Cisco Hardware Inspection and Software Relicensing Program

The Best Way to Buy Used Cisco Equipment

If you are interested in buying Cisco equipment, you have a number of options. You can buy equipment directly from Cisco or from authorized Cisco resellers. You can buy equipment new or used. Cisco hardware may be freely resold or leased.

However, there are issues to consider before you buy used or "secondary market" equipment. (Secondary-market equipment is equipment purchased from a seller that is not an authorized Cisco reseller.)

The embedded Cisco software that runs on the hardware—as well as Cisco standalone software—is not transferable unless specifically allowed under the Cisco Software License Transfer and Re-Use Policy. If you purchase used or secondary-market Cisco equipment, you must acquire a new license from Cisco before the software can be used.

Used and secondary-market equipment is not covered under the Cisco standard warranty. Nor can you place it under a Cisco service and support contract unless it is relicensed by Cisco and has passed our inspection.

We can help you buy used or secondary-market Cisco equipment with confidence. In the Cisco Hardware Inspection and Software Relicensing Program, we inspect the equipment and relicense the software. Leasing companies that want to re-lease a Cisco product to another customer after the original lease term has expired can also participate in the program.

This program protects Cisco intellectual property, and it protects your network. You can be assured that the equipment is in proper condition, that it is running the safest and most appropriate software, and that it can deliver the full value you expect.(Note: If you do not wish to go through the relicensing and inspecting of used or secondary-market equipment, you can buy refurbished equipment for 25 to 75 percent off the original list price through Cisco Refresh. For more information, visit: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/remanufactured.html.)

This page provides an overview of the Cisco policies governing used and secondary-market equipment and software relicensing. In the section "Using the Program," you will find the steps you take to have Cisco products relicensed and inspected.

To take advantage of the Cisco Hardware Inspection and Software Relicensing Program, please contact your Cisco account manager or service account manager, or email the request to tss-inspections@cisco.com.

Software

Cisco software—whether it is embedded operating system software or standalone application software—is not transferable unless specifically allowed under the Cisco Software License Transfer and Re-Use Policy. You must have Cisco's written consent and pay a license fee. After a transfer, the previous owner’s license to the software is terminated, and the transferee’s use of the software is governed by the Cisco End User License Agreement and in accordance with the original license entitlement.

This Software License Transfer and Re-Use Policy applies to all Cisco software, whether standalone, embedded software on hardware that is resold or on equipment that is re-leased to a new customer after the original lease term expired. Certain exceptions to the Policy requirement to pay a new license fee apply. They include:

  • Transfers to an affiliate
  • Transfers due to a merger, acquisition or divestiture
  • Financed software (for example, an original lessee may wish to buy equipment from the finance company during or at the end of the lease term)
  • Sale of Cisco customer premises equipment to an end user by a managed service provider (provided that specific conditions are met)
  • Outsourcing arrangements
  • Transfers from US Government Prime Contractors to a new contractor
  • Transfers within Europe

For more details visit the Cisco Software License Transfer and Re-Use Policy.

Used and Secondary-Market Equipment

The Cisco standard warranty and Cisco service and support contracts are not transferable. That means that any purchase of used or secondary-market Cisco equipment is not covered by the Cisco standard warranty and is not eligible for coverage by a Cisco support contract even if it is purchased through a Cisco channel partner or distributor.

Before used or secondary-market equipment can be placed under a new support contract, the requester must show proof of a valid software license and must have the equipment inspected to confirm that it is in proper working order and has been maintained appropriately. For more details visit the Non-Entitlement to Cisco Warranty and Service Support of Secondary Market Products Policy.

Cisco Refresh (Certified Remanufactured Equipment)

Customers who are interested in used or secondary-market Cisco equipment, but who do not wish to go through the process of relicensing and inspection, can buy remanufactured products through Cisco Refresh. For more information, visit: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/remanufactured.html.

To take advantage of the Cisco Hardware Inspection and Software Relicensing Program, purchasers of used and secondary-market equipment must follow these steps:

  1. If you are interested in getting Cisco equipment inspected, email your request to tss-inspections@cisco.com
  2. The Cisco inspections team will provide more information about the program. The team will also ask you to complete a "preinspection checklist" with specific information about the inspection site and the equipment to be inspected
  3. You must provide information about the product and the network, including a show tech file request. Please note that the information you provide in the checklist must accurate and complete for the inspection to be conducted successfully
  4. We will then conduct a preliminary analysis of the product to determine the eligibility requirements for the inspection
  5. If the product passes the eligibility requirements, the inspections team will provide a quote for both the inspection and the relicensing of the equipment
  6. Using the SKU (product part number) provided in the quote document, you can place the order for inspections and relicensing in the Cisco Commerce tool
  7. Once the Inspections team has been notified that your order was placed, it will be validated to match the quote provided. Once validated, we will schedule an inspection at your site within 5 business days in the United States and Canada and 10 business days in the rest of the world. Any requests with shorter time frames will require management approval for an expedite
  8. After the equipment passes inspection and meets the relicensing requirements, it is eligible for Cisco support and services
  9. For the software licenses purchased, you must register the license with the serial number of the Cisco hardware for which the license has been purchased. This can be done at the following location using the product activation key (PAK) number sent at the time of purchase: https://slexui.cloudapps.cisco.com/SWIFT/LicensingUI/Quickstart Note: This registration is required for us to provide you with product support, upgrades, and any other services
  10. More information about the program can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions tab. For any questions or concerns about the program, please contact the Cisco inspections team at tss-inspections@cisco.com

