A serial number must be entered omitting spaces, hyphens and symbols. Alphabetic characters which are part of the serial number should be included in the number.
The true (manufacturer’s) serial number of the article, not a component or part number, must be entered. If the number applied by the manufacturer of an article is determined not to be a unique serial number but rather a model number, stock control number, etc. the article should not be entered. If already in file, the record should be cancelled.
An owner-applied identification number which has been assigned in connection with a theft prevention program must not be entered as a serial number but should be entered in the OAN Field.