulations in this part implement the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 333(c), which authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to assess a civil penalty against any person who has misused the words, titles, abbreviations, initials, symbols, emblems, seals, or badges of the Department of the Treasury or any subdivision thereof in violation of 31 U.S.C. 333(a), in accordance with that section and this part.

(b) The regulations in this part do not apply to the extent that the Secretary or his/her designee has specifically authorized the person to manufacture, produce, sell, possess, or use the words, titles, abbreviations, initials, symbols, emblems, seals, or badges by written contract, agreement, or letter.