DIN security levels are specified by the DIN 32 757 standard. The standard helps you choose the shredder you require by classifying your documents and recommending a shredding size suitable for your specific data security needs. Additional methods like mixing or baling the shreds can also increase the security level.

DIN Security Levels

DIN 1
For all written documents that should be made illegible.
Strip width ≤ 12 mm




DIN 2
For internal documents that should be made illegible.
Strip width ≤ 6 mm
Strip length ∞, or
Strip area ≤ 800 mm2


DIN 3
For confidential documents that
should be made illegible.
Particle width ≤ 4 mm
Particle length ≤ 80 mm, or
                          Particle area ≤ 320 mm2


DIN 4
For documents that contain secrets that should be made illegible.
Particle width ≤ 2 mm
Particle length ≤ 15 mm, or
Particle area ≤ 30 mm2


DIN 5
For extremely high security needs.
Particle width ≤ 0.8 mm
Particle length ≤ 13 mm, or
Particle area ≤ 10 mm2


DIN 6
Not listed under DIN 32 757 – for maximum security requirements.
Particle width ≤ 1 mm
Particle length ≤ 5 mm, or
Particle area ≤ 5 mm2