The term “expiration date” seems familiar to us primarily from food packages. However, the concept itself is much broader and deeper: it concerns medicine, industry, documents, and even buildings.
The expiration date is not just a formal number. It is a risk management tool, a legal boundary of responsibility, a technical guideline and, often, a quality marker. In the context of modern requirements for safety, accuracy and sustainability, the correct understanding of expiration dates is becoming an integral part of professional practice.
In this article, we will look in detail at how the concept of expiration dates appeared, who introduced and developed it, how it is regulated, what it affects in construction and engineering, and what to do when the deadline comes to an end.
The concept and functionality of expiration dates
Who came up with the expiration dates, when and why
The very concept of shelf life appeared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in countries with a developing consumer industry. In the USA, in the 1970s, a system for labeling the shelf life of food and medicines with the labels “best before” and “use by” was introduced.
The Use by label indicates food safety — they can be used before that date, but not later, even if they look and smell good.
The Best before label indicates the period during which the product or service retains its optimal (best) properties. After the specified best before, the products gradually lose their properties. Such labeling is often found on cosmetics. It is often found on products with a long shelf life, such as pasta, rice, canned food, frozen foods, and snacks.
In the Soviet Union, the practice of setting expiration dates was formalized in the 1960s and 70s. The main impetus was the need for strict quality control in conditions of centralized planning and limited resources. At the same time, the introduction of the expiration date was associated not only with safety, but also with economic consideration and the prevention of losses during storage.
For example: GOST 21-73 established the shelf life of canned food, GOST 23089-78 — building materials. Since the 1980s, GOST standards have begun to include clauses on the terms of storage, transportation and disposal everywhere.
Already in the 1930s, the USSR had standards for the shelf life of products in military rations and strategic reserves, but national standards appeared later with the introduction of GOST standards for food, medicines and building materials.
In modern Russia, practice has continued to develop through technical regulation: technical regulations of the Customs Union, EAEU standards, and the law “On Technical Regulation” (No. 184-FZ) have appeared, where the expiration date has become a legally significant category regulated by the state and mandatory for compliance.
Control at the first stages was carried out by departmental services (for example, the sanitary service, the USSR Ministry of Health, Gosplan), and subsequently centrally through the State Standard bodies.
Why do we need expiration dates?
Expiration dates protect the consumer’s rights and fix the manufacturer’s liability boundary. This is especially critical for food, medical and chemical products.
The expiration date is a measure aimed at:
protecting the life and health of consumers;
prevention of accidents and incidents;
limitation of manufacturer’s liability.
Regulatory requirements and examples:
Food products: Technical Regulations TC 021/2011 “On food safety” requires mandatory indication of the expiration date on the packaging. Violation leads to administrative responsibility (Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, art. 14.43).
Medicines: Law No. 61-FZ “On the Circulation of medicines” and GOST 34136-2017. Violation can lead to criminal liability (for example, when selling expired medicines).
Chemicals: TR CU 041/2017 requires an indication of the shelf life after which the product may be dangerous.
Legal risks:
Holding the manufacturer/seller accountable;
Warranty claims;
Losses related to recycling and disposal;
Damage to the health and life of consumers.
Thus, expiration dates not only discipline manufacturers, but are also a critical factor in the chain of responsibility and safety.
Who determines the expiration dates and how
In Russia, the shelf life is determined by the manufacturer of the product, taking into account the technological, chemical, biological and operational properties of the product. Regulatory requirements and rules are set out in technical regulations (TOI, Safety Regulations, Technical Regulation), the Law on Consumer Protection, GOST standards, SanPiN.
Key regulators:
Technical regulations of the Customs Union and the EAEU (TR CU, TR EAEU);
GOST standards and technical specifications for specific types of products;
Federal Law No. 184-FZ “On Technical Regulation”;
The Law “On Consumer Rights Protection” No. 2300-1.
The manufacturer conducts stability tests, the effects of temperature, humidity, and storage conditions. Based on these tests, the following are established:
Shelf life;
expiration date;
Production date;
storage conditions.
