When may a commercial freight forwarder be used to arrange for the international transfer of classified material as freight?

The use of a commercial freight forwarder to arrange for the international transfer of classified material as freight hinges on the requirement that the freight forwarder must be properly cleared and compliant with established security protocols, specifically the Industrial Security Manual (ISM) and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). These documents outline the necessary security measures that protect classified information during its transportation.

Compliance with the ISM and NISPOM ensures that the commercial freight forwarder has the appropriate safeguards in place to handle classified materials securely, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or disclosure. If a freight forwarder is not cleared or in compliance with these regulations, it would pose a substantial risk to national security and violate established protocols. Hence, this answer directly aligns with the regulatory framework governing the handling and transportation of classified materials.