Packaging Classified Documents
http://www.cdse.edu/resources/supplemental-videos-packaging.html
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The purpose of this video is to provide baseline procedures to be used when packaging
classified materials for transmission or transportation of envelopes and small parcels.
Though all demonstrations are done using envelopes, the same basic rules apply for
small parcels.
Classified materials must be prepared for transmission or transportation. They are to be
packaged, and sealed in a way that minimizes the risk of accidental exposure and
facilitates detection of tampering.
Authorization for these methods can be found in the DoD and Industrial Security
policies. Links to these resources are available on the Defense Security Service (DSS)
web page.
Your specific program and component guidelines may also specify enhanced
requirements.
Preparation
Prevent classified documents from coming in direct contact with the inner wrapper
where there is a risk of exposure through image transfer.
To avoid direct contact between classified text and the inner wrapper you can use a
document coversheet to provide protection and to indicate the classification level of the
documents. Use Standard Form 703 for Top Secret documents, Standard Form 704 for
Secret documents or Standard Form 705 for Confidential documents.
To begin, select the proper document coversheet and place it, face up, on top of the
classified document. Since this document is classified as confidential, the Blue
confidential coversheet should be selected. If your document has text or images on both
sides, then both sides must be protected.
Other ways to protect the classified document text from image transfer are: unclassified
transmittal letters, cardboard, and opaque or non-transparent paper.
If the document only has text or images on one side, and there is no cover sheet
available, or if the envelope you are using is smaller than the size of the document, you
can fold the document in half with the text facing inward.
When receipts are required, enclose them in the inner wrapper and maintain a
suspense copy of the receipt until the signed copy is returned. The receipt shown is for
demonstration purposes only.
Packaging Classified Documents
http://www.cdse.edu/resources/supplemental-videos-packaging.html
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Inner Wrapper
Once the classified material has been prepared, it must be protected with two layers of
durable, opaque wrapping or packing material so that no one can see the material
inside.
The first layer is the inner wrapper. This could be an opaque envelope or other opaque
material.
Place the prepared material within the proper size opaque inner wrapper.
Inner Seal
After placing the classified material and receipt, if required, in the opaque inner wrapper,
carefully seal the inner wrapper.
The use of reinforced gummed tape is recommended to facilitate the detection of
deliberate tempering and to prevent accidental exposure that may occur during transit.
All seams should be sealed.
Inner Address
Put the complete return address in the upper left hand corner of the inner wrapper. If
you use a prepared label, be sure to press down firmly to prevent the label from coming
loose.
Always verify the receiving activity’s mailing address prior to transmission. Some
contractors and activities may have a specific mailing address for the receipt of
classified materials or their address may have changed.
If the package is being sent to a cleared DoD contractor, the address could be verified
online through the Industrial Security Facilities Database (ISFD). You can get to the
ISFD through the Defense Security Service (DSS) website.
Address the inner wrapper to an official government activity or DoD contractor. It is
recommended that the address on all inner wrappers contain the name and office
symbol of the intended recipient to expedite accurate delivery.
Because the individual opening the outer wrapper may not be the intended recipient, it
is essential to properly address the inner wrapper so that they will be able to
immediately identify the intended recipient.
Inner Marking
Mark the inner wrapper with the highest level of classified information that it contains.
These markings should be located at the top and bottom on all accessible sides of the
inner wrapper.
Include additional markings for any special types of handling instructions on the inner
wrapper.
Packaging Classified Documents
http://www.cdse.edu/resources/supplemental-videos-packaging.html
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With proper markings on the inner wrapper, whoever opens the mail will be able to
immediately identify the level of classification and special handling.
Outer Wrapper
As noted earlier, classified information must be transmitted or transported in two layers
of protection and, like the first or inner layer, the second or outer layer must be opaque
so that no one can see the material inside. The outer layer must also be durable enough
to protect the material from damage or accidental observation during transmission or
transportation.
During transmission the package’s only physical protection is the integrity of the
wrapper. Opaque envelopes, corrugated cardboard and heavyweight craft paper are
possible outer packaging materials.
The outer wrapper needs to be large enough to contain the inner wrapper with limited
free space. It’s important to minimize the movement of the inner wrapper to prevent any
shift in contents from compromising the seams of the outer wrapper.
Insert the inner wrapper into the outer wrapper.
Outer Seal
Like the inner wrapper, the outer wrapper must be sealed to prevent accidental
exposure during transit.
The use of reinforced gummed tape is recommended to facilitate the detection of
deliberate tampering and to prevent accidental exposure that may occur during transit.
Reinforced gummed tape can also help increase the integrity of the seal on the
wrapper, especially when the contents are heavy.
Outer Address
Put the complete return address in the upper left hand corner of the outer wrapper. If
you use a prepared label, be sure to press down firmly to prevent the label from coming
loose.
Address the outer wrapper to an official government or DoD contractor, making sure
that the address label is legible. The address should have already been verified from a
previous step.
Do not address it to an individual’s name on the outer wrapper. Office codes, numbers,
or phrases in the address line are permissible.
Outer Marking
The outer wrapper should not have any classification markings or special handling
instructions indicating its contents are classified.
Packaging Classified Documents
http://www.cdse.edu/resources/supplemental-videos-packaging.html
4
Refer to the guidance given in the shipping section to see if your package is authorized
for transmission using U.S. Postal Service, First Class Mail. If so, the outer wrapper
needs to be marked “Postmaster Do Not Forward”.
Shipping
It is advisable to confirm that an authorized person will be able to receive the material.
Authorization for these methods can be found in DoD and Industrial Security policy as
well as in the Transmission and Transportation courses. These resources are located
on the Defense Security Service’s website where you can find relevant policies as well
as the current course catalog. Please note that your specific program and component
guidelines may also specify enhanced requirements.
Summary
Classified packages must be prepared for transmission and transportation by preparing,
packaging, sealing, and addressing them properly.
By following the procedures outlined in this video you will minimize the risk of accidental
exposure and facilitate the detection of deliberate tampering of classified materials
during transmission and transportation.