§ 159a.58 - Preparation of material for transmission, shipment, or conveyance.

(a) Envelopes or Containers. (1) Whenever classified information is transmitted, it shall be enclosed in two opaque sealed envelopes or simliar wrappings when size permits, except as provided by the following:

(2) Whenever classified material is transmitted of a size not suitable for transmission in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section, it shall be enclosed in two opaque sealed containers, such as boxes or heavy wrappings.

(i) If the classified information is an internal component of a packageable item of equipment, the outside shell or body may be considered as the inner enclosure provided it does not reveal classified information.

(ii) If the classified material is an inaccessible internal component of a bulky item of equipment that is not reasonably packageable, the outside or body of the item may be considered to be a sufficient enclosure provided the shell or body does not reveal classified information.

(iii) If the classified material is an item or equipment that is not reasonably packageable and the shell or body is classified, it shall be concealed with an opaque covering that will hide all classified features.

(iv) Specialized shipping containers, including closed cargo transporters, may be used instead of the above packaging requirements. In such cases, the container may be considered the outer wrapping or cover.

(3) Material used for packaging shall be of such strength and durability as to provide security protection while in transit, prevent items from breaking out of the container, and to facilitate the detection of any tampering with the container. The wrappings shall conceal all classified characteristics.

(4) Closed and locked vehicles, compartments, or cars shall be used for shipments of classified information except when another method is authorized by the consignor. Alternative methods authorized by the consignor must provide security equivalent to or better than the methods specified herein. In all instances, individual packages weighing less than 200 pounds gross shall be shipped only in a closed vehicle.

(5) To minimize the possibility of compromise of classified material caused by improper or inadequate packaging thereof, responsible officials shall ensure that proper wrappings are used for mailable bulky packages. Responsible officials shall require the inspection of bulky packages to determine whether the material is suitable for mailing or whether it should be transmitted by other approved means.

(6) When classified material is hand-carried outside an activity, a locked briefcase may serve as the outer wrapper. In such cases, the addressing requirements of paragraph (b)(4) of this section do not apply; however, the requirements of paragraph (b)(3) of this section are applicable.

(b) Addressing. (1) Classified information shall be addressed to an official government activity or DoD contractor with a facility clearance and not to an individual. This is not intended, however, to prevent use of office code numbers or such phrases in the address as “Attention: Research Department,” or similar aids in expediting internal routing, in addition to the organization address.

(2) Classified written information shall be folded or packed in such a manner that the text will not be in direct contact with the inner envelope or container. A receipt form shall be attached to or enclosed in the inner envelope or container for all Secret and Top Secret information; Confidential information will require a receipt only if the originator deems it necessary. The mailing of written materials of different classifications in a single package should be avoided. However, when written materials of different classifications are transmitted in one package, they shall be wrapped in a single inner envelope or container. A receipt listing all classified information for which a receipt is requested shall be attached or enclosed. The inner envelope or container shall be marked with the highest classification of the contents.

(3) The inner envelope or container shall show the address of the receiving activity, classification, including, where appropriate, the “Restricted Data” marking, and any applicable special instructions. It shall be carefully sealed to minimize the possibility of access without leaving evidence of tampering.

(4) An outer or single envelope or container shall show the complete and correct address and the return address of the sender.

(5) An outer cover or single envelope or container shall not bear a classification marking, a listing of the contents divulging classified information, or any other unusual data or marks that might invite special attention to the fact that the contents are classified.

(6) Care must be taken to ensure that classified information intended only for U.S. elements of international staffs or other organizations is addressed specifically to those elements.

(c) Receipt Systems. (1) Top Secret information shall be transmitted under a chain of receipts covering each individual who gets custody.

(2) Secret information shall be covered by a receipt when transmitted to a foreign government (including foreign government embassies located in the United States) and when transmitted between major subordinate elements of DoD Components and other authorized addressees except that a receipt is not required when there is a hand-to-hand transfer between U.S. personnel and the recipient acknowledges responsibility for the Secret information.

(3) Receipts for Confidential information are not required except when the information is transmitted to a foreign government (including foreign government embassies located in the United States) or upon request.

(4) Receipts shall be provided by the transmitter of the material and the forms shall be attached to the inner cover.

(i) Postcard receipt forms may be used.

(ii) Receipt forms shall be unclassified and contain only such information as is necessary to identify the material being transmitted.

(iii) Receipts shall be retained for at least 2 years.

(5) In those instances where a fly-leaf (page check) form is used with classified publications, the postcard receipt will not be required.

(d) Exceptions. Exceptions may be authorized to the requirements contained in this subpart by the head of the Component concerned or designee, provided the exception affords equal protection and accountability to that provided above. Proposed exceptions that do not meet these minimum standards shall be submitted to the DUSD(P) for approval.