Low-Complexity Products

Category Product
Routers
  • Cisco 860 series,880 series, and 890 series
  • Cisco ISR 900 Series
  • Cisco ISR 1000 and 1100 Series
  • Cisco 1700 Series
  • Cisco 2800 Series
  • Cisco 2900 Series
Switches
  • Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 2950 series, and 2960 series
  • Cisco Catalyst 3550 series, 3560 series,3750 series, and 3850 series
  • Cisco Catalyst 2900 XL Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 3500 XL Series
  • Cisco WS-6748

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High-Complexity Products

Category Product
Routers
  • Cisco 3700 Series
  • Cisco 3800 Series
  • Cisco 3900 Series
  • Cisco ISR 4000
  • Cisco 4300 Series
  • Cisco 4400 Series
  • Cisco 7200 Series
  • Cisco 7600 Series
  • Cisco ASR 902, 903 and 907
  • Cisco ASR-920-4SZ-A, ASR-920-12CZ-A, and ASR-920-24SZ-M
  • Cisco ASR 1000 Fixed Series
  • Cisco ASR 1000 Modular Series
  • Cisco ASR 1001
  • Cisco ASR 1006
  • Cisco ASR 5000 Series
  • Cisco ASR 9000
  • Cisco ASR 9001
  • Cisco ASR 9006, 9010, 9904, 9906, 9910, 9912 and 9922
  • Cisco 10000 Series
Switches
  • Cisco Catalyst 4000 Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 5000 Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 5500 Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 9000 Fixed Port Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 9000 Modular Series
  • Cisco Catalyst 9300 series
  • Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller
  • Cisco Nexus 2000 Series
  • Cisco Nexus 3000 Series
  • Cisco Nexus 4000 Series
  • Cisco Nexus 5000 Series
  • Cisco Nexus 5500 Series
  • Cisco Nexus 5596
  • Cisco Nexus 5600 Series
  • Cisco Nexus 6000 Series
  • Cisco Nexus 7000 Series
  • Cisco Nexus 9000 Fixed Port Series
  • Cisco Nexus 9300 Series
  • Cisco Nexus 9500 Modular Series
  • Cisco BPX 8600 Series
  • Cisco MGX 8800 Series
  • Cisco MGX 8900 Series
  • Cisco MDS 9000 Series
Security and Firewalls
  • ASA 5500 Series
Others
  • AS5x00 Series Universal Gateways
  • ONS 15454 Series Multiservice Provisioning Platforms

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  1. What is the Cisco definition of used and secondary-market equipment that qualifies for this program?
  2. Is a Cisco software license transferable?
  3. What if I do not wish to go through the relicensing and inspection process? Do I have other options?
  4. Is the Cisco product warranty transferable?
  5. Are service maintenance contracts such as Cisco SMARTnet contracts transferable?
  6. Will Cisco support used and secondary-market equipment?
  7. How does one show proof of a valid software license?
  8. Does the equipment inspection process certify that the product is operating according to manufacturer specifications?
  9. Does the equipment inspection come with a guarantee or additional warranty?
  10. Is the equipment inspection service available globally?
  11. Are equipment inspections available through all Cisco Authorized Channels?
  12. How much advance notice is needed to schedule an equipment inspection?
  13. What if the equipment does not pass inspection? Do I still need to pay the inspection fee?
  14. Where can I see the Service Descriptions for the Inspections program?
  15. What products are eligible for equipment inspections?
  16. Are the prices of inspections chassis-based?
  17. If Cisco equipment has been declared permanently damaged, out of commission, or permanently unusable, can it be inspected and then be declared usable and serviceable?
  18. Whom do I contact if I need further assistance?
  19. If I purchase a service contract from Cisco for used or secondary-market equipment, what costs will I incur?
  20. If I have multiple pieces of Cisco equipment at a single location, is the inspection fee charged per site location or per chassis?
  21. Can the Inspections program be used to recertify equipment that has been damaged from fire, flood, hurricane or other natural/ environmental events?
  22. How can I tell serial numbers have the compliance hold?
  23. I am having trouble placing the order for the inspection.

Q: How does Cisco define "used and secondary-market equipment" that qualifies for this program?

