Kehtivusajad

Kehtivusajad refer to the period during which a product, document or credential remains valid, safe, or in compliance. They are stated on labels, certificates or licenses and guide users on when something should be used, replaced or renewed.

In consumer goods the two main concepts are use-by dates and best-before dates. A use-by date indicates safety: after that date, consuming the product may pose health risks and it should be discarded. A best-before date concerns quality rather than safety: the product may still be safe to use after that date, but its taste, texture or nutritional value might be reduced. The exact interpretation and requirements vary by product type and jurisdiction.

Different sectors use kehtivusajad in various ways. Foods and beverages commonly carry dates to indicate safety or quality. Medicines have shelf-lives determined by stability testing, and many must not be used after the stated date. Cosmetics, chemicals and cleaning products also carry expiry information to ensure effectiveness and safety. Beyond goods, kehtivusajad apply to official documents and licenses, such as travel documents, professional credentials or service subscriptions, where validity is time-bound by law or policy.

Storage conditions can affect the actual shelf-life, and improper storage often shortens the valid period. Accordingly, labels typically specify storage instructions and handling to preserve validity. From a regulatory perspective, many jurisdictions, including those in Europe, require clear dating on applicable products and impose disposal or renewal rules for expired items. Kehtivusajad thus function as risk-management tools to protect health, safety and compliance, while also informing consumer behavior and waste reduction.