diff --git a/documentation/bsp-guide/bsp.xml b/documentation/bsp-guide/bsp.xml
index 64ca5a4ea6..d91b6043aa 100644
--- a/documentation/bsp-guide/bsp.xml
+++ b/documentation/bsp-guide/bsp.xml
@@ -221,8 +221,10 @@
             </para>
 
             <para>
-                Technically speaking a <filename>README</filename> file is optional but it is highly 
-                recommended that every BSP has one.
+                At a minimum, the <filename>README</filename> file must
+                contain a list of dependencies, such as the names of
+                any other layers on which the BSP depends and the name of
+                the BSP maintainer with his or her contact information.
             </para>
             </section>