SCIF Compliance & Accreditation Requirements

Approved Suppliers

APC sources only from vetted, government-approved suppliers, ensuring no components originate from restricted countries.

NPSA Catalogue Compliance

We integrate only NPSA-listed security products, partnering with accredited manufacturers to meet UK government standards.

Supply Chain Traceability

APC provides full traceability with auditable records, ensuring every SCIF build meets strict accreditation requirements.

United Kingdom

UK SCIFs use a multi-layered, classification-based approach and are built to NPSA standards covering structural hardening, counter-surveillance, electronic protections, and strict access control. They also adopt NATO-aligned TEMPEST controls, mirroring U.S. practice to suppress compromising electromagnetic emissions and safeguard classified data.

United States

In the U.S., SCIFs adhere to the Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705, which outlines the mandatory physical and technical criteria for their construction, operation and upkeep. Furthermore, the Air Force Systems Security Instructions AFSSI 7700 and AFSSI 7702 establish detailed Emission Security (EMSEC) protocols and countermeasures designed to prevent unauthorised disclosure of information through electronic emissions.

NATO

For NATO member countries and joint defence operations, SCIFs must comply with NATO’s security protocols, notably the Standardisation Agreement (STANAG) series. In particular, the SDIP-27 directive prescribes controls on electromagnetic emissions to thwart eavesdropping, an essential safeguard for allied intelligence sharing and combined operations.

From government-approved security clearances to access control measures and ongoing training, these requirements form the foundation of SCIF personnel security.

• Security Clearance Requirements - All personnel involved must undergo background checks. They must possess appropriate UK government security clearance (Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV), depending on information sensitivity).
• Access Control Measures - Access control measures include maintaining visitor logs. Only cleared personnel may access sensitive areas.
• Ongoing Security Training - Regular security training and briefings are mandatory for all staff.

• Secure Logistics Planning - Delivery routes must remain confidential. Schedules require coordination with the client's security team.
• Site Security Preparation - Installation sites need security measures before delivery. This includes access controls and perimeter fencing.
• Supervised Installation - A Site Security Manager must oversee all activities. They ensure compliance with the Construction Security Plan.
• Secure Manufacturing - All personnel involved must undergo background checks. They must possess appropriate UK government security clearance (Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV), depending on information sensitivity).
• Controlled Storage - Access control measures include maintaining visitor logs. Only cleared personnel may access sensitive areas.
• Secure Transport - Regular security training and briefings are mandatory for all staff.

• Redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms - Ensure continuous operation with systems like UPS, backup power generators and more, so your SCIF is fully operational, even during power outages or system failures.
• Physical Security - SCIF users require facilities with reinforced construction, specialised wall systems, secure doors with multiple locking mechanisms, and restricted access controls using biometric systems or multi-factor authentication. Facilities must prevent unauthorised physical access while maintaining operational functionality.
• Electronic Security - TEMPEST shielding and electronic countermeasures prevent eavesdropping and data leakage.
• Access Control - Biometric or multi-factor authentication is required. Two-person integrity applies to sensitive operations.

• Acoustic Protection - All SCIF users require acoustic protection to prevent eavesdropping on sensitive conversations. This involves soundproofing materials, acoustic barriers, and in some cases, white noise masking systems. The specific acoustic requirements vary based on the sensitivity of information processed and the threat environment.
• Environmental Controls -  Users require environmental monitoring systems including temperature and humidity control, air filtration, and detection capabilities for potential security breaches. Some applications require specialised environmental conditions for sensitive equipment.
• Standards Compliance - UK SCIFs must comply with NPSA, NCSC, and NATO SDIP-27 standards where applicable.

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