If you’re searching for an “NSA approved shredder,” you likely handle classified or sensitive government data and need equipment that meets strict federal destruction standards. The reality is that the NSA does not technically “approve” shredders. Instead, the agency maintains the NSA/CSS Evaluated Products List (EPL), which identifies equipment that has passed rigorous testing for destroying classified information. These NSA Listed shredders are mandatory for U.S. government agencies, defense contractors, military operations, and intelligence units handling TOP SECRET and COMSEC materials.
This guide covers the complete NSA approved shredder list, clarifies what “NSA Listed” actually means, breaks down technical requirements, and helps you select the right model for your security needs.
What “NSA Listed” Actually Means
Why “NSA Approved” Is a Misnomer
Many vendors market shredders as “NSA approved,” but this terminology is technically inaccurate. The NSA does not grant formal approval to any shredder. Instead, the agency evaluates and lists products on the NSA/CSS Evaluated Products List after extensive testing against strict security standards. Only equipment appearing on this official EPL is authorized for destroying classified U.S. government information.
To earn a place on the NSA approved shredder list, manufacturers must meet requirements outlined in NSA/CSS Policy Manual 9-12 and comply with NSA/CSS 02-01 specifications. Devices must produce particles no larger than 1 mm x 5 mm, achieving DIN 66399 P-7 (Security Level 6) certification. This distinction matters because using a non-listed shredder for classified material constitutes a federal policy violation.
Why the EPL Matters for Your Organization
The Evaluated Products List is not optional for organizations handling classified data. All NSA/CSS personnel and contractors must use only listed equipment. The same requirement applies to military operations, intelligence agencies, and defense industrial base companies. The list is updated periodically, and models can be removed when they no longer meet current standards. Always verify a model’s current status on the official NSA.gov EPL portal before purchasing.
NSA Shredder Security Standards Explained
Particle Size Requirements
The core requirement for NSA Listed paper shredders is particle size. The maximum allowed dimensions are 1 mm x 5 mm (approximately 0.04 inches by 0.2 inches). This micro-cut standard ensures documents cannot be reconstructed, even using advanced forensic techniques. Some manufacturers, notably Intimus, exceed this requirement by producing particles measuring 0.8 mm x 4.5 mm, which are 25% smaller than the NSA maximum.
This particle size corresponds to DIN 66399 Level P-7, also known as Security Level 6. Documents destroyed to this standard are suitable for TOP SECRET, SECRET, and COMSEC materials.
Operational and Containment Standards
Beyond particle size, NSA Listed shredders must meet additional operational criteria. The waste bin must collect at least 99% of particles to prevent classified material from escaping during the destruction process. Each device must feature permanent labeling with the manufacturer name, model number, and serial number. Full user documentation must be provided with every unit.
Many high-security models include operational modes designed for specific scenarios. Silent mode enables discreet destruction of classified materials without drawing attention. Performance mode allows high-volume processing when time is critical. Automatic oiling systems on models like the Intimus 175 CP7 and HSM Classic series prevent jams and maintain clean cuts during continuous operation.
Top NSA Listed Shredder Manufacturers
The NSA approved shredder list includes equipment from several major manufacturers, each offering different capacity levels and specialized features.
HSM Securio and Classic Series
HSM is one of the most widely used brands in government and military settings, offering a comprehensive range of P-7 micro-cut shredders.
• Securio B24: Compact deskside model with 7-8 sheet capacity, P-7 micro-cut security. NSN: 7490-01-694-6504. Discounted price approximately $1,691.
• Securio P36i: High-capacity unit with optional OMDD slot for optical media destruction. Standard configuration around $4,661, combo unit approximately $7,467.
• Classic 390.3: Industrial-grade model with automatic oiler, designed for continuous high-volume operation. Discounted price approximately $3,727.
• Classic 411.2: Auto-oiler model with P-7 micro-cut capability. Discounted price around $3,695.
Intimus CP7 Series
Intimus shredders are trusted by the U.S. military and federal agencies for exceeding NSA particle standards. Their 0.8 mm x 4.5 mm particles provide assurance beyond the minimum 1 mm x 5 mm requirement.
• 175 CP7: High-volume workhorse with 1-hour continuous duty rating, capable of processing 29 reams per hour. Features automatic oiler. Discounted price approximately $4,677.
