What is the difference between marking and labeling in the CUI context?

• A. Labeling refers to designation and handling instructions; marking is the actual indication applied to the item.
• B. Marking refers to designation and handling instructions; labeling is the actual indication applied to the item.
• C. Marking and labeling are the same thing.
• D. Marking is only for electronic data; labeling is for physical items.

Answer: (B)

In CUI practice, marking is the designation and handling instructions—the policy text that tells you what kind of information this is and what rules apply to it. Labeling is the actual indication you apply to the item so handlers can see the requirements at a glance.

So, marking would be the CUI designation, category, and safeguarding or distribution rules embedded in the document’s header, footer, or metadata. Labeling is the visible tag or label you attach to the item (like a stamp, tag, or label on a folder, container, or electronic file) that communicates those same handling requirements to anyone who encounters it.

This separation matters because marking provides the formal rule set, while labeling offers the practical, observable cue used in day-to-day handling.