Derivative classification is the act of assigning a level of classification to information that is determined to be the same in substance as information that is currently classified. Thus, derivative classification may be accomplished by any person cleared for access to that level of information, regardless of whether the person has original classification authority at that level.
authority: E.O. 12065 and Information Security Oversight Office Directive No. 1
source: 44 FR 2384, Jan. 11, 1979, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 32 CFR 2103.21