17 C.F.R. PART 232—REGULATION S-T—GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ELECTRONIC FILINGS
Title 17 - Commodity and Securities Exchanges
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 77f, 77g, 77h, 77j, 77s(a), 77sss(a), 78c(b), 78l, 78m, 78n, 78o(d), 78w(a), 78ll(d), 79t(a), 80a–8, 80a–29, 80a–30, 80a–37, and 7201 et seq.; and 18 U.S.C. 1350.
Section 232.302 is also issued under secs. 3(a) and 302, Pub.L. No. 107–204, 116 Stat. 745. Source: 58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
(a) This part, in conjunction with the EDGAR Filer Manual and the electronic filing provisions of applicable rules, regulations and forms, shall govern the electronic submission of documents filed or otherwise submitted to the Commission and shall be controlling for an electronic format document in the manner and respects provided in this part. (b) Each registrant, third party filer, or agent to whom the Commission previously has not assigned a Central Index Key (CIK) code, must, before filing on EDGAR: (1) File electronically a Form ID (§§239.63, 249.446, 259.602, 269.7 and 274.402 of this chapter), the uniform application for access codes to file on EDGAR, and (2) File in paper by fax, within two business days before or after electronically filing the Form ID, a notarized document, manually signed by the applicant over the applicant's typed signature, that includes the information contained in the Form ID, confirms the authenticity of the Form ID and, if filed after electronically filing the Form ID, includes the accession number assigned to the electronically filed Form ID as a result of its filing. Note: The Commission strongly urges any person or entity about to become subject to the disclosure and filing requirements of the federal securities laws to submit a Form ID well in advance of the first required filing, including a registration statement relating to an initial public offering, in order to facilitate electronic filing on a timely basis. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 36456, July 8, 1997; 64 FR 27894, May 21, 1999; 69 FR 22709, Apr. 26, 2004] Unless otherwise specifically provided, the terms used in Regulation S-T (part 232 of this chapter) have the same meanings as in the federal securities laws and the rules, regulations and forms promulgated thereunder. In addition, the following definitions of terms apply specifically to electronic format documents and shall apply wherever they appear in laws, rules, regulations and forms governing such documents, unless the context otherwise specifies: Animated graphics. The term animated graphics means text or images that do not remain static but that may move when viewed in a browser. ASCII document. The term ASCII document means an electronic text document with contents limited to American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) characters and that is tagged with Standard Generalized Mark Up Language (SGML) tags in the format required for ASCII/SGML documents by the EDGAR Filer Manual. Business development company. The term business development company has the meaning set forth in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act. Direct transmission. The term direct transmission means the transmission of one or more electronic submissions via a telephonic communication session. Disruptive code. The term disruptive code means any active content or other executable code, or any program or set of electronic computer instructions inserted into a computer, operating system, or program that replicates itself or that actually or potentially modifies or in any way alters, damages, destroys or disrupts the file content or the operation of any computer, computer file, computer database, computer system, computer network or software, and as otherwise set forth in the EDGAR Filer Manual. EDGAR. The term EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) means the computer system for the receipt, acceptance, review and dissemination of documents submitted in electronic format. EDGAR Filer Manual. The term EDGAR Filer Manual means the current version of the manual prepared by the Commission setting out the technical format requirements for an electronic submission. Note: See Rule 301 of Regulation S-T (§232.301). Electronic document. The term electronic document means the portion of an electronic submission separately tagged as an individual document in the format required by the EDGAR Filer Manual. Electronic filer. The term electronic filer means a person or an entity that submits filings electronically pursuant to Rules 100 and 101 of Regulation S-T (§§232.100 and 232.101, respectively). Electronic filing. The term electronic filing means one or more electronic documents filed under the federal securities laws that are transmitted or delivered to the Commission in electronic format. Electronic format. The term electronic format means the computerized format of a document prepared in accordance with the EDGAR Filer Manual. Electronic submission. The term electronic submission means any document, such as a filing, correspondence, or modular submission, or any discrete set of documents, transmitted or delivered to the Commission in electronic format. Exchange Act. The term Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Executable code. The term executable code means instructions to a computer to carry out operations that use features beyond the viewer's, reader's, or Internet browser's native ability to interpret and display HTML, PDF, and static graphic files. Such code may be in binary (machine language) or in script form. Executable code includes disruptive code. Header information. The term header information means information designated by the EDGAR Filer Manual to precede the text of each electronic submission and document submitted therewith via EDGAR that identifies characteristics of the submission and documents in order to facilitate electronic processing by the EDGAR system. HTML document. The term HTML document means an electronic text document tagged with HyperText Markup Language tags in the format required by the EDGAR Filer Manual. Hypertext links or hyperlinks. The term hypertext links or hyperlinks means the representation of an Internet address in a form that an Internet browser application can recognize as an Internet address. Investment Company Act. The term Investment Company Act means the Investment Company Act of 1940. Modular submission. The term modular submission means an electronic submission that contains one or more documents, or portions of a document, submitted for storage in the non-public EDGAR data storage area for purposes of subsequent inclusion in one or more electronic filings pursuant to Rule 501(a) of Regulation S-T (§232.501(a)). Official filing. The term official filing means any filing that is received and accepted by the Commission, regardless of filing medium and exclusive of header information, tags and any other technical information required in an electronic filing; except that electronic identification of investment company type and inclusion of identifiers for series and class (or contract, in the case of separate accounts of insurance companies) as required by rule 313 of Regulation S-T (§232.313) are deemed part of the official filing. Original. The term original, when used or implied in the securities laws, rules, regulations or forms, includes the writing itself or any counterpart intended to have the same effect by a person executing or issuing it. If data are stored in a computer or similar device, any printout or other output readable by sight, shown to reflect the data accurately, is an original. Paper format. The term paper format means a paper document. Public Utility Act. The term Public Utility Act means the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Registrant. The term registrant means an issuer of securities for which a Securities Act registration statement is required to be filed and/or an issuer of securities with respect to which an Exchange Act registration statement or report is required to be filed and/or an investment company required to file an Investment Company Act registration statement or report. Securities Act. The term Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933. Segmented Filing. The term segmented filing means an electronic format document assembled from segments previously submitted to the non-public EDGAR data storage for one-time inclusion in an electronic filing pursuant to Rule 501(b) of Regulation S-T (§232.501(b)). Tag. The term tag means an identifier that highlights specific information to EDGAR that is in the format required by the EDGAR Filer Manual. Third party filer. The term third party filer means any person or entity that files documents with the Commission with respect to another entity. Trust Indenture Act. The term Trust Indenture Act means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Unofficial PDF copy. The term unofficial PDF copy means an optional copy of an electronic document that may be included in an EDGAR submission tagged as a Portable Document Format document in the format required by the EDGAR Filer Manual and submitted in accordance with Rule 104 of Regulation S-T (§232.104). XBRL-Related Documents. The term XBRL-Related Documents means documents related to presenting information in eXtensible Business Reporting Language that are part of a voluntary submission in electronic format in accordance with §232.401. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 36456, July 8, 1997; 64 FR 27894, May 21, 1999; 65 FR 24800, Apr. 27, 2000; 70 FR 6571, Feb. 8, 2005; 70 FR 43569, July 27, 2005] (a) General. The principal office of the Commission, at 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549, is open each day, except Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Saving Time, whichever is currently in effect, provided that hours for the filing of documents pursuant to the Acts or the rules and regulations thereunder are as set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. (b) Submissions made in paper. Filers may submit paper documents filed with or otherwise furnished to the Commission each day, except Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Saving Time, whichever is currently in effect. (c) Submissions by direct transmission. Electronic filings and other documents may be submitted by direct transmission, via dial-up modem or Internet, to the Commission each day, except Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Saving Time, whichever is currently in effect. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993; 58 FR 21349, Apr. 21, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 67761, Dec. 30, 1994; 65 FR 24800, Apr. 27, 2000; 65 FR 24800, Apr. 27, 2000; 68 FR 25799, May 13, 2003] (a) General. