Device Grading, Functional Condition & Resale Classification Policy

Effective Date: 25 September 2026
Last Updated: 25 September 2026
This Policy explains how Eco Tech Recycle may assess, record and classify the cosmetic condition, functional condition, display condition, security status, completeness and intended commercial or processing route of IT and electronic equipment.
It supports consistent decision-making for assessment, valuation, purchase, repair, refurbishment, reuse, resale, redeployment, parts recovery and recycling.
Eco Tech Recycle is a trading name of Tech Cell Limited.
This Policy should be read together with our Collection, Device Acceptance & Valuation Policy, Purchase, Buy-Back & Payment Terms, Data Erasure & Data Security Policy, Recycling & WEEE Policy, Activation Lock & Device Preparation Guide, Direct Sales, Warranty & Returns Policy and other applicable service terms.
Key Points at a Glance
Cosmetic appearance and functionality are assessed separately.
A high cosmetic grade does not mean that a device is fully functional.
A fully functional device may still have significant cosmetic wear.
Security locks, MDM, ownership concerns and unresolved data-security issues can override otherwise good cosmetic or functional condition.
Internal grades support assessment and valuation but do not replace an accurate description of a device when it is sold.
Initial classifications may change following further testing, inspection, repair or data-erasure processing.
Not every device can be fully tested.
Equipment classified as waste/WEEE remains subject to applicable waste requirements regardless of its internal grade.
A device is not automatically suitable for retail resale merely because it powers on or receives a Working classification.
Retail readiness requires additional checks appropriate to the device and proposed sales route.

1. Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to provide a structured framework for recording different aspects of device condition without incorrectly combining them into a single grade.
Where appropriate, Eco Tech Recycle separates:
Cosmetic Grade;
Functional Condition;
Screen or Display Condition;
Security, Lock and Ownership Status;
Completeness; and
Commercial or Processing Route.
These categories address different characteristics.
For example, a device may be:
cosmetically excellent but Activation Locked;
heavily scratched but fully functional;
operational but missing a non-essential accessory;
cosmetically good but unsuitable for resale because of a data-security issue; or
repairable but legally subject to waste controls.
Separating these characteristics helps support more consistent decisions.

2. Application of This Policy
This Policy may be used for equipment received through:
collections;
drop-offs;
postal or courier routes;
business and school collections;
purchase and buy-back transactions;
trade batches;
repair projects;
refurbishment projects;
asset-recovery projects;
reuse projects;
direct sales preparation;
parts-recovery routes; and
recycling or WEEE routes.
The depth of assessment may vary according to the device, condition, service agreed, safety, commercial value and intended route.
Not every device will receive every classification described in this Policy.

3. Classification Is Multi-Dimensional
Eco Tech Recycle does not normally treat a single cosmetic grade as a complete description of a device.
Where relevant, an assessment may contain several separate classifications.
For example:
Cosmetic Grade: B
Functional Condition: Working
Display: Light scratches
Security Status: Clear
Completeness: Device only
Route: Retail Ready
Alternatively:
Cosmetic Grade: A
Functional Condition: Working
Security Status: Activation Lock
Route: Hold Pending Customer Action
The second device may look better cosmetically but cannot be treated as Retail Ready while the security restriction remains unresolved.

4. Cosmetic Grading Principles
Cosmetic grading primarily describes visible physical appearance.
It does not, by itself, confirm:
functionality;
battery health;
data-erasure status;
electrical safety;
ownership status;
activation-lock status;
MDM status;
internal component condition;
repair history; or
suitability for resale.
Cosmetic assessment may take account of:
scratches;
scuffs;
dents;
casing wear;
paint or finish wear;
cracks;
chips;
marks;
keyboard or palm-rest wear;
screen-surface condition; and
general presentation.
Reasonable judgement is involved, particularly with used equipment.

5. Cosmetic Grade – New
New should be used cautiously.
It generally describes equipment that is unused or genuinely presented as new and shows no meaningful evidence of previous use.
Where relevant, supporting information may be required before equipment is described externally as new.
An opened, activated, previously deployed, refurbished or previously used device should not normally be represented as new merely because it has excellent cosmetic condition.

