Caveats (NOFORN, REL TO, ORCON)
Caveats are dissemination control markings that restrict how classified information can be shared, even among people who hold the appropriate clearance level. They appear alongside classification levels to indicate additional handling requirements.
Quick Facts
| Purpose | Control who can access information beyond clearance level |
| Authority | Set by information originator |
| Scope | Apply to specific documents or portions |
| Override | Generally requires originator approval |
Common Caveats
NOFORN (No Foreign Nationals)
The most frequently encountered caveat[1]:
- Information cannot be shared with foreign nationals
- Applies regardless of ally status or security agreements
- Includes foreign government officials and military
- U.S. citizens only can access
REL TO (Releasable To)
Specifies which foreign countries can receive the information:
REL TO USA, GBR, AUS- Releasable to U.S., UK, and Australia- Often used for coalition operations and allied sharing
- Countries must have appropriate security agreements
- More permissive than NOFORN
ORCON (Originator Controlled)
The originating agency retains control over dissemination[1]:
- Cannot be shared further without originator permission
- Applies even to others at the same clearance level
- Common for sensitive source information
- Requires coordination before wider distribution
FVEY (Five Eyes)
Releasable to the Five Eyes intelligence alliance:
- United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- Common marking for shared intelligence products
- Subject to bilateral security agreements
Other Dissemination Controls
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PROPIN | Caution - Proprietary Information Involved |
| RELIDO | Releasable by Information Disclosure Official |
| IMCON | Controlled Imagery |
| FISA | Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act |
How Caveats Are Applied
Caveats appear after the classification level in document markings[1]:
SECRET//NOFORN- Secret, no foreign nationalsTOP SECRET//ORCON/NOFORN- Multiple caveats can combineCONFIDENTIAL//REL TO USA, CAN- Releasable to specific allies
The originator of the information determines which caveats apply based on the sensitivity of sources, methods, or diplomatic considerations[2].
Impact on Cleared Personnel
Having the appropriate clearance level is necessary but not sufficient for access to caveated information:
- A UK citizen with U.S. Top Secret clearance cannot access NOFORN material
- ORCON material requires checking with the originator before sharing
- Foreign-born naturalized citizens can access NOFORN after obtaining U.S. clearance
Related
References
- ^ Intelligence Community Classification and Control Markings. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ Executive Order 13526: Classified National Security Information. National Archives. Accessed 2026-01-08.