Paper Shredder Security Levels Explained

Paper shredder security levels run from P-1 to P-7, with higher ratings representing increasingly stringent requirements for the destruction of paper. The right level depends on the type of information being disposed of and your organisation’s own security and data-handling requirements.

Understanding these ratings can make it easier to compare paper shredders and choose equipment with an appropriate combination of security, capacity and everyday practicality.

Why Do Paper Shredders Have Security Levels?

Paper shredders are available with different security ratings because not every document requires the same degree of destruction.

DIN 66399 uses a series of classifications for different types of data carriers, with paper represented by a P rating. For paper, the classifications range from P-1 through to P-7.

As the P rating increases, the requirements for the size of the shredded paper particles become more stringent.

Terms such as strip cut, cross cut and micro cut are also commonly used when describing shredders, but the stated P rating provides a useful point of comparison when assessing the security level of different machines.

What Paper Shredder Security Levels Are Available?

There are seven P ratings for paper, covering different levels of document destruction.

The descriptions below provide a general overview. The appropriate security level for your documents should be based on your organisation’s information-security policies and any relevant regulatory, contractual or data-handling requirements.

P-1: Lower-Security Paper Destruction

P-1 represents the lowest security level within the paper classification and produces comparatively larger strips or particles.

It may be considered for general paper waste where a high level of information security is not required.

P-2: General Internal Material

P-2 provides a greater degree of paper destruction than P-1 while remaining towards the lower end of the security scale.

It may be considered for general internal paperwork with relatively low security requirements.

P-3: Sensitive Documents

P-3 reduces paper into smaller pieces than the preceding levels and provides an increased level of document destruction.

It may be considered where paperwork contains information that requires greater protection than routine or general material.

P-4: Confidential Documents

P-4 provides a higher level of paper destruction and is commonly considered where confidential or sensitive documents are being disposed of.

Whether P-4 is appropriate for a particular document will depend on the organisation’s information-security and data-handling requirements.

P-5: Higher-Security Confidential Information

P-5 requires paper to be destroyed into smaller particles than P-4 and is intended for applications requiring a higher degree of information protection.

Organisations considering this level should ensure that the selected rating meets their own security requirements.

P-6: Very High Security Requirements

P-6 represents a further increase in the level of paper destruction and may be relevant where particularly stringent information-security requirements apply.

Its suitability should be determined according to the policies or standards governing the information being destroyed.

P-7: Highest Level Within the Paper Classification

P-7 is the highest security level within the P classification for paper and has the most stringent particle-size requirements of the seven levels.

It is intended for applications requiring the highest level of paper destruction within this classification.

Does a Higher P Rating Always Mean a Better Shredder?

Not necessarily.

A higher P rating means a higher level of paper destruction, but it doesn’t automatically make the machine the best choice for every workplace.

The appropriate shredder should provide the security level you require while also being practical for the amount of paper you process, the people using it and the space available.

Choosing solely on the highest available P rating could mean overlooking factors such as sheet capacity, run time, bin size and everyday ease of use.

How to Choose the Right Paper Shredder Security Level

Start by considering the information your organisation handles and any existing requirements for its secure disposal.

What Type of Information Will Be Shredded?

Consider whether the documents contain general, internal, personal, confidential or otherwise sensitive information.

Your organisation’s information-security, retention and disposal policies should guide the level of destruction required.

Where regulatory, contractual or organisational security requirements apply, use the level specified by the relevant policy or authority rather than choosing a security rating based solely on general examples.

Where Will the Shredder Be Used?

A compact deskside shredder may be appropriate for individual or occasional use, while shared departments may need equipment designed to handle greater volumes.

Consider how many people will use the machine and where shredding will take place.

How Much Material Will Be Shredded?

Estimate typical daily or weekly volumes rather than considering only an occasional large job.

For frequent or centralised disposal, compare factors such as sheet capacity, run time, feeding options and bin capacity when assessing different machines.

What Size Documents Will Be Shredded?

Check the feed width against the paper formats you regularly use.

Standard office documents may have relatively straightforward requirements, while larger formats may require equipment with a wider feed opening.

Will You Shred Anything Other Than Paper?

Some shredders are designed to process additional items, but capabilities vary between models.

If you need to destroy cards, optical media or other materials, check the individual machine specifications and the appropriate security classification for that type of media.

How Much Space Is Available?

Consider the physical size of the shredder as well as the room required to use and empty it comfortably.

Deskside, shared-office and higher-capacity shredders can have very different space requirements, so placement should form part of the buying decision.

What Capacity and Features Do You Need?

Once you know the required security level, compare the practical specifications of suitable machines.

Depending on your requirements, useful points to consider can include:

• Sheet capacity
• Bin capacity
• Run time
• Feed width
• Manual or automatic feeding
• Machine dimensions
• Compatibility with the materials you need to shred
• Servicing and support

The aim is to find a machine that meets your required security level while also fitting comfortably into your everyday workflow.

Understanding Security Level and Shredder Capacity

Security rating is only one part of choosing a paper shredder.

Two machines carrying the same P rating can have different capacities, dimensions and operating features. Similarly, different versions within a shredder range may have different specifications.

For that reason, compare the individual machine specifications rather than choosing on the P rating alone.

Once you have established the security level required by your organisation, you can narrow your search to shredders that meet that requirement and then compare their capacity and features.

Why Choose AfterPrint?

Choosing a paper shredder involves balancing the required security rating with the practical demands of everyday use.

With more than 50 years of combined print-finishing experience, AfterPrint can help you compare paper shredders by factors such as P rating, sheet capacity, run time, bin size and machine format.

Explore AfterPrint’s range of paper shredders to compare available machines, or contact us today for friendly, professional advice and help finding a shredder that suits your requirements.

Where a particular security level is required for regulatory, contractual or organisational reasons, this should be established according to the relevant policies or requirements before selecting equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do paper security levels also apply to CDs and hard drives?

The P classification applies specifically to paper. Other types of data carriers use separate classifications, so check the relevant rating when equipment is required to destroy materials other than paper.

Do staples and paper clips need to be removed before shredding?

This depends on the individual shredder. Some machines are designed to accept certain fasteners, while others may have different requirements. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the model being used.

Does choosing a high-security shredder guarantee compliance with data-protection requirements?

A shredder’s security rating is only one part of secure information handling. Organisations may also have requirements covering document retention, access, handling, collection and disposal.

The appropriate processes and security level should therefore be determined according to the relevant organisational, contractual and regulatory requirements.