6. Cosmetic Grade – Like New
Like New describes equipment in exceptional cosmetic condition with minimal evidence of handling or use.
It should normally have:
no significant scratches;
no significant dents;
no cracks;
no substantial casing wear; and
very clean overall presentation.
Like New is a cosmetic description and does not itself establish that the device is technically equivalent to a new device.

7. Cosmetic Grade A
Grade A describes equipment in very good used cosmetic condition.
It may show:
light signs of normal use;
minor surface marks;
small cosmetic imperfections; or
other limited wear consistent with careful previous use.
The equipment should remain clean and presentable overall.

8. Cosmetic Grade B
Grade B describes equipment in good used condition with more visible evidence of previous use.
This may include:
visible scratches;
moderate scuffs;
small dents;
casing wear;
keyboard wear; or
other normal signs of use.
The device may remain fully functional despite its cosmetic wear.

9. Cosmetic Grade C
Grade C describes equipment with substantial or obvious cosmetic wear.
This may include:
heavy scratches;
multiple dents;
significant scuffing;
casing damage;
heavy finish wear;
chips;
visible marks; or
other substantial cosmetic imperfections.
A Grade C device may still be fully functional.
Conversely, a Grade A device may have a serious functional fault.

10. Functional Condition
Functional condition is recorded separately from cosmetic appearance.
Where appropriate, Eco Tech Recycle may use the following internal functional classifications:
Working
Working*
D – Repair Required / Fault Present
E – Severe Fault / Major Damage
NP – No Power / No Boot / Not Testable
IC – Incomplete
These classifications are operational tools and should be considered alongside actual test results and condition notes.

11. Working
Working generally means that the device:
powers on where applicable;
can be tested to an appropriate level;
completes the relevant core checks performed for that device; and
has no material functional fault identified during those checks.
“Working” does not mean that every possible component or function has necessarily been tested.
The extent of testing may depend on:
device type;
condition;
access;
operating system;
security restrictions;
available accessories;
safety;
intended route; and
agreed service scope.
Where a device is sold, the actual description and any relevant disclosed limitations remain important.

12. Working*
Working* may be used where a device is substantially functional but has a minor, clearly recorded issue that does not prevent its normal core use.
Examples might include:
a weak but usable battery;
a minor non-critical cosmetic display imperfection;
a minor non-essential feature issue; or
a missing non-essential accessory.
The relevant issue should be recorded clearly.
Working* should not be used to conceal or minimise a material fault.
A significant fault should instead be classified appropriately, such as D or E.

13. D – Repair Required / Fault Present
D generally indicates that a device has a material fault, missing core component or repair requirement.
Depending on the device, examples may include:
cracked but usable screen;
faulty keyboard;
faulty trackpad;
charging fault;
damaged charging port;
missing storage;
missing RAM;
battery requiring replacement;
damaged casing affecting use;
camera or audio fault;
connectivity fault; or
another repairable functional issue.
A D classification does not guarantee that repair will be economical or successful.
The device may subsequently be routed to repair, trade sale, parts recovery, recycling or another appropriate route.

14. E – Severe Fault / Major Damage
E generally describes equipment with significant damage or major functional problems.
Examples may include:
severe display damage;
major structural damage;
multiple significant faults;
substantial liquid damage;
severe charging or power faults;
serious component failure;
damage making normal use unsafe or impractical; or
repair requirements that may be technically complex or commercially uneconomical.
An E classification does not automatically mean Recycling Only.
Further assessment may identify value for repair, parts recovery or another lawful route.

15. NP – No Power / No Boot / Not Testable
NP may be used where a device:
does not power on;
does not boot sufficiently for normal testing;
cannot be accessed for meaningful testing;
has insufficient functionality to determine its normal condition; or
cannot reasonably be tested because of its current state.
NP means that functionality has not been satisfactorily established.
It should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation that every component is defective.

16. IC – Incomplete
IC indicates that important parts or components are missing.
Examples may include:
SSD or HDD;
RAM;
battery;
screen;
keyboard;
trackpad;
back cover;
casing components;
internal components; or
other parts necessary for normal operation or complete presentation.
IC may be combined with another functional classification where useful, for example:
D / IC
or
NP / IC
A missing external charger does not necessarily make every device IC. Whether an item is considered incomplete depends on the equipment and intended route.

