This International Standard provides specifications of the data migration method for archival data storage which allow manufacturers storage systems that use DVD-R (ISO/IEC 23912:2005), DVD-RW (ISO/IEC 17342:2004), DVD-RAM (ISO/IEC 17592:2004), +R (ISO/IEC 17344:2006 and ISO/IEC 25434:2007), and +RW (ISO/IEC 17341:2006 and ISO/IEC 26925:2006) disks for information storage to classify disk longevity potential on the basis of initial performance requirements and to allow users to monitor continuing conformance with the error limits required for its class identified by the manufacturer of the drive/disk. Digital data can be migrated to a next new disk without loss from the present disk as far as the data errors are completely corrected before and during the migration and the copy of the data is allowed. The methodology for data migration does not apply to disks with short archival storage time but to disks with long archival storage time. Disks with shorter archival storage time have more rapid degradation and require more frequent periodical tests. In addition, degradation of recorded data has a complex failure mechanism. Archival storage time, therefore, varies depending not only on temperature and humidity but also on many other effects, such as exposure to light, corrosive gases, contaminations, handling, and variation in playback subsystems. Consequently, severer storage environment requires more frequent periodical tests. Frequency of periodical tests is based on the quality of the disks for storing data and the storage environment.