• 120 CP7: Mid-range model suitable for medium departments with daily classified output. Discounted price around $2,511.
• 60 CP7: Compact high-security model for limited spaces. Price approximately $1,572.
• 45 CP7: Small-footprint option for secure rooms and command centers. Price around $1,527.
Dahle PowerTEC and CleanTEC Lines
Dahle offers specialized destruction equipment including rapid deployment options and dedicated optical media destroyers.
• PowerTEC 707 PS: High-speed paper shredder for high-volume secure facilities. Discounted price approximately $7,347.
• PowerTEC 717 OS: Dedicated optical media destroyer for CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray discs. Discounted price around $4,507.
• PowerTEC 727 CS: Combo shredder handling both paper and optical media. Discounted price approximately $7,997.
• PowerTEC 818 HD: Hard drive punch device for physical HDD destruction. Discounted price around $4,507.
• CleanTEC 41334-41534: High-security models with CleanTEC filtration system. Prices range from $3,687 to $5,767.
Kobra Industrial Shredders
Kobra specializes in heavy-duty, industrial-grade solutions for large-scale operations and specialized media.
• Cyclone HS6/006: Industrial powerhouse built for 24/7 operation. Discounted price approximately $22,568.
• 400 HS-6: High-security model with significant discounts (up to 55%). Price around $7,336.
• 240 HS-6: Scalable security option for departments scaling up. Discounted price approximately $1,250.
• 400 HS-OM: Dedicated optical media shredder. Discounted price around $7,576.
• SSD Digital Media Shredder: Specialized unit for destroying SSDs, USBs, and memory cards. Price approximately $76,594.
Formax Office to Industrial Solutions
Formax provides a bridge between office-friendly models and industrial systems.
• FD 8300HS: Deskside security shredder. Price approximately $2,800.
• FD 8730HS: Combo unit for paper and optical media. Discounted price around $7,915.
• FD 8732HS: High-capacity combo model. Price approximately $10,307.
• FD 87HD: Hard drive punch for data center decommissioning. Price around $4,635.
Fellowes (Whitaker Brothers Distribution)
Fellowes models distributed under the Datastroyer and Destroyit brands appear frequently in government procurement channels.
• Datastroyer DCS 36/6: P-7 combo shredder handling paper and CDs. NSN: 7490-01-696-7457. Price approximately $7,018.
• MBM Destroyit 2360: Super micro-cut model with P-7 security. Price around $1,451.
Beyond Paper: NSA Listed Media Destruction
Hard Drive Degaussers and Punches
Standard paper shredders cannot handle magnetic or solid-state storage. The NSA approved shredder list includes separate categories for hard drive destruction.
• Intimus 20000S Degausser: Uses powerful electromagnetic fields to erase magnetic data from HDDs and tapes. Price approximately $20,876.
• Dahle PowerTEC 818 HD: Physical punch device providing immediate visual verification of destruction. Price around $4,507.
• Formax FD 87HD: Hard drive punch for on-site decommissioning with audit trail. Price approximately $4,635.
Degaussing renders drives completely unusable and data unrecoverable, making it ideal for bulk sanitization. Punch devices provide physical destruction with visible confirmation.
Optical Media Shredders
Standard paper shredders cannot safely destroy CDs, DVDs, or Blu-Ray discs. Optical media requires specialized blades to avoid shattering and contained chambers to capture reflective foil particles.
Approved models for optical media include the Kobra 400 HS-OM, Dahle PowerTEC 717 OS, and HSM Securio P36i with OMDD slot. All are EPL-listed specifically for 12cm optical discs. Using standard shredders for optical media is both unsafe and non-compliant.
Solid State and Digital Media Destruction
SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards require physical disintegration rather than standard shredding. SSDs use wear-leveling and over-provisioning techniques that can allow data to persist even after deletion. The Kobra SSD Digital Media Shredder, priced around $76,600, crushes and shreds solid-state components into unrecoverable fragments. Physical destruction is the only NSA-compliant method for sanitizing SSDs containing classified data.
How to Verify NSA Listing Status
Checking the Official EPL
Always confirm a model is currently listed on the NSA.gov EPL website. The list is updated regularly, and expired models are removed. Using an outdated or delisted model invalidates your compliance.
