This article summarizes Metrc (New York) bulletin NY_IB_0011, which sets ongoing transfer requirements starting March 31, 2026 for Finished Goods designation, Retail Item ID QR labeling, and test status when product moves from distributors (including microbusinesses performing distribution) to dispensaries.
Bulletin overview: what changes on March 31, 2026
Metrc New York is enforcing tighter traceability for retail-ready product moving downstream to dispensaries. Starting March 31, 2026, cannabis products transferred from a licensed Distributor to a Dispensary must be retail-ready in Metrc and physically labeled at the unit level.
Bulletin number: NY_IB_0011
Distribution date: 03/26/2026
Effective date: 03/31/2026 (ongoing)
Distributor-to-dispensary transfers: required in Metrc and on the package
Starting March 31, 2026, any inventory transferred from a Distributor to a Dispensary must meet all of the following conditions.
• A Finished Goods designation in Metrc for each Package UID
• A Retail Item ID QR code physically attached to each unit
• “TestPassed” or “RetestPassed” status in Metrc before transfer
Operationally, this means distributors should confirm each retail unit is associated to a Finished Goods package workflow and that the correct Retail Item ID QR code is printed and applied before the manifest is created and the transfer is completed.
Important exception: existing inventory can be sold as-is
Metrc notes that products currently held in inventory without a Finished Goods designation in Metrc or without a Retail Item ID QR code physically applied do not need to be returned for relabeling and can be sold as-is. This is intended to prevent unnecessary disruption while the market transitions to the new requirements.
Package UID rules remain in effect (and still matter for Retail Item ID)
The bulletin reiterates that every package transferred must have its own Package UID, and multiple containers may not share one UID. This requirement has been in effect since December 17, 2025.
How much product can be assigned to one Package UID?
A single Package UID cannot represent more than 100 pounds of product within one container. If product is stored across multiple containers, each individual container must have its own Package UID physically attached. In day-to-day operations, this affects how teams stage, store, and label inventory prior to creating Finished Goods units and printing Retail Item ID QR codes.
For additional context from the state, see the New York Seed-to-Sale FAQs: https://cannabis.ny.gov/sts-faqs.
Key dates New York operators should track
New York’s enforcement schedule is staggered so that the Finished Goods and Retail Item ID workflows are implemented upstream first and then enforced downstream.
December 17, 2025: Finished Goods required for transfers from Processors to Distributors
February 1, 2026: Distributors gained the ability in Metrc to designate products as Finished Goods and apply Retail Item IDs to applicable units in inventory to prepare for the March 31 deadline
March 31, 2026: Finished Goods required for transfers from Distributors to Dispensaries, with Retail Item ID QR codes physically attached to each unit and passing test status in Metrc
What this means for processors, distributors, and dispensaries
Processors: build Retail Item ID and Finished Goods into packaging workflows
For new production going forward, Metrc’s intent is that required testing, packaging, and labeling steps (including designating Finished Goods per unit where required) occur at the Processor before product is transferred to a Distributor. Practically, this pushes retail packaging readiness earlier in the supply chain and reduces downstream relabeling risk.
Distributors (including microbusiness distribution): verify retail readiness before transfer
Distributors should expect day-to-day receiving, staging, and outbound shipping to include checks for Finished Goods designation, Retail Item ID QR application, and “TestPassed” or “RetestPassed” status prior to transfer completion. Distributors can continue using Metrc tools to prepare inventory for compliant outbound transfers.
Electronic sampling after March 31, 2026: Metrc indicates Distributors will still be allowed to submit electronic samples for previously tested products until further notice.
Purchasing Retail Item IDs after March 31, 2026: Metrc indicates Distributors will still be allowed to purchase Retail Item IDs and complete Finished Goods package workflows until further notice.
Dispensaries: no requirement to relabel beginning inventory solely to add Retail Item IDs
Retail dispensaries are not required to physically relabel each unit of beginning inventory solely to add a Retail Item ID. However, dispensaries should anticipate that inbound transfers from Distributors starting March 31, 2026 should arrive with Retail Item ID QR codes physically on each unit and with Finished Goods properly designated in Metrc.
Multipacks in New York: allowed with specific traceability steps
Multipacks are permitted. Each product in the multipack must have its own Package UID and be tested individually as a singular product. After testing passes at the processor facility, products are combined into one child-resistant package with a single Package UID. A single Retail Item ID QR code will link to the COA for each product in the multipack. In practice, teams should plan packaging and labeling steps carefully so that testing records, package relationships, and Retail Item ID labeling remain consistent through assembly.
Where to find the referenced Metrc guidance
For more information on Finished Goods and Retail Item ID workflows, Metrc points operators to NY_IB_0012: Finished Goods and Retail Item ID Best Practices.
Metrc also references NY_IB_0007: Retail Item ID Enablement for Distributors (New York), available via the New York partner page: https://www.metrc.com/partner/new-york/.
Using DistruLabels and DistruERP to support Retail Item ID compliance
DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, including label formats that support Metrc Retail Item ID QR code application. For many operators, a dedicated labeling tool reduces last-minute labeling errors, improves consistency across SKUs, and helps teams keep pace with unit-level labeling requirements tied to Finished Goods workflows.
DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform built for larger operations that need complete supply chain management across purchasing, inventory, manufacturing, sales, fulfillment, and compliance workflows connected to Metrc.
Metrc support and training resources
Metrc provides multiple support channels for New York operators implementing these changes.
Metrc Support: Submit and track a case via the Support portal or call 877-566-6506.
Support hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. ET–10 p.m. ET; Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. ET; Sunday, voicemail or portal only.
Metrc Learn: Metrc’s on-demand training platform is accessible directly or via the Support drop-down within Metrc.
Metrc Expert: In-app knowledge base available from the widget icon in the lower right of the Metrc system.
