GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Goods Received Note

When a delivery arrives at a warehouse or receiving dock, the Goods Received Note (GRN) captures what was actually received – not merely what was ordered.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goods_received_note

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

139

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

When a delivery arrives at a warehouse or receiving dock, the Goods Received Note (GRN) captures what was actually received – not merely what was ordered. The document records the date of arrival, supplier name, purchase order reference, quantities, item descriptions, and the condition of packaging at the point of inspection; it is signed off by the receiving clerk. Discrepancies such as short shipments, damaged goods, or incorrect items are noted directly on the GRN, creating an auditable basis for supplier claims. In accounts payable, the GRN is the third leg of the three-way match alongside the purchase order and the supplier invoice. It differs from the supplier's delivery note in a fundamental way: the GRN is an internal document produced by the receiving party, reflecting what was found on inspection rather than what the supplier intended to send.