Understanding Shredder Security Levels

Paper shredders that are sold in the UK and Europe are classified into 5 security levels with security level 1 being the lowest, and offering you the least amount of security, to security level 5 which is the highest shredder security level.

In the UK most paper shredder security levels are classified according to the widely recognized DIN 32757. DIN levels stands for "Deutsche Industrie Normierung" or "German Industry Standard".

Officially, much like the term 'shredder security level' these DIN levels range from 1 - 5 with 1 being the least secure and 5 being the most secure.

High Security shredders are now advertised by the German manufacturers HSM and IDEAL (at security level 6) and although this level has not yet been ratified as an official standard in Europe it has been approved by the American Department of Defence.

Strip cut shredders have a maximum security level of up to 3 where as crosscut shredders are found in level 2 up to level 5, and typically offer you a more security.

Below is a table showing the different shredder security levels:

Shredder Security Level 2 (DIN 2)

You would use a level 2 shredder to destroy everyday paper waste. These would include documents such as computer printouts or poor quality photocopies, internal work documents and financial information. A shredder that falls into this category will shred paper into long strips between 4mm and 6mm in width.

Shredder Security Level 3 (DIN 3)

A level 3 machine is designed for shredding confidential documents - things like salary information, banking statements, credit card receipts etc. Generally a level 3 shredder is seen as adequate in the prevention of identity theft. If you choose a strip cut shredder it will shred paper into thin strips under 2mm thick. A crosscut shredder at this level will reduce a piece of paper into 4mm x 40mm particles.

Shredder Security Level 4 (DIN 4)

Level 4 shredders are only available in cross cut models and are typically used to shred sensitive documents into 1.9 x 15 mm particles.
Ideal for things like strategic proposals and personnel files, or any business owner wanting a high level of security, and piece of mind without the price tag.

Shredder Security Level 5 (DIN 5)

A shredder that falls into this security level is typically used for top secret shredding environments. They are ideal for military and government documents or any business owner that want to absolutely guarantee confidentiality. Shreds paper into 0.78x 11 mm particles, which makes near to impossible to put a sheet back together.