17. Screen and Display Condition
Where relevant, screen or display condition may be recorded separately.
Possible descriptions include:
no visible fault identified;
light surface scratches;
heavy scratches;
cracked glass;
cracked glass with usable display;
display lines;
dead or abnormal pixels where identified;
black spots;
pressure marks;
image retention;
burn-in;
faulty touch;
flickering;
backlight fault;
discolouration;
severe display damage; or
no display.
The severity and functional effect of a display issue will influence functional classification and route.
A cosmetically attractive device may still receive a D or E functional classification because of a display fault.

18. Battery Condition
Where relevant and practical, battery condition may be considered separately from cosmetic grade.
Assessment may take account of:
whether a battery is detected;
whether it accepts charge;
available battery-health information;
rapid discharge;
unexpected shutdown;
physical swelling;
leakage;
overheating; or
other observable safety concerns.
Battery performance in used equipment can vary with age, previous use, temperature, software and charging history.
Unless a specific battery-health figure or guarantee is expressly stated in a sales description or agreement, a general device grade should not be interpreted as a guarantee of particular battery capacity or runtime.
A swollen, leaking, damaged or otherwise unsafe battery may override the normal grading process and require isolation or a specialist route.

19. Security, Lock and Ownership Status
Where appropriate and reasonably practicable, Eco Tech Recycle may record security, management or ownership restrictions separately.
Possible statuses include:
Clear
Activation / iCloud Lock
Google FRP
Samsung Account Lock
MDM / School / Business Management
BIOS / Firmware / Startup Lock
Finance / Lease / Ownership Concern
Blacklisted / IMEI Concern
Data Erasure Failed
Unknown / Untested
Other relevant restrictions may also be recorded.
A security classification is separate from cosmetic and functional condition.

20. Security Restrictions Override Retail Readiness
A device should not be classified as Retail Ready while a known material security or ownership restriction remains unresolved.
This may include:
Activation Lock;
Google FRP;
Samsung Account restrictions;
unresolved MDM;
BIOS or firmware restrictions affecting lawful normal use;
unresolved finance or lease concerns;
unresolved ownership concerns;
relevant blacklist concerns; or
unresolved material data-security risk.
Eco Tech Recycle does not unlawfully bypass security, ownership or organisational-management restrictions.
Further information is provided in our Activation Lock & Device Preparation Guide.

21. Data Security and Erasure Status
Data security is separate from cosmetic and functional grading.
A device may be fully functional and cosmetically excellent but still be unsuitable for end-user reuse because data-security processing has not been completed.
Where applicable, eligible equipment may be processed using licensed Certus data-erasure software.
A factory reset alone is not represented by Eco Tech Recycle as certified secure data erasure.
Where a known material data-security risk remains unresolved, the equipment will not knowingly enter an end-user reuse route.
Further information is provided in our Data Erasure & Data Security Policy.

22. Completeness
Completeness may affect:
testing;
valuation;
repairability;
resale description;
commercial route; and
customer expectations.
Depending on the device, missing items may include:
charger;
battery;
storage;
RAM;
screen;
keyboard;
trackpad;
screws;
back cover;
casing parts;
internal components;
stylus;
dock; or
other accessories.
The importance of a missing item depends on whether it is a core component, optional accessory or separate product.

23. Accessories
Accessories should normally be considered separately from core device condition.
A device may be complete enough for testing and resale even where a charger, cable, box or other non-integral accessory is absent, provided this is accurately reflected in the applicable description.
Where an accessory is specifically included in an offer or sales listing, its presence and condition should be recorded where appropriate.

24. Commercial and Processing Routes
Following assessment, equipment may be assigned an internal route such as:
Retail Ready
Repair Required
Trade / Wholesale
Parts Recovery
Recycling Only
Hold Pending Customer Action
Return to Customer
Other project-specific routes may also be used where appropriate.
A route may change following:
additional testing;
repair;
customer instructions;
security-lock removal;
ownership clarification;
data-erasure outcome;
safety assessment;
market assessment; or
legal or waste-classification requirements.

