---
kind: "section"
citation: "32 C.F.R. § 2103.12"
title: "32"
number: "2103.12"
heading: "Level of original classification."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/32/2103.12"
---

# §2103.12. Level of original classification.


Unnecessary classification, and classification at a level higher than is necessary, shall be avoided. If there is reasonable doubt as to which designation in [section 1-1](/cfr/32/1-1.md) of Executive Order 12065 is appropriate, or whether information should be classified at all, the less restrictive designation should be used, or the information should not be classified.


## Notes

### Authority

Authority: E.O. 12065 and Information Security Oversight Office Directive No. 1.

### Source

Source: 44 FR 2384, Jan. 11, 1979, unless otherwise noted.