EDGAR Operating Hours: Key Information for Filers

EDGAR operating hours are essential information for companies and filers who need to submit documents to the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system. Understanding these hours is crucial for timely submissions and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Understanding EDGAR Operating Hours

EDGAR operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. This schedule allows filers to transmit their documents to the SEC within this time frame. It’s important for filers to align their submissions with these operating hours to ensure timely processing.

Filing Windows Across Time Zones

The United States spans several time zones, affecting when filers can submit their documents.

• Pacific Time Zone (PT): Filings can be transmitted from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Mountain Time Zone (MT): Filers can submit from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Central Time Zone (CT): Users have a window from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Eastern Time Zone (ET): Filers can transmit from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

These time adjustments ensure that no matter where in the U.S. the filer is located, submissions are aligned with SEC timings.

SEC Filer Support Availability

Filers seeking assistance with the EDGAR system can access SEC filer support during more limited hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. Adjusted hours apply for other U.S. time zones.

Deadlines for Current Day’s Date

To secure the current day’s filing date, transmissions must begin by 5:30 p.m. ET. Submissions starting after this time will generally be dated 6:00 a.m. ET the next business day. However, specific forms, such as Forms 3, 4, 5, 144, and various MEF forms, can be submitted until 10:00 p.m. ET and still receive the same day’s filing date.

International Filing Windows

EDGAR also accommodates international filers by adjusting transmission windows according to their local time zones.

• London: Filers can submit from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. local time.
• Hong Kong: Submissions are accepted from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
• Tokyo/Seoul: The filing window is from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m.

These time frames enable global compliance and timely submission for international companies.

Importance of Completion Before End-of-Day

Filers must complete their submissions by the end of the filing day. Any incomplete transmissions will be terminated and must be restarted the following business day. This underscores the importance of timely filings within the designated operating hours to avoid delays.

For more detailed guidance on EDGAR filing procedures and support resources, the SEC’s resources and Toppan Merrill’s insights provide comprehensive support to filers.

Understanding EDGAR operating hours and adhering to them is crucial for the successful submission of filings. By staying informed and prepared, filers can ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary filing delays.