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the business day on which a filing is received by the Commission shall be the date of filing thereof, if: (i) All requirements of the Acts and rules applicable to such filing have been complied with; (ii) The filing conforms to the applicable technical standards regarding electronic format in the EDGAR Filer Manual; and (iii) With respect to Securities Act filings, including filings under section 24(f) of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a–24(f)), the required fee payment has been confirmed, provided that the failure to pay an insignificant amount of the fee at the time of the filing, as a result of a bona fide error, shall not affect the date of filing. (2) If the conditions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section are otherwise satisfied, all filings submitted by direct transmission commencing on or before 5:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Saving Time, whichever is currently in effect, shall be deemed filed on the same business day, and all filings submitted by direct transmission commencing after 5:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Saving Time, whichever is currently in effect, shall be deemed filed as of the next business day. (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(2) of this section, any registration statement or any post-effective amendment thereto filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) (§230.462(b) of this chapter) by direct transmission commending on or before 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Savings Time, whichever is currently in effect, shall be deemed filed on the same business day. (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a Form 3, 4 or 5 (§§249.103, 249.104 and 249.105 of this chapter) submitted by direct transmission on or before 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Saving Time, whichever is currently in effect, shall be deemed filed on the same business day. Note: Electronic filings that have an automatic or immediate effective date must be deemed filed, as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, before any waiting period for automatic effectiveness commences or before the filing becomes immediately effective, whichever applies. (b) Adjustment of the filing date. If an electronic filer in good faith attempts to file a document with the Commission in a timely manner but the filing is delayed due to technical difficulties beyond the electronic filer's control, the electronic filer may request an adjustment of the filing date of such document. The Commission, or the staff acting pursuant to delegated authority, may grant the request if it appears that such adjustment is appropriate and consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors. (c) Payment of fees. Fees required with respect to a filing that is submitted electronically shall be paid in accordance with the procedures set forth in Instructions for Filing Fees—Rule 3a of the Commission's Informal and Other Procedures (§202.3a of this chapter). Note: All filing fees paid by electronic filers must be submitted to the lockbox depository, as provided in Rule 3a, including those pertaining to documents filed in paper pursuant to a hardship exemption. (d) Where the Commission's rules, schedules and forms provide that a document must be filed on the same day it is published, furnished, sent or given to security holders or others, an electronic filer may file the document with the Commission electronically before or on the date the document is published, furnished, sent or given, or if such publication or distribution does not occur during the official business hours of the Commission, as soon as practicable on the next business day. Any associated time periods shall be calculated on the basis of the publication or distribution date (as applicable), and not on the basis of the date of filing. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 67761, Dec. 30, 1994; 60 FR 26618, May 17, 1995; 62 FR 47938, Sept. 12, 1997; 64 FR 61451, Nov. 10, 1999; 68 FR 25799, May 13, 2003] The Commission will not accept in paper format any filing required to be submitted electronically under Rules 100 and 101 of Regulation S-T (§§232.100 and 232.101 respectively), unless the filing satisfies the requirements for a temporary or continuing hardship exemption under Rule 201 or 202 of Regulation S-T (§§232.201 or 232.202 respectively). [62 FR 58649, Oct. 30, 1997] The following persons or entities shall be subject to the electronic filing requirements of this part 232: (a) Registrants whose filings are subject to review by the Division of Corporation Finance; (b) Registrants whose filings are subject to review by the Division of Investment Management; and (c) Any party (including natural persons) that files a document jointly with, or as a third party filer with respect to, a registrant that is subject to mandated electronic filing requirements. [62 FR 36456, July 8, 1997, as amended at 67 FR 36699, May 24, 2002] (a) Mandated electronic submissions. (1) The following filings, including any related correspondence and supplemental information, except as otherwise provided, shall be submitted in electronic format: (i) Registration statements and prospectuses filed pursuant to the Securities Act (15 U.S.C. 77a, et seq.) or registration statements filed pursuant to Sections 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78l(b) or (g)); (ii) Statements and applications filed with the Commission pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act (15 U.S.C. 77aaa et seq.), other than applications for exemptive relief filed pursuant to section 304 (15 U.S.C. 77ddd) and section 310 (15 U.S.C. 77jjj) of that Act; (iii) Statements, reports and schedules filed with the Commission pursuant to sections 13, 14, 15(d) or 16(a) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m, 78n, 78o(d) and 78p(a)), and proxy materials required to be furnished for the information of the Commission in connection with annual reports on Form 10–K (§249.310 of this chapter), or Form 10–KSB (§249.310b of this chapter) filed pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; Note 1. Electronic filers filing Schedules 13D and 13G with respect to foreign private issuers should include in the submission header all zeroes (i.e., 00–0000000) for the IRS tax identification number because the EDGAR system requires an IRS number tag to be inserted for the subject company as a prerequisite to acceptance of the filing. Note 2. Foreign private issuers must file or submit their Form 6-K reports (§249.306 of this chapter) in electronic format, except as otherwise permitted by paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(7) of this section. (iv) Documents filed with the Commission pursuant to sections 8, 17, 20, 23(c), 24(b), 24(e), 24(f), and 30 of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a–8, 80a–17, 80a–20, 80a–23(c), 80a–24(b), 80a–24(e), 80a–24(f), and 80a–29); provided, however that submissions under section 6(c) of that Act (15 U.S.C. 80a–6(c)) and documents related to applications for exemptive relief under any section of that Act, shall not be made in electronic format; (v) Documents filed with the Commission pursuant to the Public Utility Act (15 U.S.C. 79a et seq.); (vi) Form CB (§§239.800 and 249.480 of this chapter) filed or submitted under §230.801 or 230.802 of this chapter or §240.13e–4(h)(8), 240.14d–1(c), or 240.14e–2(d) of this chapter if the party filing or submitting the Form CB is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); (vii) Form F-X (§239.42 of this chapter) except as otherwise provided by §232.101(b)(9); (viii) Form F-N (§239.43 of this chapter) filed by foreign banks and insurance companies and certain of their holding companies and finance subsidiaries under §230.489 of this chapter; (ix) Form ID (§§239.63, 249.446, 259.602, 269.7 and 274.402 of this chapter), except that the authenticating document required by Rule 10(b) of Regulation S-T (§232.10(b)) shall not be filed in electronic format, and related correspondence and supplemental information submitted after filing Form ID shall not be submitted in electronic format; (x) Form 19b–4 (§249.819 of this chapter); and (xi) Form 25 (§249.25 of this chapter). (2) The following amendments to filings, including any related correspondence and supplemental information except as otherwise provided, shall be submitted as follows: (i) Any amendment to a filing by or relating to a registrant required to file electronically, including any amendment to a paper filing, shall be submitted in electronic format; (ii) The first electronic amendment to a paper format Schedule 13D (§240.13d–101 of this chapter) or Schedule 13G (§240.13d–102 of this chapter), shall restate the entire text of the Schedule 13D or 13G, but previously filed paper exhibits to such Schedules are not required to be restated electronically. See Rule 102 (§232.102) regarding amendments to exhibits previously filed in paper format. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the sole purpose of filing the first electronic Schedule 13D or 13G amendment is to report a change in beneficial ownership that would terminate the filer's obligation to report, the amendment need not include a restatement of the entire text of the Schedule being amended. (3) Supplemental information shall be submitted in electronic format except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. The information shall be stored in the non-public EDGAR data storage area as correspondence. Supplemental information that is submitted in electronic format shall not be returned. Note: Failure to submit a required electronic filing pursuant to this paragraph (a), as well as any required confirming electronic copy of a paper filing made in reliance on a hardship exemption, as provided in Rules 201 and 202 of Regulation S-T (§§232.201 and 232.202), will result in ineligibility to use Forms S–2, S–3, S–8, F–2 and F–3 (see §§239.12, 239.13, 239.16b, 239.32 and 239.33 of this chapter, respectively), restrict incorporation by reference of the document submitted in paper (see Rule 303 of Regulation S-T (§232.303)), or toll certain time periods associated with tender offers (see Rule 13e–4(f)(12) (§240.13e–4(f)(12) of this chapter) and Rule 14e–1(e) (§240.14e–1(e) of this chapter)). (b) Permitted electronic submissions. The following documents may be submitted to the Commission in electronic format, at the option of the electronic filer: (1) Annual reports to security holders furnished for the information of the Commission under §240.14a–3(c) of this chapter or §240.14c–3(b) of this chapter, under the requirements of Form 10–K or Form 