 A: Cisco defines used equipment as previously owned equipment that is now owned by a party other than the original customer. Secondary-market equipment is any Cisco equipment—whether it is represented as new, used, or refurbished—that is purchased from a seller that is not an authorized Cisco reseller or distributor. This includes both opened and unopened equipment. Previously owned equipment purchased from an unauthorized reseller cannot be placed under a service contract without being reinspected and possibly relicensed.

Q: Is a Cisco software license transferable?

A: No, unless it is specifically allowed under the Cisco Software License Transfer and Re-Use Policy. Cisco software licenses are not transferable from user to user unless otherwise stated by Cisco or required by applicable law. Any purchaser of used or secondary-market Cisco equipment is required to relicense the software. For further details read the End User License Agreement.

What if I do not wish to go through the relicensing and inspection process? Do I have other options?

A:You can purchase new equipment, or you can purchase refurbished equipment through Cisco Refresh for 25 to 75 percent off the original list price.

Purchase Method Benefit
Purchase new equipment from an authorized Cisco reseller or from Cisco
  • Full warranty coverage
  • Most appropriate software for network compatibility
  • Immediate qualification for Cisco service and support
Purchase Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment
  • 25 to 75 percent off the original list price
  • Certification as being refurbished to Cisco specifications
  • Same-as-new warranty protection
  • No inspection or relicensing required; immediate qualification for Cisco support services
Purchase used or secondary-market equipment and have it relicensed and inspected
  • Compliance with Cisco's End User License Agreement
  • Eligibility for support services after inspection

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Q: Is the Cisco product warranty transferable?

A: No. The Cisco product warranty is nontransferable. A warranty is provided solely to the original end user of the equipment.

Q: Are service maintenance contracts such as Cisco Smart Net Total Care contracts transferable?

A: No. Standard service maintenance contracts are not transferable from user to user. Please contact your local legal counsel or contract manager if you have questions regarding any specially negotiated terms.

Q: Will Cisco support used and secondary-market equipment?

A: Cisco will offer support services for used and secondary-market equipment if the following criteria are met:

  • Proof of registration of software license
  • Successful completion of equipment inspection

Q: How does one show proof of a valid software license?

A: Proof of a valid software license can be in the form of:

  • A sales order number for the standalone software license
  • Receipt from an authorized Cisco reseller detailing proof of the software license

Q: Does the equipment inspection process certify that the product is operating according to manufacturer specifications?

A: No. The equipment inspection verifies basic operational and physical equipment requirements that will be supported through a Cisco service contract.

Q: Does the equipment inspection come with a guarantee or an additional warranty?

A: No. The equipment inspection verifies basic operational and physical equipment requirements that will be supported through a Cisco service contract.

Q: Is the equipment inspection service available globally?

A: Equipment inspections can be ordered in many locations globally. For specific locations, please contact the Cisco Total Implementation Solutions (TIS) team at tss-inspections@cisco.com

Q: Are equipment inspections available through all Cisco Authorized Channels?

A: Yes. Equipment inspections are available through all Cisco Authorized Channels.

Q: How much advance notice is needed to schedule an equipment inspection?

A: The following notice is required:

  • For U.S. locations, a minimum of 5 business days' advance notice
  • For international locations, a minimum of 7 business days' advance notice

Q: What if the equipment does not pass inspection? Do I still need to pay the inspection fee?

A: Yes. The inspection fee covers the onsite inspection cost, which is incurred prior to the results of inspection.

Q: Where can I see the service descriptions for the inspections program?

A: The service descriptions for the inspections program can be seen at the following links:

Q: Are the prices of inspections chassis based?

A: Yes.

Q: If Cisco equipment has been declared permanently damaged, out of commission, or permanently unusable, can it be inspected and then be declared usable and serviceable?

A: No. Once equipment has been declared permanently damaged, out of commission or permanently unusable, it cannot be inspected, and it cannot be placed under a service contract.

Q: Whom do I contact if I need further assistance?

A: For further assistance, please contact: tss-inspections@cisco.com

Q: If I purchase a service contract from Cisco for used or secondary-market equipment, what costs will I incur?

A: You may incur the following types of fees:

  • Fees associated with obtaining a new user software license
  • Fees associated with equipment inspection services
  • Fees associated with service and support maintenance

Q: If I have multiple pieces of Cisco equipment at a single location, is the inspection fee charged per site location or per chassis?

A: Inspection fees are charged per chassis.

Q: Can the inspections program be used to recertify equipment that has been damaged from fire, flood, hurricane, or other natural or environmental events?

A: No. Use the global Compromised Equipment Return-to-Service (CERtS) process to determine under what circumstances (if any) the affected Cisco equipment may be re-entitled for Cisco maintenance and other Cisco services. Please initiate the CERtS process by emailing certs-engage@cisco.com

Q: How can I tell serial numbers have the compliance hold?

A: See Link: Verifying Compliance Flagged-Installed Serial Numbers.

Q: I am having trouble placing the order for the inspection

A: Please refer to the ASF Ordering Guide. Other supplementary guides: Register with Cisco and Associate Myself with a Company.

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