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Microlesson · 5-min read

Material Issue Procedure (MRN, Transfer Note, Return)

## Material Issue Procedure

General rules:

  • Materials are issued only against a properly authorised requisition slip.
  • Typically a department foreman is authorised to draw materials from stores.
  • Materials should be issued on a FIFO basis to prevent deterioration of older stock.

### (i) Issue against a Material Requisition Note (MRN)

  • What it is: the MRN is the voucher of authority for issuing materials for production or departmental use.
  • Storekeeper's role: verify that the MRN is properly authorised and that the requested quantity matches the Bill of Materials (BoM).
  • Documentation: after issuing, the storekeeper keeps one copy of the MRN for records.
  • Format may vary by industry, MIS and accounting system.

### (ii) Transfer of Material (Material Transfer Note)

  • When used: surplus material from one job that cannot be returned to stores due to being bulky, brittle or heavy.
  • Usage rule: transferred to another job only if appropriate; direct job-to-job transfers are generally discouraged.
  • Document: a Material Transfer Note is prepared in duplicate
  • One copy to the Cost Accounting Department to update cost ledgers.
  • No store entry is needed, so the store keeps no copy.

### (iii) Return of Material (Shop Credit Note / Stores Debit Note)

  • Why it happens: material issued in excess due to estimation errors or technical difficulties.
  • Importance: surplus must be returned promptly to prevent misuse or cost overstatement.
  • Document: a Shop Credit Note (or Stores Debit Note), prepared in triplicate by the returning department.
  • Purpose: ensures safe custody of surplus and accurate cost allocation to the correct job.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Mixing up the documents: MRN = issue, Material Transfer Note = job-to-job transfer (duplicate, no store copy), Shop Credit Note/Stores Debit Note = return to store (triplicate).
  • Forgetting that on a material transfer the store keeps no copy because no physical store entry occurs — only Cost Accounting updates its ledgers.
  • Not checking the requisition quantity against the Bill of Materials before issuing.
  • Forgetting that excess/surplus material must be returned promptly, otherwise job cost is overstated.
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