10–KSB (§§249.310 or 249.310b of this chapter) filed by registrants under Exchange Act Section 15(d) (15 U.S.C. 78o(d)), or by foreign private issuers filed on Form 6–K (§249.306 of this chapter) under §240.13a–16 of this chapter or §240.15d–16 of this chapter; (2) Notices of exempt solicitation furnished for the information of the Commission pursuant to Rule 14a–6(g) (§240.14a–6(g) of this chapter) and notices of exempt preliminary roll-up communications furnished for the information of the Commission pursuant to Rule 14a–6(n) (§240.14a–6(n) of this chapter); (3) Form 11–K (§249.311 of this chapter). Registrants who satisfy their Form 11–K filing obligations by filing amendments to Forms 10–K or 10–KSB, as provided by Rule 15d–21 (§240.15d–21 of this chapter), also may choose to file such amendments in paper or electronic format; (4) Form 144 (§239.144 of this chapter), where the issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d), respectively); (5) Periodic reports and reports with respect to distributions of primary obligations filed by: (i) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development under Section 15(a) of the Bretton Woods Agreements Act (22 U.S.C. 286k–1(a)) and Part 285 of this chapter; (ii) The Inter-American Development Bank under Section 11(a) of the Inter-American Development Bank Act (22 U.S.C. 283h(a)) and Part 286 of this chapter; (iii) The Asian Development Bank under Section 11(a) of the Asian Development Bank Act (22 U.S.C. 285h(a)) and Part 287 of this chapter; (iv) The African Development Bank under Section 9(a) of the African Development Bank Act (22 U.S.C. 290i–9(a)) and Part 288 of this chapter; (v) The International Finance Corporation under Section 13(a) of the International Finance Corporation Act (22 U.S.C. 282k(a)) and Part 289 of this chapter; and (vi) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development under Section 9(a) of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Act (22 U.S.C. 290l–7(a)) and Part 290 of this chapter; (6) A report or other document submitted by a foreign private issuer under cover of Form 6–K (§249.306 of this chapter) that the issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the issuer is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the foreign private issuer's “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the issuer's securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the issuer's security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6–K or other Commission filing or submission on EDGAR; (7) Form CB (§§239.800 and 249.480 of this chapter) if the party filing or submitting the Form CB is not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); (8) Form F-X (§239.42 of this chapter) if: (i) The party filing or submitting a Form CB (§§239.800 and 249.480 of this chapter) is not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m or 15 U.S.C. 78o(d)); or (ii) Filed by a Canadian issuer when qualifying an offering statement pursuant to the provisions of Regulation A (§§230.251–230.263 of this chapter); and (9) Documents filed with the Commission pursuant to section 33 of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a–32). (c) Documents to be submitted in paper only. The following shall not be submitted in electronic format: (1)(i) Confidential treatment requests and the information with respect to which confidential treatment is requested; (ii) Preliminary proxy materials and information statements with respect to a matter specified in Item 14 of Schedule 14A (§240.14a–101 of this chapter) for which confidential treatment has been requested in the manner prescribed by Rule 14a–6(e)(2) (§240.14a–6(e)(2) of this chapter) or Rule 14c–5(d)(2) (§240.14c–5(d)(2) of this chapter); (2) Supplemental information, if the submitter requests that the information be protected from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 83 (§200.83 of this chapter) or if the submitter requests that the information be returned after staff review and the information is of the type typically returned by the staff pursuant to Rule 418(b) of Regulation C (§230.418(b) of this chapter) or Rule 12b–4 of Regulation 12B (§240.12b–4 of this chapter); (3) Shareholder proposals and all related correspondence submitted pursuant to Rule 14a–8 of the Exchange Act (§240.14a–8 of this chapter); (4) No-action and interpretive letter requests (§200.81 of this chapter and 15 U.S.C. 78l(h)); (5) Applications for exemptive relief filed pursuant to Sections 304 and 310 of the Trust Indenture Act; (6) Filings relating to offerings exempt from registration under the Securities Act, including filings made pursuant to Regulation A (§§230.251–230.263 of this chapter), Regulation D (§§230.501–230.506 of this chapter) and Regulation E (§§230.601–230.610a of this chapter), as well as filings on Form 144 (§239.144 of this chapter) where the issuer of the securities is not subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d), respectively); (7) Promotional and sales material submitted pursuant to Securities Act Industry Guide 5 (§229.801(e) of this chapter) or otherwise supplementally furnished for review by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance; (8) Documents and symbols in a foreign language (see Rule 306 of Regulation S-T (§232.306)); (9) Exchange Act filings submitted to the Division of Market Regulation, except for Form 19b–4 (§249.819 of this chapter); (10) Documents relating to investigations and litigation submitted pursuant to the Subpart D of Part 201 of this chapter; (11) Submissions under Sections 6(c), 17(g), and 33 of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a–6(c), 80a–17(g), and 80a–32) and documents related to applications for exemptive relief under any section of the Act; (12) Annual Reports to Security Holders furnished by Public Utility Holding Companies under Exhibit A to Form U5S (§259.5s of this chapter) or under rule 29 (§250.29 of this chapter); (13) Reports to State Commissions, if furnished by Public Utility Holding Companies under Exhibit E to Form U5S (§259.5s of this chapter); (14) Maps furnished by Public Utility Holding Companies under Exhibits E to Forms U5B and U–1 (§§259.5b and 259.101 of this chapter); (15) Annual reports filed with the Commission by indenture trustees pursuant to Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act (15 U.S.C. 77mmm); and (16) Applications for an exemption from Exchange Act reporting obligations filed pursuant to Section 12(h) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78l(h)). [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993; 58 FR 26383, May 3, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 67761, Dec. 30, 1994; 60 FR 32824, June 23, 1995; 60 FR 57684, Nov. 17, 1995; 61 FR 67202, Dec. 20, 1996; 62 FR 36456, July 8, 1997; 62 FR 39763, July 24, 1997; 64 FR 2849, Jan. 19, 1999; 64 FR 19471, Apr. 21, 1999; 64 FR 27894, May 21, 1999; 67 FR 36699, May 24, 2002; 68 FR 25799, June 30, 2003; 69 FR 22709, Apr. 26, 2004; 69 FR 60299, Oct. 8, 2004; 70 FR 42467, July 22, 2005; 70 FR 43569, July 27, 2005; 71 FR 7679, Feb. 14, 2006] (a) Exhibits to an electronic filing that have not previously been filed with the Commission shall be filed in electronic format, absent a hardship exemption. Previously filed exhibits, whether in paper or electronic format, may be incorporated by reference into an electronic filing to the extent permitted by §228.10(f) and §229.10(d) of this chapter, Rule 411 under the Securities Act (§230.411 of this chapter), Rule 12b–23 or 12b–32 under the Exchange Act (§240.12b–23 or §240.12b–32 of this chapter), Rule 22 under the Public Utility Holding Company Act (§250.22 of this chapter), Rules 0–4, 8b–23, and 8b–32 under the Investment Company Act (§270.0–4, §270.8b–23 and §270.8b–32 of this chapter) and Rule 303 of Regulation S-T (§232.303). An electronic filer may, at its option, restate in electronic format an exhibit incorporated by reference that originally was filed in paper format. Note to paragraph (b) Amendments to all exhibits shall be filed in electronic format, absent a hardship exemption. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an electronic filer shall, upon amendment, restate in electronic format its articles of incorporation, by-laws or investment advisory agreement (in the case of a registered investment company or a business development company). (d) Each electronic filing requiring exhibits must include an exhibit index which must immediately precede the exhibits filed with the document. The index must list each exhibit filed, whether filed electronically or in paper. Whenever a filer files an exhibit in paper pursuant to a temporary or continuing hardship exemption (§232.201 or §232.202) or pursuant to §232.311, the filer must place the letter “P” next to the listed exhibit in the exhibit index of the electronic filing to reflect the fact that the filer filed the exhibit in paper. In addition, if the exhibit is filed in paper pursuant to §232.311, the filer must place the designation “Rule 311” next to the letter “P” in the exhibit index. If the exhibit is filed in paper pursuant to a temporary or continuing hardship exemption, the filer must place the letters “TH” or “CH,” respectively, next to the letter “P” in the exhibit index. Whenever an electronic confirming copy of an exhibit is filed pursuant to a hardship exemption (§232.201 or §232.202(d)), the exhibit index should specify where the confirming electronic copy can be located; in addition, the designation “CE” (confirming electronic) should be placed next to the listed exhibit in the exhibit index. (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, any incorporation by reference by a registered investment company or a business development company must relate only to documents that have been filed in electronic format on the EDGAR system, unless the document has been filed in paper under a hardship exemption (§232.201 or §232.202) and any required confirming electronic copy has been submitted. (f) Persons submitting filings electronically under the Public Utility Act shall not be subject to paragraph (c) of this section. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 67762, Dec. 30, 1994; 60 FR 32824, June 23, 1995; 62 FR 36457, July 8, 1997; 64 FR 27894, May 21, 1999; 70 FR 43569, July 27, 2005] An electronic filer shall not be subject to the liability and anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws with respect to an error or omission in an electronic filing resulting solely from electronic transmission errors beyond the control of the filer, where the filer corrects the error or omission by the filing of an amendment in electronic format as soon as reasonably practicable after the electronic filer becomes aware of the error or omission. [65 FR 24800, Apr. 27, 2000] (a) An electronic submission, other than a Form 3 (§249.103 of this chapter), a Form 4 (§249.104 of this chapter), a Form 5 (§249.105 of this chapter) or a Form ID (§§239.63, 249.446, 259.602, 269.7 and 274.402 of this chapter), may include one unofficial PDF copy of each electronic document contained within that submission, tagged in the format required by the EDGAR filer manual. (b) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (f) of this section, each unofficial PDF copy must be substantively equivalent to its associated electronic document contained in the electronic submission. An unofficial PDF copy may contain graphic and image material (but not animated graphics, or audio or video material), notwithstanding the fact that its HTML or ASCII document counterpart may not contain such material but instead may contain a fair and accurate narrative description or tabular representation of any omitted graphic or image material. (c) If a filer omits an unofficial PDF copy from, or submits one or more flawed unofficial PDF copies in, the electronic submission of an official filing, the filer may add or resubmit an unofficial PDF copy by electronically submitting an amendment to the filing to which it relates. The amendment must include an explanatory note that the purpose of the amendment is to add or to correct an unofficial PDF copy. (1) If such an amendment is filed, the official amendment may consist solely of the cover page (or first page of the document), the explanatory note, and the signature page and exhibit index (where appropriate). The corresponding unofficial copy must include the complete text of the official filing document for which the amendment is being submitted. (2) If the amendment is being filed to add or resubmit an unofficial PDF copy of one or more exhibits, the submission may consist of the following: the official filing—consisting of the cover page (or first page of the document), the explanatory note, the signature page (where appropriate), the exhibit index, and a separate electronic exhibit document for each exhibit for which an unofficial PDF copy is being submitted—and the corresponding unofficial PDF copy of each exhibit document. However, the text of the official exhibit document need not repeat the text of the exhibit; that document may contain only the following legend:
RESUBMITTED TO ADD/REPLACE UNOFFICIAL PDF COPY OF EXHIBIT. (d) An unofficial PDF copy is not filed for purposes of section 11 of the Securities Act (15 U.S.C. 77k), section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), section 16 of the Public Utility Act (15 U.S.C. 79p), section 323 of the Trust Indenture Act (15 U.S.C. 77www), or section 34(b) of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-33(b)), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of such sections, and is not part of any registration statement to which it relates. An unofficial PDF copy is, however, subject to all other civil liability and anti-fraud provisions of the above Acts or other laws. (e) Unofficial PDF copies that are prospectuses are subject to liability under Section 12 of the Securities Act (15 U.S.C. 77l). (f) An unofficial PDF copy of a correspondence document contained in an electronic submission need not be substantively equivalent to that correspondence document. [64 FR 27895, May 21, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 24800, Apr. 27, 2000; 68 FR 25799, May 13, 2003; 69 FR 22709, Apr. 26, 2004] (a) Electronic filers must submit the following documents in ASCII: Form N-SAR (§274.101 of this chapter) and Form 13F (§249.325 of this chapter). Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, electronic filers may submit exhibits to Form N-SAR in HTML. (b) Electronic filers may not include in any HTML document hypertext links to sites, locations, or documents outside the HTML document, except to links to officially filed documents within the current submission and to documents previously filed electronically and located in the EDGAR database on the Commission's public web site (www.sec.gov). Electronic filers also may include within an HTML document hypertext links to different sections within that single HTML document. (c) If a filer includes an external hypertext link within a filed document, the information contained in the linked material will not be considered part of the document for determining compliance with reporting obligations, but the inclusion of the link will cause the filer to be subject to the civil liability and antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws with reference to the information contained in the linked material. [65 FR 24800, Apr. 27, 2000] (a) Electronic submissions must not contain executable code. Attempted submissions identified as containing executable code will be suspended, unless the executable code is contained only in one or more PDF documents, in which case the submission will be accepted but the PDF document(s) containing executable code will be deleted and not disseminated. (b) If an electronic submission has been accepted, and the Commission staff later determines that the accepted submission contains executable code, the staff may delete from the EDGAR system the entire accepted electronic submission or any document contained in the accepted electronic submission. The Commission staff may direct the electronic filer to resubmit electronically replacement document(s) or a replacement submission in its entirety, in compliance with this provision and the EDGAR Filer Manual. Note to [64 FR 27895, May 21, 1999] (a) If an electronic filer experiences unanticipated technical difficulties preventing the timely preparation and submission of an electronic filing, other than a Form 3 (§249.103 of this chapter), a Form 4 (§249.104 of this chapter), a Form 5 (§249.105 of this chapter) or a Form ID (§§239.63, 249.446, 259.602, 269.7 and 274.402 of this chapter), the electronic filer may file the subject filing, under cover of Form TH (§§239.65, 249.447, 259.604, 269.10 and 274.404 of this chapter), in paper format no later than one business day after the date on which the filing was to be made. (1) An electronic imaged copy of the paper format document shall be the official filing for purposes of the federal securities laws. (2) The following legend shall be set forth in capital letters on the cover page of the paper format document:
IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 201 OF REGULATION S-T, THIS (specify document) IS BEING FILED IN PAPER PURSUANT TO A TEMPORARY HARDSHIP EXEMPTION (3) Signatures to the paper format document may be in typed form rather than manual format. See Rule 302 of Regulation S-T (§232.302). All other requirements relating to paper format filings shall be satisfied. (4) If the exemption pertains to a document filed pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m and 78o(d)) or section 30 of the Investment Company Act and the paper format document is filed in the manner specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the filing shall be deemed to have been filed by its required due date. Notes to paragraph 2. Filers unable to submit a report within a prescribed time period because of electronic difficulties shall comply with the provisions of this section and shall not use Form 12b–25 (§249.322 of this chapter) as a notification of late filing. (b) An electronic format copy of the filed paper format document shall be submitted to the Commission within six business days of filing the paper format document. The electronic format version shall contain the following statement in capital letters at the top of the first page of the document:
THIS DOCUMENT IS A COPY OF THE (specify document) FILED ON (date) PURSUANT TO A RULE 201 TEMPORARY HARDSHIP EXEMPTION Note 1: Failure to submit the confirming electronic copy of a paper filing made in reliance on the temporary hardship exemption, as required in paragraph (b) of this section, will result in ineligibility to use Forms S–2, S–3, S–8, F–2 and F–3 (see §§239.12, 239.13, 239.16b, 239.32 and 239.33 of this section, respectively), restrict incorporation by reference of the document submitted in paper (see Rule 303 of Regulation S-T (§232.303)), and toll certain time periods associated with tender offers (see Rule 13e–4(f)(12) (§240.13e–4(f)(12) of this chapter) and Rule 14e–1(e) (§240.14e–1(e) of this chapter). [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 36457, July 8, 1997; 68 FR 25799, May 13, 2003; 69 FR 22710, Apr. 26, 2004; 70 FR 43569, July 27, 2005] (a) An electronic filer may apply in writing for a continuing hardship exemption if all or part of a filing or group of filings, other than a Form ID (§§239.63, 249.446, 259.602, 269.7 and 274.402 of this chapter), otherwise to be filed in electronic format cannot be so filed without undue burden or expense. Such written application shall be made at least ten business days prior to the required due date of the filing(s) or the proposed filing date, as appropriate, or within such shorter period as may be permitted. The written application shall contain the information set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. (1) The application shall not be deemed granted until the applicant is notified by the Commission or the staff. (2) If the Commission, or the staff acting pursuant to delegated authority, denies the application for a continuing hardship exemption, the electronic filer shall file the required document in electronic format on the required due date or the proposed filing date or such other date as may be permitted. (3) If the Commission, or the staff acting pursuant to delegated authority, determines that the grant of the exemption is appropriate and consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors and so notifies the applicant, the electronic filer shall follow the procedures set forth in paragraph (c) of this section. (b) The request for the continuing hardship exemption shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) The reason(s) that the necessary hardware and software is not available without unreasonable burden and expense; (2) The burden and expense involved to employ alternative means to make the electronic submission; and/or (3) The reasons for not submitting electronically the document or group of documents, as well as justification for the requested time period. (c) If the request is granted, the electronic filer shall submit the document or group of documents for which the continuing hardship exemption is granted in paper format on the required due date specified in the applicable form, rule or regulation, or the proposed filing date, as appropriate. The following legend shall be placed in capital letters at the top of the cover page of the paper format document(s):
IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 202 OF REGULATION S-T, THIS (specify document) IS BEING FILED IN PAPER PURSUANT TO A CONTINUING HARDSHIP EXEMPTION (d) If a continuing hardship exemption is granted for a limited time period, the grant may be conditioned upon the filing of the document or group of documents that is the subject of the exemption in electronic format upon the expiration of the period for which the exemption is granted. The electronic format version shall contain the following statement in capital letters at the top of the first page of the document:
THIS DOCUMENT IS A COPY OF THE (specify document) FILED ON (DATE) PURSUANT TO A RULE 202(d) CONTINUING HARDSHIP EXEMPTION. Note 1: Where a continuing hardship exemption is granted with respect to an exhibit only, the paper format exhibit shall be filed under cover of Form SE (§§239.64, 249.444, 259.603, 269.8 and 274.403 of this chapter). Note 2: If the exemption relates to an exhibit only and a confirming electronic copy of the exhibit is required to be submitted, the exhibit should be refiled in electronic format in an amendment to the filing to which it relates. The confirming copy tag should not be used. The amendment should note that the purpose of the amendment is to add an electronic copy of an exhibit previously filed in paper pursuant to a continuing hardship exemption. Note 3: Failure to submit a required confirming electronic copy of a paper filing made in reliance on a continuing hardship exemption granted pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section will result in ineligibility to use Forms S–2, S–3, S–8, F–2 and F–3 (see, §§239.12, 239.13, 239.16b, 239.32 and 239.33, respectively), restrict incorporation by reference of the document submitted in paper (see Rule 303 of Regulation S-T (§232.303), and toll certain time periods associated with tender offers (see Rule 13e–4(f)(12) (§240.13e–4(f)(12)) and Rule 14e–1(e) (§240.14e–1(e))). [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 36457, July 8, 1997; 69 FR 22710, Apr. 26, 2004] Filers must prepare electronic filings in the manner prescribed by the EDGAR Filer Manual, promulgated by the Commission, which sets out the technical formatting requirements for electronic submissions. The requirements for becoming an EDGAR Filer and updating company data are set forth in the EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume I: “General Information,” Version 2 (February 2006). The requirements for filing on EDGAR are set forth in the EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume II: “EDGAR Filing,” Version 3 (February 2006). Additional provisions applicable to Form N-SAR filers are set forth in the EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume III: “N-SAR Supplement,” Version 1 (September 2005). All of these provisions have been incorporated by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations, which action was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You must comply with these requirements in order for documents to be timely received and accepted. You can obtain paper copies of the EDGAR Filer Manual from the following address: Public Reference Room, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549 or by calling Thomson Financial at (800) 638–8241. Electronic copies are available on the Commission's Web site. The address for the Filer Manual is http://www.sec.gov/info/edgar.shtml. You can also photocopy the document at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.php. [71 FR 5597, Feb. 2, 2006] (a) Required signatures to, or within, any electronic submission (including, without limitation, signatories within the certifications required by §§240.13a–14, 240.15d–14 and 270.30a–2 of this chapter) must be in typed form rather than manual format. Signatures in an HTML document that are not required may, but are not required to, be presented in an HTML graphic or image file within the electronic filing, in compliance with the formatting requirements of the EDGAR Filer Manual. When used in connection with an electronic filing, the term “signature” means an electronic entry in the form of a magnetic impulse or other form of computer data compilation of any letters or series of letters or characters comprising a name, executed, adopted or authorized as a signature. Signatures are not required in unofficial PDF copies submitted in accordance with §232.104. (b) Each signatory to an electronic filing (including, without limitation, each signatory to the certifications required by §§240.13a-14, 240.15d–14 and 270.30a–2 of this chapter) shall manually sign a signature page or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting his or her signature that appears in typed form within the electronic filing. Such document shall be executed before or at the time the electronic filing is made and shall be retained by the filer for a period of five years. Upon request, an electronic filer shall furnish to the Commission or its staff a copy of any or all documents retained pursuant to this section. (c) Where the Commission's rules require a registrant to furnish to a national securities exchange or national securities association paper copies of a document filed with the Commission in electronic format, signatures to such paper copies may be in typed form. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 67762, Dec. 30, 1994; 64 FR 27895, May 21, 1999; 65 FR 24800, Apr. 27, 2000; 67 FR 57287, Sept. 9, 2002] (a) The following documents shall not be incorporated by reference into an electronic filing: (1) Any document filed in paper in violation of mandated electronic filing requirements; (2) Any document filed in paper pursuant to a hardship exemption for which a required confirming electronic copy has not been submitted. (3) For a registered investment company or a business development company, documents that have not been filed in electronic format, unless the document has been filed in paper under a hardship exemption (§232.201 or 232.202 of this chapter) and any required confirming copy has been submitted. (b) If a filer incorporates by reference into an electronic filing any portion of an annual or quarterly report to security holders, it must also file the portion of the annual or quarterly report to security holders in electronic format as an exhibit to the filing, as required by Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(13) (§229.601(b)(13) of this chapter) and Regulation D-B Item 601(b)(13) (§228.601(b)(13) of this chapter). If a foreign private issuer incorporates by reference into an electronic filing any portion of an annual or other report to security holders, or of a Form 6–K report (§249.306 of this chapter) filed or submitted in paper, it also must file the incorporated portion in electronic format as an exhibit to the filing. The requirements of this paragraph do not apply to incorporation by reference by an investment company from an annual or quarterly report to security holders. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 67762, Dec. 30, 1994; 62 FR 36457, July 8, 1997; 64 FR 27895, May 21, 1999; 65 FR 24800, Apr. 27, 2000; 67 FR 36700, May 24, 2002] (a) If a filer includes graphic, image, audio or video material in a document delivered to investors and others that is not reproduced in an electronic filing, the electronically filed version of that document must include a fair and accurate narrative description, tabular representation or transcript of the omitted material. Such descriptions, representations or transcripts may be included in the text of the electronic filing at the point where the graphic, image, audio or video material is presented in the delivered version, or they may be listed in an appendix to the electronic filing. Immaterial differences between the delivered and electronically filed versions, such as pagination, color, type size or style, or corporate logo need not be described. Note to paragraph (b)(1) The graphic, image, audio and video material in the version of a document delivered to investors and others is deemed part of the electronic filing and subject to the civil liability and anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws. (2) Narrative descriptions, tabular representations or transcripts of graphic, image, audio and video material included in an electronic filing or appendix thereto also are deemed part of the filing. However, to the extent such descriptions, representations or transcripts represent a good faith effort to fairly and accurately describe omitted graphic, image, audio or video material, they are not subject to the civil liability and anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws. (c) An electronic filer must retain for a period of five years a copy of each publicly distributed document, in the format used, that contains graphic, image, audio or video material where such material is not included in the version filed with the Commission. The five-year period shall commence as of the filing date, or the date that appears on the document, whichever is later. Upon request, an electronic filer shall furnish to the Commission or its staff a copy of any or all of the documents contained in the file. (d) For electronically filed ASCII documents, the performance graph that is to appear in registrant proxy and information statements relating to annual meetings of security holders (or special meetings or written consents in lieu of such meetings) at which directors will be elected, as required by Item 402(l) of Regulation S-K (§229.402(l) of this chapter), and the line graph that is to appear in registrant annual reports to security holders or prospectuses, as required by paragraph (b) of Item 5 of Form N–1A (§274.11A of this chapter), must be furnished to the Commission by presenting the data in tabular or chart form within the electronic ASCII document, in compliance with paragraph (a) of this section and the formatting requirements of the EDGAR Filer Manual. (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, electronically filed HTML documents must present the following information in an HTML graphic or image file within the electronic submission in compliance with the formatting requirements of the EDGAR Filer Manual: the performance graph that is to appear in registrant proxy and information statements relating to annual meetings of security holders (or special meetings or written consents in lieu of such meetings) at which directors will be elected, as required by Item 402(l) of Regulation S-K (§229.402(l) of this chapter); the line graph that is to appear in registrant annual reports to security holders or prospectuses, as required by paragraph (b) of Item 5 of Form N–1A (§274.11A of this chapter); and any other graphic material required by rule or form to be filed with the Commission. Filers may, but are not required to, submit any other graphic material in an HTML document by presenting the data in an HTML graphic or image file within the electronic filing, in compliance with the formatting requirements of the EDGAR Filer Manual. However, filers may not present in a graphic or image file information such as text or tables that users must be able to search and/or download into spreadsheet form (e.g., financial statements); filers must present such material as text in an ASCII document or as text or an HTML table in an HTML document. (f) Electronic filers may not include animated graphics in any EDGAR document. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 67762, Dec. 30, 1994; 61 FR 24655, May 15, 1996; 62 FR 36458, July 8, 1997; 63 FR 13944, Mar. 23, 1998; 64 FR 27895, May 21, 1999; 65 FR 24800, Apr. 27, 2000] (a) The narrative portion of a document shall not exceed 80 characters per line, including blank spaces, and shall not be presented in multi-column newspaper format. Non-narrative information (e.g., financial statements) may be presented in tabular or columnar format and may exceed 80 positions only if it is tagged as specified in the EDGAR Filer Manual. In no event shall information presented in tabular or columnar format exceed 132 positions wide. (b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to HTML documents or XBRL-Related Documents (§232.11). [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 64 FR 27896, May 21, 1999; 70 FR 6571, Feb. 8, 2005] (a) All electronic filings and submissions must be in the English language, except as otherwise provided by paragraph (d) of this section. If a filing or submission requires the inclusion of a document that is in a foreign language, a party must submit instead a fair and accurate English translation of the foreign language document in accordance with §230.403(c) or §240.12b–12(d) of this chapter, except as otherwise provided by paragraph (c) of this section. Alternatively, if the foreign language document is an exhibit or attachment to a filing or submission subject to review by the Division of Corporation Finance, a party may provide a fair and accurate English summary of the foreign language document if permitted by §230.403(c)(3) or §240.12b–12(d)(3) of this chapter. (b) When including an English summary or English translation of a foreign language document in an electronic filing or submission, a party may also submit a copy of the unabridged foreign language document in paper under cover of Form SE (§§239.64, 249.444, 259.603, 269.8, and 274.403 of this chapter) in accordance with §232.311 of this chapter. A filer must provide a copy of any foreign language document upon the request of Commission staff. (c) A foreign government or its political subdivision must electronically file a fair and accurate English translation, if available, of its latest annual budget as presented to its legislative body, as Exhibit B to Form 18 (§249.218 of this chapter) or Exhibit (c) to Form 18–K (§249.318 of this chapter). If no English translation is available, a foreign government or political subdivision must submit a copy of the foreign language version of its latest annual budget in paper under cover of Form SE (§§239.64, 249.444, 259.603, 269.8, and 274.403 of this chapter). (d) A Canadian issuer may file an HTML document, as defined in §232.11 of this chapter, that contains text in both French and English if the issuer included the French text to comply with the requirements of the Canadian securities administrator or other Canadian authority, and the French text is in an exhibit to or part of: (1) A registration statement on Form F–7, F–8, F–9, F–10, or F–80 (§§239.37, 239.38, 239.39, 239.40, and 239.41 of this chapter); (2) A registration statement or annual report on Form 40–F (§249.240f of this chapter); or (3) A Schedule 13E–4F (§240.13e–102 of this chapter), Schedule 14D–1F (§240.14d–102), or Schedule 14D–9F (§240.14d–103). (e) Foreign currency denominations must be expressed in words or letters in the English language rather than representative symbols, except that HTML documents may include any representative foreign currency symbols that the EDGAR Filer Manual specifies. The limitations of this paragraph do not apply to unofficial PDF copies submitted in accordance with Rule 104 of Regulation S-T (§232.104). [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993; 58 FR 21349, Apr. 21, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 67762, Dec. 30, 1994; 64 FR 27896, May 21, 1999; 67 FR 36700, May 24, 2002] (a) Provisions requiring presentation of information in bold face type shall be satisfied in an electronic format document by presenting such information in capital letters. (b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to HTML documents. [62 FR 36458, July 8, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 27896, May 21, 1999] Provisions relating to type size, font and other legibility requirements shall not apply to electronic format documents. (a) Requirements as to paper size, binding, and sequential page numbering shall not apply to electronic format documents. (b) An electronic format document, submitted in the manner prescribed by the EDGAR Filer Manual, shall satisfy any requirement that more than one copy of such document be filed with or provided to the Commission. Provisions requiring the marking of changed materials are satisfied in ASCII and HTML documents by inserting the tag <R> before and the tag </R> following a paragraph containing changed material. HTML documents may be marked to show changed materials within paragraphs. Financial statements and notes thereto need not be marked for changed material. [64 FR 27896, May 21, 1999] Form SE (§§239.64, 249.444, 259.603, 269.8, and 274.403 of this chapter) shall be filed as a paper cover sheet to the following documents submitted to the Commission in paper: (a) Exhibits filed in paper pursuant to a hardship exemption shall be filed under cover of Form SE. See Rules 201 and 202 of Regulation S-T (§§232.201 and 232.202). (b) Exhibits to a Commission schedule filed pursuant to Section 13 or 14(d) of the Exchange Act may be filed in paper under cover of Form SE where such exhibits previously were filed in paper (prior to a registrant's becoming subject to mandated electronic filing or pursuant to a hardship exemption) and are required to be refiled pursuant to the schedule's general instructions. (c) Annual Reports to Security Holders furnished by Public Utility Holding Companies as Exhibit A to Form U5S (§259.5s of this chapter) or under rule 29 (§250.29 of this chapter) shall be filed in paper under cover of Form SE. (d) Reports to State Commissions, if furnished by Public Utility Holding Companies as Exhibit E to Form U5S (§259.5s of this chapter), shall be filed in paper under cover of Form SE. (e) Maps furnished by Public Utility Holding Companies under Exhibits E to Forms U5B and U–1(§259.5b and 259.101 of this chapter) shall be filed in paper under cover of Form SE. (f) A party may submit a copy of an unabridged foreign language document in paper under cover of Form SE if the electronic filing or submission includes an English summary or English translation of the foreign language document in accordance with §232.306(b) or if permitted by the applicable form. (g) A foreign government or political subdivision that is not filing in electronic format an English translation of its latest annual budget submitted as Exhibit B to Form 18 (§249.218 of this chapter) or Exhibit (c) to Form 18–K (§249.318 of this chapter) must file a copy of the foreign language version of its latest annual budget in paper under cover of Form SE in accordance with §232.306(c) of this chapter. (h) The Form SE shall be submitted in the following manner: (1) If the subject of a temporary hardship exemption is an exhibit only, the filer must file the exhibit and a Form TH (§§239.65, 249.447, 259.604, 269.10, and 274.404 of this chapter) under cover of Form SE (§§239.64, 249.444, 259.601, 269.8, and 274.403 of this chapter) no later than one business day after the date the exhibit was to be filed electronically. (2) An exhibit filed pursuant to a continuing hardship exemption, or any other document filed in paper under cover of Form SE (other than an exhibit filed pursuant to a temporary hardship exemption), as allowed by paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section, may be filed up to six business days prior to, or on the date of filing of, the electronic format document to which it relates but shall not be filed after such filing date. If a paper document is submitted in this manner, requirements that the document be filed with, provided with or accompany the electronic filing shall be satisfied. (i) Any requirements as to delivery or furnishing the information to persons other than the Commission shall not be affected by this section. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 67763, Dec. 30, 1994; 61 FR 30402, June 14, 1996; 62 FR 36458, July 8, 1997; 65 FR 24801, Apr. 27, 2000; 67 FR 36700, May 24, 2002; 70 FR 1617, Jan. 7, 2005; 70 FR 43569, July 27, 2005] (a) For filings with respect to asset-backed securities filed on or before December 31, 2009, the information provided in response to Item 1105 of Regulation AB (§229.1105 of this chapter) may be provided under the following conditions on an Internet Web site for inclusion in the prospectus for the asset-backed securities, and will be deemed to be included in the prospectus included in the registration statement, in lieu of reproducing the information in the electronically filed version of that document. Terms used in this section have the same meaning as in Item 1101 of Regulation AB (§229.1101 of this chapter). (1) The prospectus in the registration statement at the time of effectiveness shall disclose the intention to provide such information through a Web site and the prospectus to be filed pursuant to §230.424 of this chapter shall provide the specific Internet address where the information is posted. (2) Such information shall be provided through the Web site unrestricted as to access and free of charge. (3) Such information shall remain available on the Web site for a period of not less than five years. If a subsequent update or change is made to the information, the date of such update or change shall be clearly indicated on the Web site. (4) The registrant shall retain all versions of such information provided through the Web site for a period of not less than five years in a form that permits delivery to an investor or the Commission. Upon request, the registrant shall furnish to the Commission or its staff a