Describe a standard inventory control practice for controlled chemicals.

• A. Track only annual sales.
• B. Maintain a perpetual stock register, perform periodic physical counts, reconcile discrepancies, and implement first-expiry-first-out where applicable.
• C. Do not count or reconcile any stock.
• D. Use random, unrecorded count methods.

Answer: (B)

A solid inventory control approach for controlled chemicals relies on having a perpetual stock register, regular physical checks, and careful handling of expiries. Keeping a perpetual stock register means recording every receipt and every issue as it happens, so the current stock on hand is always up to date and auditable. Periodic physical counts provide a reality check against the records, helping to uncover errors, losses, or misappropriation. When discrepancies are found, they must be reconciled—investigating the cause, correcting the records, and putting preventive measures in place. Applying first-expiry-first-out where applicable ensures older stock is used before it expires, reducing waste and meeting regulatory expectations for expiry management. Tracking only annual sales misses the day-to-day realities of stock levels and can hide shortages or surpluses; not counting or reconciling stock eliminates accountability; and random, unrecorded counts are unreliable for regulatory compliance and security.