22 C.F.R. § 9.7 Classification authority.
Title 22 - Foreign Relations
(a) In the Department of State authority for original classification of information as “Top Secret” may be exercised only by the Secretary of State and those officials delegated this authority in writing, by position or by name, by the Secretary or the DAS/CDC, as the senior official, on the basis of their frequent need to exercise such authority. Normally these will not be below the level of Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department; or Chief of Mission, Charge d'Affairs, or principal officer at an autonomous consular post overseas. (b) Authority for original classification of information as “Secret” may be exercised by officials with Top Secret authority, the Administrator of AID, and the Director of USIA. This authority may be delegated to such subordinate officials as the senior official in the Department, the administrator of AID or the Director of USIA may designate in writing, by position or by name, on the basis of their frequent need to exercise such authority. Normally, these will not be below the level of office director, section head (in a mission abroad), country public affairs officer, or equivalent. (c) Authority for original classification of information as “Confidential” may be exercised by officials with Top Secret or Secret classification authority, and the President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and may be delegated to such subordinate officials as the senior official in the Department, the Administrator of AID, the Director of USIA, or the President of OPIC may designate in writing, by position or by name, on the basis of their frequent need to exercise such authority. (d) Delegated original classification authority at any level may not be redelegated. (e) In the absence of an authorized classifier, the person designated to act for that official may exercise the classifying authority. (f) In the Department of State the Classification/Declassification Center, and in AID and USIA the Office of Security, shall maintain a current listing, by classification designation, of the positions or officials carrying original classification authority. The listing shall be reviewed as needed to ensure that such delegations have been held to a minimum, and that officials so designated have a continuing need to exercise such authority.
Title 22: Foreign Relations
PART 9—SECURITY INFORMATION REGULATIONS
§ 9.7 Classification authority.
