Guide to Managing Product Expirations

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Key Points:
  • All products that expire should have clear expiration dates on their labels.
  • Certain product categories require expiration date labeling to comply with TikTok Shop policies.
  • Products should be shipped with enough time left before expiration.

Overview

Expiration date labeling provides customers with a clear and simple understanding of a product's quality, freshness, and safety. By following these key points and best practices, you can ensure your products meet TikTok Shop's labeling requirements and satisfy your customers' needs.

Products with Expiration Date Labeling

The following categories require expiration date labeling:
  1. All Food, Beverage, and Dietary Supplement Products for Human or Animal Consumption
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This includes, but is not limited to:
Acceptable date formats for labeling of these products includes best before date, expiration date, or production/manufacturing date plus the product's total shelf life.
  1. All Personal Care Products with Drug Labeling
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This includes, but is not limited to:
You will need to submit label images of the product in the Qualification Center, under the Category Qualification. One image must clearly show the printed expiration date.
  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorants and Antiperspirants
  • Hair Loss Products
  • Nasal Cleaning and Treatment
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Acne Treatments
For more information, refer to the Guidelines For Listing Beauty And Personal Care Products article.
  1. Medical Devices
Disposable Medical Devices (2).pngThis includes, but is not limited to:
  • Medical Masks
  • PPE Masks
  • Blood Glucose Monitors
  • Glucose Control Solutions
These products must display either an expiration date or the production/manufacturing date with the product's total shelf life. You will need to submit an image of the product label that clearly shows the expiration date.
For more information, please refer to the Documents Required to Sell Medical Devices and Medical Supplies article.

Shipping Timeframes Before Expiration

To ensure customer satisfaction, ship out your products with a sufficient shelf life before expiration. For example, if a bottle of supplements has 240 daily servings, it should arrive with more than 240 days left before its expiration date. Food, beverages, and related items must also be lot-controlled and provide enough time for customers to use them once received. Below is an example of a lot code and expiration date:
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The following are the recommended minimum number of days for sellers to ship their products before expiration:
  • Snacks: 90 days
  • Instant Food: 180 days
  • Dry or Canned Pet Food and Treats: 180 days
  • Shelf-Stable Milk & Dairy: 270 days
  • Pantry Essentials: 270 days
  • Beverages, Tea, and Beverage Powders: 270 days
  • Dietary Supplements for Humans and Animal Consumption: 365 days
  • Personal Care Products with Drug Labeling: 365 days
  • Beauty & Personal Care Products for Human and Animal Topical Use: 365 days
  • Medical Devices: 730 days

Best Practices for Expiration Date Labeling

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  • Use clear formats such as month, date, and year, or month and year for expiration date labels.
  • Ensure that dates are properly displayed and do not overlap other important information like ingredients or manufacturer details.
  • For medical devices, always use the YYYY-MM-DD format.
  • When selling case packs, multi-packs, or display boxes, ensure that the expiration date is visible on both the outer packaging and each individual item inside.

Actions to Avoid

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  • Don't alter or cover original expiration dates with stickers or any other modifications.
  • Don't use lot numbers as alternatives for expiration date labels.
  • Avoid misrepresenting production or expiration dates, such as selling old stock with outdated manufacturing dates.
  • Don't mislabel products or falsify dates on product packaging. This includes adding expiration date labels to products without one.
  • Refrain from marketing products in a way that misleads customers about their freshness or shelf life.

Adhere to Expiration Date Labeling Standards

Accurate expiration date labeling is essential for protecting customers and ensuring product safety. By adhering to these guidelines, sellers not only comply with TikTok Shop policies but also enhance customer confidence in their products.
For more information, please refer to our TikTok Shop Expiration Date Labeling and Shelf Life Policy. For Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) sellers, please refer to our FBT Product Packaging Policy.