Retention formats is correct because that portion of a data retention policy specifies the storage media and the handling procedures associated with each type of media.

The Retention formats section typically lists the physical and logical media options such as tape, disk, cloud object storage, removable media, or encrypted containers. It also defines handling procedures like required encryption, labeling, access controls, transfer and migration methods, and sanitization or destruction requirements at end of life. These details directly govern how classified or sensitive information must be stored and protected while it is retained.

Archiving and retrieval is focused on the processes for moving data into long term storage and for locating and restoring it when needed. That section covers indexing, cataloging, retrieval SLAs, and access workflows rather than the specific media types and handling rules that belong in the retention formats section.

Data classification defines sensitivity levels and labeling rules that determine protections and retention obligations. It informs what protections are required but it does not itself prescribe the exact storage media or the handling procedures for each media type.

Retention periods state how long each class of data must be preserved to satisfy legal, regulatory, or business needs. They describe duration and disposal timing and do not specify which storage media to use or the handling procedures for those media. Retention periods work together with the Retention formats section to form a complete retention policy.

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