6 C.F.R. § 7.24 Duration of classification.
Title 6 - Homeland Security
(a) At the time of original classification, original classification authorities shall apply a date or event in which the information will be automatically declassified. (b) The original classification authority shall attempt to establish a specific date or event not more than 10 years after the date of origination in which the information will be automatically declassified. If the original classification authority cannot determine an earlier specific date or event it shall be marked for automatic declassification 10 years from the date of origination. (c) If the original classification authority determines that the sensitivity of the information requires classification beyond 10 years, it may be marked for automatic declassification for up to 25 years from the date of original classification decision. (d) Original classification authorities do not have the authority to classify or retain the classification of information beyond 25 years from the date of origination. The only exception to this rule is when disclosure of the information could be expected to reveal the identity of a confidential human source or human intelligence source. In this instance, the information may be marked for declassification as “25X1–Human,” indicating that the information is exempt from the “25 Year Rule” for automatic declassification. This marking is not authorized for use when the information pertains to non-human intelligence sources or intelligence methods. In all other instances, classification beyond 25 years shall only be authorized in accordance with §7.28 of this part and Executive Order 12958, as amended.
Title 6: Homeland Security
PART 7—CLASSIFIED NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION
Subpart B—Classified Information
§ 7.24 Duration of classification.
