Sigma-Aldrich has programs to monitor, preserve and protect the quality of our products. For those materials where shelf life information is a specification requirement, we have defined expiration and retest periods in specifications product level information which are used to generate corresponding expiration and recommended re-test dates (batch level information). The Quality Release Date on the Certificate of Analysis is the original date of batch data review against specification. If a product was retested as part of a recurring inspection or Recommended Retest the actual Date Retested will be additionally displayed on the Certificate of Analysis. This program supports Sigma-Aldrich’s commitment to providing materials that meet customer requirements. When dating is indicated by month and year only, the product is expected to meet specifications until the last day of the month.
 

Recommended Retest Dated Products

The Recommended Retest Date is the end of a period of time during which the batch is expected to remain within established specifications if stored under Sigma-Aldrich’s defined conditions. The Retest Period has been established by review of the product’s or a comparable product’s history. The Recommended Retest Date for individual lots may be extended subject to quality review. If extended, a new Date Retested and Recommended Retest Date will be published on the Certificate of Analysis. The Quality Release Date is the point in time when analytical data has been reviewed as confirming compliance with product description, specification and lot uniformity.
 

Expiration Dated Products

Products in the expiration date program will have an Expiration Date printed on the label and the Certificate of Analysis. This date assigns the time frame during which the batch is expected to remain within established specifications if stored under Sigma-Aldrich’s defined conditions. The batch should not be used after this date.

Other Products

A significant number of Sigma-Aldrich products are not included in either of the above programs as there is no indication to conclude they are unstable. The only date shown on the certificate of analysis will be the Quality Release date. These products, however, may be included in our various internal re-test and product review programs. For end users requiring date management, Sigma-Aldrich recommends any inventory held by a customer be reviewed not later than 12 months after receipt from by Sigma-Aldrich or its authorized representative, which is consistent with our support for products as described in our Terms and Conditions (see note).
 

Note

Expiration Dates or Recommended Re-test Dates on our labels and/or Certificates of Analysis are valid only if the product is stored under Sigma-Aldrich’s defined conditions, and the container has remained unopened with original tamper evident seal still intact. Under our Warranty within our Terms and Conditions of supply product dating does not release a customer from proper inspection when receiving goods, and does not warrant fitness of a product for any particular use, and for all classes of product, claims must be brought within one year of shipment.
 

Order Blocking/Inventory Management

Our inventory is continually monitored and swept of products approaching the expiration and re-test date. Thisprocedure is also subject to our continuing improvement programs. Product batches are blocked from shipment to customers as they approach these dates in order to allow customers to use them within the remaining period of time.
 

This blocking time is batch specific. Should customers need products to be supplied with specific minimum remaining expiration or re-test time, this should be communicated at the time of order entry. Every attempt will be made, subject to available inventory, to satisfy these requests.
 

If you have additional questions regarding the Sigma-Aldrich Product Dating Information statement please contact us at info@interlab.com.tr