What security level does a shredder need according to GDPR?
by Wiepa Team on Jun 24, 2026Data Protection and Document Shredding
What security level does a shredder need according to GDPR?
The appropriate security level determines how securely confidential documents are destroyed in the office. For many companies, P 4 is a sensible starting point.
Anyone destroying documents containing personal, confidential, or internal information should not only pay attention to the device size. The security level, cut type, frequency of use, and the protection needs of the documents are crucial.
Short Answer
For many confidential office documents, security level P 4 is appropriate. P 5 is better suited for particularly sensitive data, such as personnel files, patient data, client documents, or strategic documents. Strip cut is often too weak for data protection in the office.
What does security level mean for a document shredder?
The security level describes how small paper is shredded during destruction. The smaller the particles, the more difficult it is to reconstruct the documents. Therefore, for companies, it's not just whether paper is shredded, but how finely it is shredded that matters.
P 2, P 4, and P 5 in comparison
| Level | Typical Use | Classification for Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| P 2 | internal documents with low protection requirements | usually not sufficient for sensitive data |
| P 4 | personal and confidential office documents | often a sensible standard in the office |
| P 5 | particularly sensitive documents | for increased protection requirements |
Why P 4 is often appropriate in the office
Many offices work daily with quotes, invoices, customer data, personnel data, internal analyses, and notes. When such documents are destroyed, P 4 is a good starting point for many companies because paper is shredded into small particles.
When P 5 is a better fit
P 5 is useful when documents are particularly sensitive. This applies, for example, to doctor's offices, law firms, tax consultancies, human resources departments, management, public institutions, or areas with confidential project data.
More on this: P 4 or P 5: Which security level is appropriate?
Suitable products in the Wiepa Shop
Particle cut instead of strip cut
For data protection in the office, particle cut is usually more appropriate than strip cut. Particle cut creates smaller pieces, making the reconstruction of documents significantly more difficult.
Relevant reading: Strip cut or particle cut
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every office need a shredder with P 4?
Not every document requires P 4. However, as soon as personal or confidential documents are regularly destroyed, P 4 is a sensible standard.
Is strip cut sufficient according to GDPR?
For confidential office documents, strip cut is often too weak. Particle cut is usually the better choice because documents are more thoroughly shredded.
When is P 5 appropriate?
P 5 is suitable for particularly sensitive documents, for example, in doctor's offices, law firms, tax consultancies, human resources departments, or management.
What does DIN 66399 mean?
DIN 66399 describes requirements for the destruction of data carriers and classifies security levels. For paper documents, the levels are indicated with P.
Sources and Guidance
For data protection, retention periods, and specific deletion concepts, companies should consult official information on the GDPR, DIN 66399, and their internal data protection guidelines. This article serves as practical guidance for purchasing and office organization.
Other relevant articles: Organizing Document Shredding in the Office, GDPR and Paper Waste, Shredders for Doctor's Offices and Shredders for Law Firms and Tax Consultancies
Relevant pages: Office Supplies, Office Supply, E-Procurement and Shredders in the Shop
Unsure about the right security level?
Wiepa supports companies in Wiesbaden and Rhein Main in selecting suitable shredders, security levels, and HSM devices.
