What does the DIN 66399 standard define?
The German DIN 66399 standard defines particle sizes and security classes for destroying data carriers (paper, optical media, magnetic media). The P code used for paper runs from P-1 to P-7: the higher the number, the smaller the particles and the harder the document is to reconstruct.
What does each level mean in practice?
The P levels with their practical equivalents:
- P-1 / P-2 — Wide strips: general, non-sensitive paperwork. Not recommended for personal data
- P-3 — Narrow strips or coarse particles: internal correspondence, low sensitivity
- P-4 — Cross-cut (~160 mm² particles): the minimum standard for daily office documents containing personal data
- P-5 — Micro-cut (~30 mm²): special categories such as HR, finance and health data
- P-6 / P-7 — High security: classified corporate and government documents
Which level satisfies data-protection law?
Data-protection law requires personal data to be destroyed 'irreversibly' but does not specify a particle size. Industry practice points to at least P-4 cross-cut for customer and employee documents, and P-5 micro-cut for special categories of personal data.
Remember: throwing un-shredded documents in the bin is a data breach with the risk of administrative fines. A regular shredding routine should be part of your corporate data-security policy.
What else matters besides the level?
Particle size is not the only criterion when choosing a machine:
- Daily volume — bin capacity and continuous run time
- Auto-feed — load a stack and walk away
- Oil-free cutting unit — zero maintenance cost (Novus Dahle oil-free technology)
- CleanTEC® fine dust filter — air quality in closed offices
- Card and CD/DVD shredding capability