FAQ

Is UGP the same as the CTIA grading scales?

No. UGP maps to the CTIA Wireless Device Grading Scales v5.1 and to the major marketplaces' condition names, and says where it is stricter or looser. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by CTIA Certification. Its inspection viewing conditions follow CTIA's, with credit. §15 · §5.4

Can a cracked phone be graded Acceptable?

No. A crack anywhere, including the back glass or a camera lens cover, means status Repair. Acceptable is heavy cosmetic wear on a device that is never cracked. §5.1 · §11.1

Can a carrier-locked phone get a grade?

Yes. A carrier (operator) lock does not prevent a grade, but it is disclosed wherever the grade is shown, naming the carrier. A marketplace can still choose not to accept locked devices. §9.2

An account lock (Activation Lock, Google FRP), MDM enrolment or a financing hold is different: the device is Encumbered and gets no grade. §9.1

The battery is at 79%. Is that Acceptable?

No grade at all: below 80% the status is Repair, whatever the device looks like. §8.3

We cannot read the battery health. Can we still grade?

Yes, if the grader or seller declares "≥ 80%" and answers for it. The grade then shows the battery as declared. With no reading and no declaration, the status is Not graded. §8.2

Do we have to run a blacklist check on every device?

A grade needs either a lost/stolen (blacklist) check against a database covering the device's market, or the grader's or seller's declaration that the device is not reported lost or stolen, which they answer for. With neither, the status is Not graded. A device that is reported lost or stolen is Prohibited. §9.3

Can we list a supplier's stock using the supplier's own grades?

Yes, as supplier-mapped grades: each of the supplier's grades is mapped to one UGP grade through a crosswalk you publish, the grade is V0 Declared, and every record and export labels it supplier-mapped. A supplier grade that allows a fault, a crack, a lock or a weak battery maps to a status, not a grade. Grading each unit from its defects is better wherever you can inspect. §13.6 · Wholesale A–D sheets

Does a replacement screen lower the grade?

No. Non-genuine parts are allowed in Like New, Very Good, Good and Acceptable, and are disclosed by name, for example "Display: non-genuine". They are not allowed in New Sealed, New Open Box or Premium. §10.2.3

Why not "Excellent"?

Because it means different things on different sites: the top tier on one, the second on another. UGP uses six names in one fixed order, each with a test, and its adopters do not substitute other praise words. §0 · §11.4

What is Premium?

A designation on Like New, not a seventh grade: zero defects on the display and lenses (A0), battery at least 90% measured, and every tracked part genuine and verified. §10.3

Does a missing box change the grade?

No. The kit is disclosed (full, partial, or unit only) and never changes the grade. A New Open Box device with no box reads "New Open Box · Handset only". §10.4

Does UGP cover tablets, watches and laptops?

Phones and tablets are complete in v1.0. Smartwatches, earbuds, laptops, consoles and VR headsets are profile packs to come; until a pack is published, those devices are graded only on the generic axes and their records are marked provisional. §1.2 · Profiles

Do I need permission or a licence to use UGP?

No. Grading to UGP, showing its names, codes and tests, and implementing the core code, schema and logic in any product, including commercial ones, are free. The licence covers copying the document itself, and a separate policy covers the UGP name and badges. §17.2 · Licence

Can I say my devices are "UGP Verified"?

Not yet. "UGP Verified" is reserved for devices inspected under the steward's certification programme (V2) and for approved graders and facilities. The programme rules will be published separately. §13.5 · UGP Verified

Is v1.0 final?

Not yet. v1.0 is a public comment draft, open for 30 days. Grades issued under the draft stay valid, and records can be regraded from their stored raw data under the final text. §19

Who maintains UGP?

Device Supply is the steward: it maintains the standard, publishes every version and considers change proposals from anyone, every quarter. Device Supply's own marketplace is one adopter among others, and its listing rules are its own, not part of UGP. §18.1 · Steward