How to recall a record
The Requisitioning Officer must make a formal request in writing to the Director of the National Archives providing details of the file required, including the National Archives reference code.
Returning the file
The Requisitioning Officer is responsible for ensuring the return of the file to the National Archives not later than 6 months from the date of requisition, unless an extension period has been agreed by the Director of the National Archives.
Extensions of retention periods
Extensions to retention periods shall be granted at the discretion of the Director, or an officer of the National Archives designated for this purpose in accordance with Regulation 11(2).
Ongoing access to the public
The Requisitioning Officer is responsible for arrangements for access by the public to such archives while so requisitioned in accordance with the National Archives Act, 1986 8.
Copies and alterations
In some cases, it may be more appropriate for the National Archives to send a copy of the file to the Department of State and retain the original to facilitate continued public access.
Records recalled by a Department of State must not be altered in any way. No annotations or documents must be added to the file, and no documents should be removed. If new documents are created, a new file must be opened.