Industrial Security Certificate – how to obtain it?

Participation in defence, state security, or high‑importance public procurement projects often requires access to classified information. In such situations, the key legal instrument confirming a company’s ability to safeguard this information is the industrial security certificate. It confirms that a contractor meets the organisational, personnel, and technical requirements necessary for handling classified material.

The legal basis for this process is the Act of 5 August 2010 on the Protection of Classified Information, which sets out the relevant requirements and procedural rules (Journal of Laws 2025, item 1209).

What Is an Industrial Security Certificate?

An Industrial Security Certificate is an administrative decision. It confirms that the contractor ensures adequate protection of classified information. Especially at the specified classification level.

This certificate is necessary when a company:

• performs contracts or public procurement involving access to secret information. For example, classified as “Confidential”;
• participates in tender procedures where the documentation is subject to classified information protection;
• acts as a subcontractor for public entities or defence sector projects;

The certificate is issued either by the Internal Security Agency or the Military Counterintelligence Service. It depends on the nature of the contract and the contracting authority.

Classified Information and Security Classification Levels

Classified information is any information whose unauthorised disclosure could cause harm to Poland. The protection of such information is based on a system of classification levels. They correspond to the potential consequences of disclosure.

Under Polish law, four classification levels apply:

• Top Secret – information whose disclosure could cause very serious damage to the state,
• Secret – information whose disclosure would cause serious damage,
• Confidential – information whose disclosure could cause damage,
• Restricted – information whose disclosure may harm public task performance

Table 1. Security Classification Levels – Industrial Security Certificate

Types and Levels of Industrial Security Certificate

An Industrial Security Certificate defines the highest classified information a contractor may access. There are three clearance levels:

• Level I – full capability to protect classified information. It includes processing it within IT and teleinformation systems,
• Level II – capability to protect classified information, excluding processing within IT systems,
• Level III –protection of classified information without the possibility of on-site processing.

Table 2. Scope of Authorisations by Clearance Level

Procedure for Obtaining an Industrial Security Certificate

Proceedings for the issuance of an Industrial Security Certificate are formal and structured. They involve a comprehensive assessment of the contractor. The first step is to determine the competent authority. Internal Security Agency or Military Counterintelligence Service. The next step is to apply with the required Industrial Security Questionnaire.

During the proceedings, the authorities assess, i.a. :

• the organisational structure of the company,
• ownership and capital connection,
• sources of financing,
• technical and physical security measures,
• individuals holding key management and security positions.

Internal Classified Information Protection System

A prerequisite is having an internal classified information protection system. It includes in particular:

• appointment of a representative for the protection of classified information,
• development of a plan for the protection of classified information,

• designation of protection zones and access control rules,
• ensuring appropriate physical and technical security,
• training of employees with access to classified information.

Refusal or Revocation of the Certificate

An Industrial Security Certificate may be refused or revoked in cases specified by law. This includes situations where contractor no longer provides enough guarantees for classified information. It also applies if false information has been provided or if the security system is not effective.

Decisions of the authority can be appealed to the Prime Minister of Poland. The company may submit a further complaint to the administrative court.

Consequences of Breaching Classified Information Regulations

Unauthorised disclosure of classified information may result in criminal liability. The legal basis is the Polish Criminal Code. It can also lead torevocation of the Industrial Security Clearance. Exclusion from certain projects or procurement is another consequence.

Practical Aspects of Industrial Security Certificate

Industrial Security Certificate and Public Procurement

In practice, an Industrial Security Certificate is often a prerequisite for participation in public procurement procedures. Particularly in the defence, telecommunications, IT sectors and projects out for government administration. The contracting authority may need a specific level of clearance at the offer submission stage. Alternatively, it can be necessary before signing the contract. Without the appropriate certificate, the contractor may be excluded from the procedure. It may also prevent the final execution of the contract and service.

Relationship Between Industrial Clearance and Personal Security Clearances

An Industrial Security Certificate does not replace individual Personal Security Clearances. These are two separate but interconnected mechanisms for protecting classified information. Even a company with a valid Industrial Security Clearance may not grant access to classified information to employee who does not have an appropriate personal clearance. In practice, this requires parallel management of both organisational and personnel security.

The Importance of Ownership and Financial Structure

One of the key elements of the verification process is the analysis of the contractor’s ownership structure and sources of financing. The competent authorities examine the ownership structure. They check for foreign entities, individuals with unknown capital sources, or other circumstances. These factors may pose a risk to national security. If the company has complex holding structures or external financing, the review may take longer. Such factors can extend the proceedings.

Continuity of Business Operations and Certificate Expiry

Expiry of an Industrial Security Certificate results in the loss of the right to process classified information. Regardless of the reason. Contractors should start the renewal procedure in advance. This way, they can avoid disruption to ongoing contracts. In practice, preparations should start at least several months before the certificate’s expiry date.

Industrial Security Certificate – Summary

The Industrial Security Certificate plays a crucial role in the system of classified information protection. It is a fundamental rule for contractors in projects of strategic importance to the state. Obtaining the certificate requires compliance with extensive organisational, technical and personnel requirements. Anotherstep is the successfulcompletion of a formal verification procedure. It is usually conducted by the Internal Security Agency or the Military Counterintelligence Service.

Legal support is essential for handling contracts with classified information. It is also recommended when preparing your company for high-security procurement procedures. A comprehensive analysis of the company’s structure is essential. Implementing a classified information protection system is also crucial. Proper preparation for the clearance procedure increases the chances of obtaining an Industrial Security Clearance. Contact us today for support!

FAQ – Industrial Security Certificate