For each ICIM/XML element, there is an attribute-list declaration that defines values for that element. Attribute-list declarations specify the name, datatype, and default value (if any) of each attribute associated with a given element type. The attribute-list also defines whether the value is required or implied. If the value is required, define it in the document. If the value is implied, there is a default value for that attribute.

The syntax of the ATTLIST is defined as:

<!ATTLIST <element-name> <attribute-name> <attribute-type> default-value>