Product Overview

Summary: This Goods Receiving Standard Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step method for safely and accurately receiving deliveries into your workplace. It standardises checks, documentation, and handling so your team can protect stock integrity, support WHS obligations, and maintain reliable inventory records across Australian operations.

The Goods Receiving Standard Operating Procedure sets out a consistent, auditable process for how deliveries are accepted, inspected, documented, and moved into storage across your organisation. From first contact with the driver through to final sign-off and system entry, this SOP defines who does what, in what order, and to what standard. It helps your team verify quantities and quality, manage non-conformances, and protect your business from disputes with suppliers and transport providers.

Designed for Australian workplaces, this SOP supports compliance with key WHS and chain of responsibility obligations by embedding basic safety and risk-awareness steps into daily receiving activities. It addresses common pain points such as misplaced stock, incorrect invoices, damaged goods, and poor traceability. By implementing this procedure, you create a repeatable process that reduces errors, streamlines training for new staff, and supports accurate inventory, finance, and quality records across warehouses, retail stores, and distribution centres.

Key Benefits

• Standardise the end-to-end process for receiving goods, reducing errors and inconsistencies between shifts and sites.
• Improve accuracy of inventory and financial records by ensuring all deliveries are correctly checked, documented, and entered into systems.
• Strengthen supplier and carrier accountability through clear processes for recording damages, shortages, and non-conformances.
• Streamline onboarding and training for new warehouse and store staff with a clear, step-by-step reference document.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS and chain of responsibility requirements by embedding safe handling and site access controls into receiving activities.

Who is this for?

• Warehouse Managers
• Storepersons
• Receiving Clerks
• Inventory Controllers
• Procurement Officers
• Logistics and Supply Chain Managers
• Retail Store Managers
• Operations Managers
• Quality Assurance Managers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Pre-Receiving Requirements (Site Access, Dock Safety, Housekeeping)
• 5.0 Delivery Arrival and Initial Checks
• 6.0 Documentation Verification (Purchase Orders, Delivery Dockets, Invoices)
• 7.0 Unloading and Handling of Goods (Overview and Safe Work References)
• 8.0 Inspection of Goods (Quantity, Quality, Packaging Integrity, Expiry Dates)
• 9.0 Managing Damaged, Incorrect or Non-Conforming Goods
• 10.0 Recording and System Entry (Inventory, ERP, or POS Systems)
• 11.0 Labelling, Identification and Traceability Requirements
• 12.0 Movement to Storage or Production Areas
• 13.0 Communication with Procurement, Accounts and Suppliers
• 14.0 Recordkeeping and Document Control
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Review of Procedure
• 16.0 Appendices – Checklists, Sample Forms and Receiving Logs

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) – Chain of Responsibility (where applicable to freight and transport)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace (where chemicals are received)
• AS 4084: Steel storage racking (where racking is used for storing received goods)
• AS/NZS ISO 9001: Quality management systems – Requirements (for organisations operating under a QMS)