business & industrial / business software

Metrc Integration New York: Test Status Checks at Receiving

New York dispensaries need to verify more than the physical shipment when receiving cannabis inventory. Package identity, Retail Item IDs, quantity, and Metrc testing status should all match before products become sellable.

Beginning April 1, 2026, finished cannabis products transferred to dispensaries must have a Retail Item ID on each unit and a TestPassed or RetestPassed status associated with the package.

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Contents
  • 1 - Know the April 1, 2026 Rule
  • 2 - Check Test Status Before Making Inventory Sellable
  • 3 - Keep Package UID and Retail Item ID Separate
  • 4 - Use a Simple Receiving Checklist
  • 5 - Do Not Rely on a COA Alone
  • 6 - Handle Legacy Inventory by Receiving Date
  • 7 - Quarantine Receiving Exceptions
  • 8 - Verify the First Sale
  • 1 - Know the April 1, 2026 Rule

    For retailers using POS software for New York cannabis retailers, receiving should connect the physical shipment with the correct Metrc package and retail inventory record.

    Beginning April 1, 2026, finished goods transferred from licensed distributors to dispensaries must have:

    • a Retail Item ID on each finished unit;
    • a TestPassed or RetestPassed status for the package.

    A package that physically arrives at the store is not automatically ready for sale.

  • 2 - Check Test Status Before Making Inventory Sellable

    Receiving staff should compare:

    • the physical package;
    • the Metrc package record;
    • the Package UID;
    • the transfer;
    • the quantity received.

    If TestPassed or RetestPassed is missing when required, keep the inventory unavailable for sale until the issue is resolved.

    The Metrc package status should be verified directly rather than inferred from paperwork.

  • 3 - Keep Package UID and Retail Item ID Separate

    Several identifiers may appear during receiving:

    • Package UID — identifies the regulated package;
    • Retail Item ID — identifies the finished retail unit;
    • POS SKU or barcode — identifies the product inside the retail system.

    They are not interchangeable.

    Since December 17, 2025, packages transferred from distributors to dispensaries must also have their Package UID physically attached.

  • 4 - Use a Simple Receiving Checklist

    Before releasing inventory for sale, confirm:

    1. the transfer belongs to the correct licensed location;
    2. the Package UID matches the physical package;
    3. the received quantity is correct;
    4. required Retail Item IDs are present;
    5. the package shows TestPassed or RetestPassed;
    6. the product maps to the correct POS item.

    Only after these checks should the package move into normal sellable inventory.

  • 5 - Do Not Rely on a COA Alone

    A Certificate of Analysis can help staff investigate testing information, but it does not replace the package status recorded in Metrc.

    A readable QR code or available COA also does not prove that every receiving requirement has been satisfied.

    Retail Item ID and testing status should be checked separately.

  • 6 - Handle Legacy Inventory by Receiving Date

    Products received into dispensary inventory before April 1, 2026 may continue to be sold up to their labeled expiration date even if they do not have the newer Retail Item ID or TestPassed/RetestPassed information required for later transfers.

    For older inventory, keep records of:

    • receiving date;
    • package identity;
    • expiration date;
    • current inventory status.

    The receiving date helps distinguish legacy inventory from products subject to the April 2026 workflow.

  • 7 - Quarantine Receiving Exceptions

    If the package identity, quantity, Retail Item ID, or testing status does not match expectations, keep the product separate from sellable inventory.

    A basic exception process should:

    • isolate the physical package;
    • keep it unavailable in the POS;
    • prevent ecommerce publication;
    • record the Package UID and discrepancy;
    • escalate the issue to a manager.

    Do not create duplicate products or edit unrelated package data simply to complete receiving.

    Retailers can also review the official New York OCM Seed-to-Sale FAQs for current Metrc, UID, and receiving guidance.

  • 8 - Verify the First Sale

    After an eligible package is released for sale, check the first transaction.

    Confirm that:

    • the correct package is deducted;
    • inventory changes correctly;
    • the intended product appears at checkout;
    • Metrc synchronization completes.

    For multi-location operators, repeat the same process independently for every licensed dispensary location.

    A reliable New York receiving workflow is simple: match the shipment, Package UID, Retail Item IDs, testing status, quantity, and POS product before making inventory available to customers.