Data erasure certificate: what it must contain
How to recognise reliable proof of erasure – and which mistakes are common.
In short: An erasure certificate proves for each individual drive that it was erased completely. At a minimum it states the device, drive, serial number, erasure method and time. It is generated by the certified erasure software during the erasure itself – not written up afterwards at a desk.
What it must contain
| Detail | Why |
|---|---|
| Device | manufacturer and model – so the proof can be matched to a device in your inventory |
| Drive | which drive in the device was erased |
| Serial number | the unique match, device by device |
| Erasure method | which method was used, for example BSI-GS or BSI-GSK |
| Time | when the erasure took place |
Whether you receive one certificate per device or a compilation for the whole job is a matter of preference – what matters is that every drive appears in it with its serial number.
Common mistakes
- The wrong standard. DIN 66399 applies only to the physical destruction of storage media. Software-based erasure is documented by its erasure method, for example BSI-GS or BSI-GSK.
- A blanket confirmation without serial numbers. A sentence such as “50 laptops erased” cannot be matched to any device and is of no use as proof if it ever matters.
- Quantities without a match. A total without a list behind it is not a source. What counts is what has been proven for each drive.
- Missing drives. Drives that could not be erased must be documented as destroyed – otherwise there is a gap.
Erasure certificate and disposal certificate
| Aspect | Erasure certificate | Disposal certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Proves | the erasure of one drive | the proper disposal and material recycling of the job under ElektroG and KrWG |
| Content | device, drive, serial number, method, time | client, date, devices with quantities; physically destroyed drives listed separately |
| Issued by | the certified erasure software | Tech Recycling Berlin |
How you receive the proof from us
For every erasure you receive the erasure certificate generated by the certified erasure software – unchanged. Drives that cannot be erased are physically destroyed according to DIN 66399 and listed separately in the disposal certificate.
More: Secure data erasure · Erase or destroy?
Sources
The regulations cited, in their official wording:
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), official German text
- Circular Economy Act (KrWG), official German text
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the erasure certificate?
The certified erasure software generates it for every erasure. We pass it on to you unchanged.
Is one certificate enough for the whole job?
Yes, if it lists every drive with its serial number. You decide whether you want proof per device or a compilation.
What about drives that cannot be erased?
They are physically destroyed according to DIN 66399 and listed separately in the disposal certificate.