Collection: Security Level 7 Shredding

DIN 66399 Security Level P-7 is the highest paper security level defined by the standard. There is no P-8. P-7 permits a maximum particle area of 5 mm² with a maximum particle width of 1 mm; a typical shred size is 0.8 x 4.5 mm or 1 x 5 mm. These are micro-cut machines producing an almost dust-like output.

P-7 is specified for top secret and classified material where disclosure would cause exceptionally grave damage: national security documents, intelligence reporting, cryptographic material and the most closely held government and military records.

Please read this carefully, because the industry routinely gets it wrong. DIN 66399 P-7 and NSA/CSS 02-01 are two different things. DIN 66399 is a German and European particle-size standard, and the level is a manufacturer’s specification of output size. The NSA does not issue DIN levels and does not certify anything as “NSA Level 7”. For US classified paper destruction, the machine must produce a maximum 1 mm x 5 mm particle and the exact make and model must appear on the current NSA/CSS 02-01 Evaluated Products List. A shredder can be genuinely P-7 and still not be on that list.

Typical buyers are federal agencies, military units, embassies and cleared contractors. See our DIN 66399 security level guide, and verify the EPL before you order.