To verify a shredder:
- Visit nsa.gov and navigate to Cybersecurity, then Products and Services, then Evaluated Products List
- Download the latest Paper Shredders, Optical Media, or HDD Destruction list
- Search by manufacturer, model number, or National Stock Number (NSN)
- Confirm the evaluation date is current
Models with NSN numbers simplify government purchasing. For example, the HSM Securio B24 carries NSN 7490-01-694-6504, and the Datastroyer DCS 36/6 has NSN 7490-01-696-7457.
Who Needs an NSA Listed Shredder
Mandatory Users
Certain organizations are required by federal policy to use only NSA Listed equipment.
• U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractors handling classified contracts
• Intelligence agencies including CIA, NSA, and FBI
• Military command centers and operations
• Federal courts handling classified evidence
• All NSA/CSS personnel and contractors
Recommended Users
Even organizations not explicitly mandated may benefit from NSA-level security.
• Healthcare organizations seeking extra assurance beyond HIPAA requirements
• Financial institutions protecting sensitive client data
• Law firms safeguarding privileged communications
• Technology firms handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
NSA Listed shredders provide the strongest defense against data breaches, regardless of whether your organization formally handles classified materials.
Buying Tips for NSA Listed Shredders
Total Cost of Ownership
Consider more than the purchase price when selecting a shredder. Automatic oilers reduce maintenance time and extend blade life. Larger waste bins mean fewer emptying cycles, saving labor in high-volume environments. Industrial models built for continuous duty last longer under heavy use, often justifying higher upfront costs.
Media Mix Requirements
Choose a combo unit if your organization destroys multiple media types. Paper-only shredders leave compliance gaps if you later need to destroy CDs, hard drives, or SSDs. Combo units handling paper and optical media streamline workflow while ensuring all materials meet destruction standards.
Procurement Channels
Many NSA Listed models have National Stock Numbers (NSNs) that simplify government purchasing through systems like GSA Advantage. Vendors frequently offer significant discounts, with some models reduced by 50% or more from list price. Expert chat support and flexible payment options are often available for government and enterprise buyers.
Key Takeaways for Finding NSA Approved Shredder List Models
The term “NSA approved shredder” technically refers to equipment appearing on the NSA/CSS Evaluated Products List. These NSA Listed shredders must produce particles no larger than 1 mm x 5 mm, meeting DIN 66399 P-7 security standards. Top manufacturers including HSM, Intimus, Dahle, Kobra, Formax, and Fellowes offer models spanning from compact deskside units to industrial-grade systems.
Always verify current listing status on the official NSA.gov portal before purchasing. Organizations handling classified data must use only EPL-listed equipment. Consider your volume requirements, media types, and total cost of ownership when selecting a model. For the most up-to-date NSA approved shredder list, visit nsa.gov and search for the NSA/CSS Evaluated Products List.
Frequently Asked Questions About NSA Approved Shredder List
What is the difference between NSA approved and NSA listed shredders?
The NSA does not formally “approve” any shredder. The correct terminology is “NSA Listed” or “NSA Evaluated.” Products appear on the official NSA/CSS Evaluated Products List (EPL) after passing rigorous testing. Vendors marketing “NSA approved” shredders are using colloquial terminology rather than official designation.
What particle size qualifies for the NSA approved shredder list?
NSA Listed paper shredders must produce particles no larger than 1 mm x 5 mm. This corresponds to DIN 66399 Level P-7 (Security Level 6). Some manufacturers exceed this requirement, with Intimus producing particles as small as 0.8 mm x 4.5 mm.
Can I use a regular shredder for classified documents?
No. Using a non-listed shredder for classified material violates federal policy. Only equipment appearing on the current NSA/CSS Evaluated Products List is authorized for destroying classified U.S. government information.
Do I need different shredders for paper, CDs, and hard drives?
Yes. The NSA approved shredder list includes separate categories for different media types. Paper shredders cannot safely destroy optical media, and standard shredders cannot handle hard drives or SSDs. Dedicated devices or combo units are required for each media type.
How often is the NSA Evaluated Products List updated?
The EPL is updated as needed by the Committee on National Security Systems and Central Security Service. Products can be added or removed based on evolving standards. Always verify current status on NSA.gov before purchasing.
Where can I find the official NSA approved shredder list?
Visit nsa.gov and navigate to the Evaluated Products List section under Cybersecurity, then Products and Services. The list is available as downloadable documents covering paper shredders, optical media destruction, and hard drive equipment.