(a) Purpose. For further guidance, see § 1.892-4(a).

(b) In general. For further guidance, see § 1.892-4(b).

(c) Activities that are not commercial—(1) Investments—(i) In general. For further guidance, see § 1.892-4(c)(1)(i).

(ii) Trading. For further guidance, see § 1.892-4(c)(2).

(iii) Banking, financing, etc. Investments (including loans) made by a banking, financing, or similar business constitute commercial activities, even if the income derived from such investments is not considered to be income effectively connected to the active conduct of a banking, financing, or similar business in the U.S. by reason of the application of § 1.864-4(c)(5).

(2) Cultural events. Performances and exhibitions within or outside the United States of amateur athletic events and events devoted to the promotion of the arts by cultural organizations are not commercial activities.

(3) Non-profit activities. Activities that are not customarily attributable to or carried on by private enterprise for profit are not commercial activities. The fact that in some instances Federal, State, or local governments of the United States also are engaged in the same or similar activity does not mean necessarily that it is a non-profit activity. For example, even though the United States Government may be engaged in the activity of operating a railroad, operating a railroad is not a non-profit activity.

(4) Governmental functions. Governmental functions are not commercial activities. The term “governmental functions” shall be determined under U.S. standards. In general, activities performed for the general public with respect to the common welfare or which relate to the administration of some phase of government will be considered governmental functions. For example, the operation of libraries, toll bridges, or local transportation services and activities substantially equivalent to the Federal Aviation Authority, Interstate Commerce Commission, or United States Postal Service will all be considered governmental functions for purposes of this section.

(5) Purchasing. The mere purchasing of goods for the use of a foreign government is not a commercial activity.