25. Retail Ready
Retail Ready is an internal route classification and does not itself replace the actual description of goods supplied to a customer.
Before equipment is treated as Retail Ready, Eco Tech Recycle should be reasonably satisfied, as applicable, that:
appropriate functionality checks have been completed;
material known faults have been identified;
condition has been recorded;
material security restrictions have been resolved;
ownership concerns have been resolved;
data-security requirements have been addressed;
relevant accessories or missing items are accurately recorded;
the device is suitable for its proposed sales route; and
material condition information can be accurately disclosed to the buyer.
Where goods are sold to consumers, applicable consumer law continues to apply regardless of Eco Tech Recycle’s internal grading terminology.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the description, price and other relevant circumstances are among the matters considered when assessing satisfactory quality, and goods supplied by description must comply with applicable statutory requirements. Legislation.gov.uk

26. Internal Grades and Sales Descriptions
Internal grades such as A, B, C, Working, D or E are intended to support consistent internal assessment.
They should not be used as a substitute for disclosing material information to a purchaser.
Where equipment is offered for direct sale, the sales description should appropriately identify material known matters such as:
condition;
significant cosmetic damage;
significant functional limitations;
included or missing accessories;
relevant battery information where stated;
repaired or replacement components where disclosure is appropriate;
and other information material to the particular sale.
A buyer should not be expected to infer a significant undisclosed fault solely from an internal grade.

27. Grading and Valuation
A grade does not itself determine a fixed monetary value.
Valuation may also take account of:
make;
model;
specification;
storage;
RAM;
processor;
age;
demand;
cosmetic condition;
functionality;
display condition;
battery condition;
completeness;
locks;
ownership status;
repair requirements;
parts value;
data-security requirements; and
current commercial viability.
Further details are provided in our Purchase, Buy-Back & Payment Terms and Collection, Device Acceptance & Valuation Policy.

28. Initial and Final Classification
A classification recorded during initial intake may be provisional.
It may change after:
more detailed testing;
charging;
opening the device where appropriate;
specification verification;
diagnostic testing;
repair assessment;
repair attempt;
data-erasure attempt;
security checks;
ownership information;
parts inspection; or
discovery of a previously hidden fault.
Where grading affects a purchase valuation, the applicable Purchase, Buy-Back & Payment Terms will apply.

29. Testing Limitations
Not every function can necessarily be tested on every device.
Testing may be limited by:
no power;
damaged display;
missing components;
account locks;
MDM;
BIOS or firmware restrictions;
unavailable accessories;
battery failure;
safety concerns;
unsupported software;
physical damage; or
other technical limitations.
Where material testing limitations are known, they should be considered when determining the device’s route and description.
An untested function should not automatically be represented as confirmed working.

30. WEEE and Waste Classification
Eco Tech Recycle’s internal grading system does not determine whether equipment is legally waste or non-waste.
Whether electrical or electronic equipment is EEE or WEEE depends on the circumstances and applicable waste law.
Environment Agency guidance states that EEE which the holder discards, intends to discard or is required to discard is waste, and specific requirements apply when used EEE is transferred for reuse. GOV.UK
Therefore, labels such as:
Working;
Repair Required;
Parts Recovery;
Retail Ready; or
Grade A, B or C
do not by themselves change the legal waste status of equipment.
Where equipment constitutes WEEE, applicable waste controls and our Recycling & WEEE Policy apply.

31. WEEE Prepared for Reuse
Where equipment is legally WEEE and is being prepared for reuse, additional legal and technical requirements may apply beyond ordinary internal grading.
Environment Agency guidance states that preparation for reuse of WEEE includes appropriate assessment and requires relevant functionality and electrical-safety considerations. It also states that WEEE which is POPs waste must not be prepared for reuse. GOV.UK
Accordingly, an internal Working or Retail Ready classification does not override applicable:
waste requirements;
electrical-safety requirements;
POPs requirements;
data-security requirements; or
other regulatory requirements.
Eco Tech Recycle’s T11 exemption permits specified repair, refurbishment and dismantling activities for eligible WEEE subject to the exemption’s conditions and limitations. GOV.UK