copy of any or all information retained pursuant to this requirement. (5) The registration statement shall contain the undertakings required by Item 512(l) of Regulation S-K (§229.512(l) of this chapter) that: (i) Except as otherwise provided by this section, such information provided through the specified Internet address is deemed to be a part of the prospectus included in the registration statement for the asset-backed securities. (ii) The registrant shall provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of such information provided through the specified Internet address as of the date of the prospectus included in the registration statement if a subsequent update or change is made to that information. Note to paragraph (a): With respect to paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section, the five-year period shall commence from the filing date of the prospectus filed pursuant to §230.424 of this chapter, or the date of first use of the prospectus, whichever is earlier. (b) This section does not affect any obligation to provide any other information in the filing electronically on EDGAR. [70 FR 1617, Jan. 7, 2005] (a) Registered investment companies and business development companies must indicate their investment company type, based on whether the registrant's last effective registration statement or amendment (other than a merger/proxy filing on Form N–14 (§239.23 of this chapter) was filed on Form N–1 (§§239.15 and 274.11 of this chapter), Form N–1A (§§239.15A and 274.11A of this chapter), Form N–2 (§§239.14 and 274.11a–1 of this chapter), Form N–3 (§§239.17A and 274.11b of this chapter), Form N–4 (§§239.17b and 274.11c of this chapter), Form N–5 (§§239.24 and 274.5 of this chapter), Form N–6 (§§239.17c and 274.11d of this chapter), Form S–1 (§239.11 of this chapter), Form S–3 (§239.13 of this chapter), or Form S–6 (§239.16 of this chapter) in those EDGAR submissions identified in the EDGAR Filer Manual. (b) Registered investment companies whose last effective registration statement or amendment (other than a merger/proxy filing on Form N–14 (§239.23 of this chapter) was filed on Form N–1A (§§239.15A and 274.11A of this chapter), Form N–3 (§§239.17A and 274.11b of this chapter), Form N–4 (§§239.17b and 274.11c of this chapter), or Form N–6 (§§239.17c and 274.11d of this chapter) must, under the procedures set forth in the EDGAR Filer Manual: (1) Provide electronically, and keep current, information concerning their existing and new series and/or classes (or contracts, in the case of separate accounts), including series and/or class (contract) name and ticker symbol, if any, and be issued series and/or class (or contract) identification numbers; (2) Deactivate for EDGAR purposes any series and/or class (or contract, in the case of separate accounts) that are no longer offered, go out of existence, or deregister following the last filing for that series and/or class (or contract, in the case of separate accounts), but the registrant must not deactivate the last remaining series unless the registrant deregisters; and (3) For those EDGAR submissions identified in the EDGAR Filer Manual, include all series and/or class (or contract) identifiers of each series and/or class (or contract) on behalf of which the filing is made. (c) Registered investment companies whose last effective registration statement or amendment (other than a merger/proxy filing on Form N–14 (§239.23 of this chapter)) was filed on Form N–1A (§§239.15A and 274.11A of this chapter), Form N–3 (§§239.17A and 274.11b of this chapter), Form N–4 (§§239.17b and 274.11c of this chapter), or Form N–6 (§§239.17c and 274.11d of this chapter) must provide electronically, as specified in the EDGAR Filer Manual, in the EDGAR submission identifying information concerning the acquiring fund and the target fund (and the series and/or classes (contracts), if any, of each if in existence at the time of the filing) in connection with merger filings on Form N–14 (§239.23 of this chapter), under §230.425 of this chapter, and in compliance with Regulation 14A (§240.14a–1 of this chapter), Schedule 14A (§240.14a–101 of this chapter), and all other applicable rules and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act, as referenced in Investment Company Act Rule 20a–1 (§270.20a–1 of this chapter). (d) Non-registrant third party filers making proxy filings with respect to investment companies must designate in the EDGAR submission the type of investment company (as referenced in paragraph (a) of this section) and include series and/or class (or contract) identifiers in designated EDGAR proxy submission types, in accordance with the EDGAR Filer Manual. [70 FR 43569, July 27, 2005] (a) An electronic filer that participates in the voluntary XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) program may submit XBRL-Related Documents (§232.11) in electronic format as an exhibit to: the filing to which they relate; an amendment to such filing; or, if the electronic filer is eligible to file a Form 8–K (§249.308 of this chapter) or a Form 6–K (§249.306 of this chapter), a Form 8–K or a Form 6–K, as applicable, that references the filing to which the XBRL-Related Documents relate if such Form 8–K or Form 6–K is submitted no earlier than the date of that filing. The XBRL-Related Documents must comply with the content and format requirements of this section, be submitted as an exhibit to a form that contains the disclosure required by this section and be submitted in accordance with the EDGAR Filer Manual and, as applicable, one of Item 601(b)(100) of Regulation S-K (§229.601(b)(100) of this chapter), Item 601(b)(100) of Regulation S-B (§228.601(b)(100) of this chapter), Form 20–F (§249.220f of this chapter), Form 6–K or §270.8b–33 of this chapter. (b) XBRL-Related Documents must consist of mandatory content and may consist of optional content but only if the optional content accompanies the mandatory content in the same submission. (1) Mandatory content consists of a complete set of information for all periods presented in the corresponding official EDGAR filing from one or more of the following categories (as filed in the corresponding official EDGAR filing): (i) The complete set of financial statements (the only exceptions are that notes to the financial statements and schedules related to the financial statements may be omitted unless the electronic filer is a registered management investment company in which case it must include Schedule I—Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (§210.12–12 of this chapter)); (ii) Earnings information set forth in Form 6–K or Items 2.02 or 8.01 of Form 8–K (whether contained in the body of the Form 6–K or Form 8–K or in an exhibit, and whether filed or furnished); or (iii) Financial highlights or condensed financial information set forth in Item 8(a) of Form N–1A (§239.15A and §274.11A of this chapter), Item 4.1 of Form N–2 (§239.14 and §274.11a–1 of this chapter) or Item 4(a) of Form N–3 (§239.17a and §274.11b of this chapter), as applicable. (2) Optional content can consist only of a complete set of information that is: (i) For all periods presented in the corresponding official EDGAR filing; (ii) Related to financial information in the corresponding official EDGAR filing that is simultaneously submitted as mandatory content (as specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section); and (iii) From one or more of the following categories (as filed in the corresponding official EDGAR filing): (A) Audit opinions (as specified by Rule 2–02 of Regulation S-X (§210.2–02 of this chapter)); (B) Interim review reports (as specified by Rule 10–01(d) of Regulation S-X (§210.10–01(d) of this chapter)); (C) Reports of management on the financial statements; (D) Certifications; (E) Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (as specified by Item 303 of Regulation S-K (§229.303 of this chapter)); (F) Management's discussion and analysis or plan of operation (as specified by Item 303 of Regulation S-B (§228.303 of this chapter)); (G) Operating and financial review and prospects (as specified by Item 5 of Form 20–F); or (H) Management's discussion of fund performance (as specified by Item 22(b)(7) of Form N–1A). (c) XBRL-Related Documents must appear in voluntary program format. XBRL-Related Documents appear in voluntary program format if: (1) Each data element (i.e., all text and all line item names and associated values, dates and other labels) contained in the XBRL-Related Documents reflects the same information in the corresponding official EDGAR filing (i.e., the HTML or ASCII version); (2) No data element contained in the corresponding official EDGAR filing is changed, deleted or summarized in the XBRL-Related Documents; (3) The XBRL-Related Documents correlate to the appropriate version of a standard taxonomy, supplemented with extension taxonomies as specified in the EDGAR Filer Manual (§232.11); (4) Each data element contained in the XBRL-Related Documents is matched with an appropriate tag in accordance with any applicable taxonomy; and (5) The XBRL-Related Documents contain any additional mark-up related content (e.g., the XBRL tags themselves, identification of the core XML documents used and other technology related content) not found in the corresponding official EDGAR filing that are necessary to comply with the EDGAR Filer Manual requirements. (d) The filing with which XBRL-Related Documents are submitted as an exhibit must contain the disclosures specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section in the location specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section. (1) The filing must disclose: (i) That the financial information contained in the XBRL-Related Documents is “unaudited” or “unreviewed,” as applicable; (ii) That the purpose of submitting the XBRL-Related Documents is to test the related format and technology and, as a result, investors should not rely on the XBRL-Related Documents in making investment decisions; and (iii) The identity of the corresponding official EDGAR filing (but only if the filing is a Form 8–K or Form 6–K or an amendment to a Form 8–K or Form 6–K and a purpose of filing the form was to submit as an exhibit XBRL-Related Documents that present information related to financial information filed as part of a different form in the corresponding official EDGAR filing). (2) The disclosures required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section must appear, as applicable, in: (i) The exhibit index of a Form 10–K (§249.310 of this chapter), 10–Q (§249.308a of this chapter), 10 (§249.210 of this chapter), 10–SB (§249.210b of this chapter), 10–KSB (§249.310b of this chapter), 10–QSB (§249.308b of this chapter) or 20–F; (ii) Item 2.02 or 8.01 of a Form 