Packaging and delivery checklist

A practical checklist for labels, dose, batch number, expiry date, seals, leaflet and product look.

WHO's receipt checklist covers packaging, dates, dose, seal and batch numbers. These checks are easy and need no lab test.

Start with the outer packaging. Look for dents, tears, water damage or a resealed flap. Then compare the batch number and expiry date on the box with the inner strip, bottle or tube.

Check the dose and strength. Check the seal is whole. Check the leaflet is there and readable. If any item fails, do not use the product.

At delivery, add five checks: parcel condition, batch match, expiry match, seal and product look. If the parcel is damaged or the contents look wrong, keep everything.

A batch mismatch or a broken seal is a stop signal. Keep the packaging, photograph the details and think about reporting it.

• Outer packaging: no dents, tears, water damage or resealed flaps.
• Making and expiry dates match on inner and outer packaging.
• Dose and strength match the intended product.
• Security seal is whole.
• Batch numbers match on inner and outer packaging.
• Leaflet is there and readable.

Further reading

• Verify a product before buying
• Online seller red flags