32. Parts Recovery
Equipment that is unsuitable for whole-device reuse may sometimes have components suitable for lawful parts recovery.
Parts recovery may depend on:
technical condition;
safety;
waste status;
POPs status;
data-security considerations;
component condition; and
applicable waste requirements.
A component removed from WEEE does not automatically cease to be waste merely because it may have potential reuse value. Environment Agency guidance sets additional requirements for reuse of WEEE and components removed from WEEE. GOV.UK

33. Recycling Only
Recycling Only may be used where whole-device reuse, repair or parts recovery is not appropriate.
Reasons may include:
severe damage;
safety concerns;
uneconomical repair;
unsuitable condition;
regulatory restrictions;
POPs requirements;
unresolved issues preventing lawful reuse; or
lack of a practical reuse or recovery route.
Where equipment is WEEE, recycling or downstream treatment must follow the applicable waste requirements and authorised route.

34. Hold Pending Customer Action
Hold Pending Customer Action may be used where further action from the customer or supplying organisation is required before a final route can be determined.
Examples may include:
Activation Lock removal;
MDM removal;
ownership clarification;
authority confirmation;
missing information;
valuation approval;
repair approval; or
return instructions.
Holding equipment does not itself mean that Eco Tech Recycle has purchased or taken ownership of it.

35. Return to Customer
Return to Customer may apply where:
a purchase offer is rejected;
repair is declined;
an unresolved lock prevents the agreed service;
ownership cannot be satisfactorily established;
processing cannot proceed;
the customer requests return under an applicable agreement; or
another agreed return condition applies.
Return costs and arrangements are governed by the applicable service terms.

36. Evidence, Photographs and Assessment Records
Eco Tech Recycle may create and retain appropriate assessment records where reasonably necessary.
These may include:
photographs;
cosmetic grades;
functional classifications;
test results;
serial numbers;
IMEI numbers;
specification information;
condition notes;
lock status;
repair notes;
data-erasure status; and
final route.
Such records may support:
valuation;
customer communication;
quality control;
repair decisions;
resale descriptions;
dispute handling;
fraud prevention;
compliance; and
audit requirements.
Where records contain personal data, they will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection requirements. The UK GDPR data-minimisation principle requires personal data to be adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary for the relevant purpose. Information Commissioner’s Office

37. Second Review and Escalation
Certain devices or classifications may require further review before final valuation or routing.
Examples may include:
high-value equipment;
disputed grades;
unusual devices;
severe faults;
NP equipment;
E-classified equipment;
incomplete equipment;
locked equipment;
ownership concerns;
data-erasure failures; or
cases where the initial assessment is uncertain.
A second review does not guarantee that the original classification will change.

38. Grading Disputes
If a customer disagrees with a grade or classification that materially affects a valuation, purchase decision, repair decision or other service outcome, they may ask Eco Tech Recycle to review the relevant assessment.
Where practical, the review may consider:
photographs;
test results;
device condition;
customer-supplied evidence;
original description;
inspection records; and
applicable grading criteria.
A review may confirm or revise the original classification.
Complaints may also be submitted under our Complaints Policy.

39. Consistency and Staff Guidance
Eco Tech Recycle aims to apply grading criteria consistently.
Detailed internal testing procedures, staff instructions and quality-control requirements may be maintained separately from this public Policy.
Internal procedures may contain more detailed:
device-specific checklists;
test sequences;
pass/fail criteria;
repair thresholds;
quality-control requirements; and
approval processes.
Those internal procedures may be updated as technology, equipment types and operational requirements change.

40. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy to reflect changes in:
device types;
testing processes;
grading practices;
resale requirements;
repair processes;
data-security requirements;
waste requirements;
applicable law;
regulatory guidance; or
business operations.
The latest version will be published on our website with an updated Last Updated date.

41. Contact Us
Eco Tech Recycle
A trading name of Tech Cell Limited
Company No. 14338989
Email: info@ecotechrecycle.co.uk
Telephone: +44 7777 239555
Website: ecotechrecycle.co.uk
Contact Address:
Suite 2, First Floor
16 Industrial House
Grand Arcade
London
N12 0EH
United Kingdom