what requirements apply when transmitting secret information

Transmitting Secret classified information requires strict adherence to federal security standards under and the. These rules ensure materials are protected from unauthorized access, tamper-evident, and delivered only to authorized recipients with proper storage capabilities.

Core Preparation & Packaging Rules

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• Recipient Verification. Before sending, you must verify that the recipient holds an appropriate security clearance, has a valid need-to-know, and possesses an approved storage facility.
• Double-Wrapping. Physical materials sent outside a facility must be enclosed in two opaque, tamper-evident layers. [1, 2]
• Inner Wrapper Markings. The inner container must display the sender and recipient addresses, the SECRET classification level at the top and bottom, and any special handling warnings.
• Outer Wrapper Restrictions. The outer container must show the sender and recipient addresses, but it must never display classification markings or indicate that the contents are classified.
• Receipts & Accountability. You must include a classified material receipt inside the inner wrapper and ensure the recipient provides timely confirmation of delivery.

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Approved Transmission Methods (Within the U.S.)

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• Top Secret Approved Channels. You may use any method approved for Top Secret information, including direct person-to-person contact, the Defense Courier Service (USTRANSCOM), or a designated courier/escort with at least a Secret clearance.
• USPS Express or Registered Mail. You may use U.S. Postal Service Express Mail or Registered Mail. When using USPS Express Mail, you must never complete the “Waiver of Signature and Indemnity” block.
• Cleared Commercial Carriers. You may use cleared commercial carriers, messengers, or the current holder of the General Services Administration (GSA) contract for overnight delivery, provided the carrier offers automated tracking and requires a recipient signature.
• No Street-Side Collection Boxes. Depositing Secret mail into external, street-side mail collection boxes is strictly prohibited. Packages must be handed directly to an authorized postal or carrier employee.
• Approved Electronic Systems. Electronic transmission (such as secure email, encrypted networks like SIPRNet, or secure fax) is permitted only over systems accredited and approved for Secret-level cryptographic communications. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

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International & Hand-Carry Rules

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• Outside the U.S. Secret materials sent internationally must travel via U.S. government couriers, the Department of State Courier Service, or U.S. Registered Mail through the Military Postal Service (provided the mail stays under U.S. citizen control and never passes through a foreign postal system).
• Hand-Carrying Requirements. Authorized personnel hand-carrying Secret items must maintain constant, continuous physical protection over the material and travel point-to-point without unauthorized stops. International hand-carrying by contractors requires advance written approval from the Cognizant Security Agency (CSA), airport/customs coordination, and a courier authorization letter. [1, 2, 4, 8, 9]

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