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Wareneingangsprüfung
In brief
Goods receipt inspection is the checking of delivered goods for quantity, identity, condition and completeness before they are processed further. In trade, it is linked to the duty to give notice of defects without delay. In IT retirement, it is the link in the chain of custody where the service provider reconciles the delivered devices by serial number with the customer's list and reports discrepancies.
What is audited
| Check point | For old IT devices |
|---|---|
| Packaging and closure | Are containers and seals intact, do the seal numbers match? |
| Quantity and identity | Reconciliation of serial numbers with the inventory list and the Acceptance record |
| Storage media | Does the device contain hard drives, SSDs, memory cards or forgotten USB sticks? |
| Condition | Initial assessment for reuse, repair or recycling |
Discrepancies, such as a missing device, must be documented and reported immediately. Only this makes it possible to clarify whether a device was never handed over or was lost in transit.
Why goods receipt matters
Without a checked goods receipt, the Chain of custody breaks exactly at the point where responsibility passes from the customer to the service provider. When choosing, ask how goods receipt and discrepancy reporting work, see our guide Choosing an ITAD provider. At Second IT, every delivered device is checked for all storage media, hidden or forgotten data carriers are identified, and every device is registered by serial number and traceable in the customer portal.
Frequently asked questions about goods receipt inspection
What happens if a seal is damaged?
The finding is documented and reported to the customer. The contents are then reconciled with the device list with particular care.
Do I need a device list for the inspection?
Yes, it is the basis of the reconciliation. Without a list with serial numbers, only the number of units can be checked, not the identity of the devices.
Is goods receipt inspection required by law?
In commercial law, for a bilateral commercial purchase there is a duty to examine goods without delay and give notice of defects (§ 377 HGB). In retirement, the necessity arises mainly from the documentation obligations of data protection.
What happens if a device is missing during the inspection?
The discrepancy is documented and reported immediately. Only this makes it possible to clarify whether the device was never handed over or was lost in transit. The basis of the reconciliation is the device list with serial numbers.
Is goods receipt inspection also checking for forgotten data carriers?
Yes. It is checked whether a device contains hard drives, SSDs, memory cards or forgotten USB sticks. This way, no data carriers get into further processing unnoticed. An initial assessment of condition for reuse, repair or recycling is also part of it.
Every device checked and registered – traceable in the customer portal.
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