8–K; or (iii) The body of a Form 6–K, N-CSR (§274.128 of this chapter) or N-Q (§274.130 of this chapter). Note to §232.401: Although XBRL-Related Documents are required by this section to comply with content and format requirements related to the corresponding official EDGAR filing, the purpose of submitting the XBRL-Related Documents is to test the related format and technology and, as a result, investors and others should continue to rely on the official version of the filing and not rely on the XBRL-Related Documents in making investment decisions. [70 FR 6571, Feb. 8, 2005] (a) Not deemed filed for liability purposes. XBRL-Related Documents, regardless of whether they are exhibits to a document incorporated by reference into a filing: (1) Are not deemed filed for purposes of section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r) or section 34(b) of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a–33(b)) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of these sections; (2) Are not deemed incorporated by reference; (3) Are subject to all other liability and anti-fraud provisions of these Acts; and (4) Are deemed filed for purposes of Item 103 of Regulation S-T (§232.103). (b) Accurate reflection of underlying documents. An electronic filer is not liable under the Securities Act, Exchange Act, Public Utility Act, Trust Indenture Act or Investment Company Act for information in its XBRL-Related Documents that complies with the requirements of Item 401 of Regulation S-T (§232.401) to the extent that such information was not materially false or misleading in the corresponding official EDGAR filing. To the extent the information in an electronic filer's XBRL-Related Documents does not comply with the requirements of Item 401, the information in the XBRL-Related Documents will be deemed to comply with Item 401 for purposes of this paragraph if the electronic filer makes a good faith and reasonable attempt to comply with Item 401 and, as soon as reasonably practicable after the electronic filer becomes aware that the information in the XBRL-Related Documents does not comply with Item 401, the electronic filer amends the XBRL-Related Documents and, as a result, the information complies with Item 401. [70 FR 6571, Feb. 8, 2005] An electronic filer may use the following procedures to submit information to the EDGAR system for subsequent inclusion in an electronic filing: (a) Modular submissions. (1) One or more electronic format documents may be submitted for storage in the non-public EDGAR data storage area as a modular submission for subsequent inclusion in one or more electronic submissions. (2) An electronic filer shall be permitted a maximum of ten modular submissions in the non-public EDGAR data storage area at any time, not to exceed a total of one megabyte of digital information. If an electronic filer attempts to submit a modular filing which would cause either of these limits to be exceeded, EDGAR will suspend the modular submission and notify the electronic filer by electronic mail. After six business days, the modular submission held in suspense will be deleted from the system. (3) A modular submission may be corrected or amended only by resubmitting the entire modular submission. (b) Segmented filings. (1) Segments of a document intended to become an electronic filing may be submitted to the non-public EDGAR data storage area for assembly as a segmented filing. (2) Segments shall be submitted no more than six business days in advance of the anticipated filing date and are not limited in number or size. They may be submitted from several geographic locations by more than one filing entity. Segments may be included in only one electronic filing. Once used, segments will be removed from the non-public EDGAR data storage area. The assembly of segments into a segmented filing shall be effected pursuant to the applicable provisions of the EDGAR Filer Manual. If segments are not prepared in accordance with the EDGAR Filer Manual, the filing will not be constructed. The filing date of a segmented filing shall be the date upon which the filing is assembled and satisfies the requirements of Rule 13(a) of Regulation S-T (§232.13(a)). (3) Segments may be corrected or amended only by resubmitting the entire segment. (c) A modular submission or segment shall not: (1) be publicly available; (2) Be deemed filed with the Commission for purposes of Securities Act section 11 (15 U.S.C. 77k), Exchange Act section 18 (15 U.S.C. 78r), Public Utility Act section 16 (15 U.S.C. 79p), Trust Indenture Act section 323 (15 U.S.C. 77www), or Investment Company Act section 34(b) (15 U.S.C. 80a–33(b)) prior to its inclusion in a filing; or (3) Be deemed to constitute an official filing prior to its inclusion in a filing under the federal securities laws. Once a modular submission or segment has been included in an electronic filing, the liability and anti-fraud provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Trust Indenture Act, the Public Utility Act and the Investment Company Act shall apply to the electronic filing. [58 FR 14670, Mar. 18, 1993; 58 FR 21349, Apr. 21, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 24801, Apr. 27, 2000]
Title 17: Commodity and Securities Exchanges
PART 232—REGULATION S-T—GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ELECTRONIC FILINGS
Section Contents
General
§ 232.10 Application of part 232.
§ 232.11 Definition of terms used in part 232.
§ 232.12 Business hours of the Commission.
§ 232.13 Date of filing; adjustment of filing date.
§ 232.14 Paper filings not accepted without exemption.
Electronic Filing Requirements
§ 232.100 Persons and entities subject to mandated electronic filing.
§ 232.101 Mandated electronic submissions and exceptions.
§ 232.102 Exhibits.
§ 232.103 Liability for transmission errors or omissions in documents filed via EDGAR.
§ 232.104 Unofficial PDF copies included in an electronic submission.
§ 232.105 Limitation on use of HTML documents and hypertext links.
§ 232.106 Prohibition against electronic submissions containing executable code.
Hardship Exemptions
§ 232.201 Temporary hardship exemption.
§ 232.202 Continuing hardship exemption.
Preparation of Electronic Submissions
§ 232.301 EDGAR Filer Manual.
§ 232.302 Signatures.
§ 232.303 Incorporation by reference.
§ 232.304 Graphic, image, audio and video material.
§ 232.305 Number of characters per line; tabular and columnar information.
§ 232.306 Foreign language documents and symbols.
§ 232.307 Bold face type.
§ 232.308 Type size and font; legibility.
§ 232.309 Paper size; binding; sequential numbering; number of copies.
§ 232.310 Marking changed material.
§ 232.311 Documents submitted in paper under cover of Form SE.
§ 232.312 Accommodation for certain information in filings with respect to asset-backed securities.
§ 232.313 Identification of investment company type and series and/or class (or contract).
XBRL-Related Documents
§ 232.401 XBRL-Related Document submissions.
§ 232.402 Liability for XBRL-Related Documents.
EDGAR Functions
§ 232.501 Modular submissions and segmented filings.
Foreign Private Issuers and Foreign Governments
§§ 232.600-232.903 [Reserved]
General
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§ 232.10 Application of part 232.
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§ 232.11 Definition of terms used in part 232.
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§ 232.12 Business hours of the Commission.
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§ 232.13 Date of filing; adjustment of filing date.
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§ 232.14 Paper filings not accepted without exemption.
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Electronic Filing Requirements
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§ 232.100 Persons and entities subject to mandated electronic filing.
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§ 232.101 Mandated electronic submissions and exceptions.
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§ 232.102 Exhibits.
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§ 232.103 Liability for transmission errors or omissions in documents filed via EDGAR.
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§ 232.104 Unofficial PDF copies included in an electronic submission.
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§ 232.105 Limitation on use of HTML documents and hypertext links.
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§ 232.106 Prohibition against electronic submissions containing executable code.
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Hardship Exemptions
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§ 232.201 Temporary hardship exemption.
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§ 232.202 Continuing hardship exemption.
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Preparation of Electronic Submissions
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§ 232.301 EDGAR Filer Manual.
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§ 232.302 Signatures.
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§ 232.303 Incorporation by reference.
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§ 232.304 Graphic, image, audio and video material.
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§ 232.305 Number of characters per line; tabular and columnar information.
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§ 232.306 Foreign language documents and symbols.
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§ 232.307 Bold face type.
top
§ 232.308 Type size and font; legibility.
top
§ 232.309 Paper size; binding; sequential numbering; number of copies.
top
§ 232.310 Marking changed material.
top
§ 232.311 Documents submitted in paper under cover of Form SE.
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§ 232.312 Accommodation for certain information in filings with respect to asset-backed securities.
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§ 232.313 Identification of investment company type and series and/or class (or contract).
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XBRL-Related Documents
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§ 232.401 XBRL-Related Document submissions.
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§ 232.402 Liability for XBRL-Related Documents.
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EDGAR Functions
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§ 232.501 Modular submissions and segmented filings.
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Foreign Private Issuers and Foreign Governments
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§§ 232.600-232.903 [Reserved]
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