Q: How can R2-certified facilities cross-reference the CTIA grades with the REC categories?

The categories/grades line up in a few areas. They are as follows:

• If a wireless device is considered a 0 (fully functional) and A (like new condition) on CTIA’s functional and cosmetic scales, then the device would be an F6 (like new) and C7 (certified pre-owned) on the REC categories. 
• A device that’s a 1 and A-B (from “like new condition” to “light wear and tear” on the CTIA scales) would be F5 (refurbished) and C6 (used excellent) in the REC. 
• A device that’s a 2 and A-D (from “like new condition” to “heavy cosmetic damage with cover lens cracks”) on the CTIA scales would be F3 (key functions working) and C3-C6 (from “used fair” to “used excellent”) in the REC. 

Please note that there are no equivalent REC functional category cross references for CTIA’s 3-9 functional classifications. Those classifications are considered R2 Controlled Streams. 

Q: Are there other considerations R2 Facilities should consider when relying on these charts?

Yes. Core 6 requires R2 Facilities to categorize devices upon receipt and to recategorize them through processing, if applicable. The CTIA Grading Scales are only applicable to devices that have been processed. Therefore, the REC or another categorization that is cross-referenced is needed to meet the R2 requirements.

Additionally, as noted by the CTIA’s Wireless Device Grading Scales Criteria and Definitions, for R2 Facilities to categorize a wireless device as a functioning product, the product must meet a few other criteria under R2:  

• Have undergone logical data sanitization in accordance with R2v3 Appendix B.  
• Not have a lock or any other encumbrance that prevents testing for functionality and reuse.  
• Have enough battery life that it can be used as a wireless device by an ordinary user for the expected amount of time one would use a wireless device without being plugged into a power source.