Monitoring compliance:
Rospotrebnadzor — for food, pharmaceutical, and household products;
Rostechnadzor — for technical products;
Ministry of Construction and Construction Supervision — for building materials and structures.
Checking expiration dates:
It is carried out within the framework of quality control;
It can be carried out as part of an expert examination, upon acceptance to a warehouse, before commissioning;
It is mandatory for certification, declaration, and industrial safety expertise.
Thus, expiration dates are not an arbitrary number on a package, but the result of scientific analysis, regulatory requirements, and legal responsibility.
Expiration dates in construction and engineering
What does the expiration date in construction mean?
Shelf life in construction means the period during which a building object, product or material must maintain its properties, ensure safety and functionality.
The main characteristics that must be preserved in building materials are a number of technical and technological factors that affect their applicability and safety. Among them, the following stand out:
Strength characteristics (concrete, reinforcement, metal structures);
Elasticity, adhesion, moisture resistance (adhesives, sealants, membranes);
Insulating properties (heat, sound, waterproofing);
Fire resistance and chemical resistance;
Biostability and UV resistance.
How are these properties lost?:
Changes in structure and composition under the influence of time, moisture, and temperature. Over time, the molecular structure of materials (especially organic and polymer materials) is disrupted. Increased humidity leads to swelling, and temperature fluctuations cause thermal expansion and contraction. Internal microcracks can occur in concrete, and bond destruction can occur in polymer materials. For example, reinforced adhesives lose their strength due to binder degradation.
Shrinkage, stratification, and crystallization of components. This is typical for two-component and reactive materials (adhesives, sealants, resins). Over time, the liquid fractions evaporate or separate, and uneven drying begins, leading to delamination. In cement mixtures, shrinkage occurs — the volume of the material decreases, cracks appear. In paint and varnish materials, there is a crystallization of pigments and thickeners, which makes them unsuitable for application.
The packaging loses its tightness, the material absorbs moisture, and loses its adhesion. Damaged or aged packaging (including bags, cans, foil films) loses its barrier properties. Moisture penetrates inside and causes chemical reactions. For example, dry mixes begin to set even in the package, and adhesives lose their stickiness. Even low humidity can destroy gypsum or Portland cement-based formulations.
pH change, oxidation, rotting, corrosion. Organic materials are susceptible to biodegradation (rotting), especially when stored in a damp room. Polymer materials oxidize, metal rusts. Changing the acid-base balance (pH) can neutralize active additives, change the curing rate, and affect adhesion to other surfaces. Corrosion of reinforcement in reinforced concrete can begin even at the storage stage if conditions are violated, especially with high humidity.
These processes often occur unnoticeably externally, and therefore it is mandatory to check the expiration date according to documentation and with the help of visual, laboratory or instrumental control.
Basic requirements for the functionality and safety of materials, products and structures:
Ensuring the bearing capacity of structures. Structures must withstand design loads (dead weight, payloads, snow, wind, seismic, etc.) throughout their entire service life. The use of expired materials (for example, adhesives, anchors, concrete additives) can lead to a decrease in the strength of seams, joints, and reinforcement. This reduces the overall load-bearing capacity and increases the risk of structural elements collapsing.
Sealing and protection from the external environment. Building materials (sealants, membranes, insulating tapes) protect the building from moisture, dust, cold, heat loss, and UV radiation. If the expiration date has expired, the sealant may stop elastically filling the seams, crack or peel off. This leads to heat leaks, getting structures wet, mold, and metal corrosion.
No harmful fumes and emissions. Modern materials are certified according to environmental friendliness indicators (for example, emission classes E1, E0). If the shelf life is exceeded, degradation of the composition and the appearance of volatile organic compounds harmful to health may occur. This is especially true for paint coatings, polymers, adhesives. In confined spaces, this can lead to allergic reactions, headaches, and respiratory diseases.
Prevention of collapses, leaks, and ignitions. It is unacceptable to use materials that have lost their flame-retardant, water-repellent or structural properties. Failures in waterproofing can lead to flooding of electrical equipment and short circuits. Loss of nonflammable properties can accelerate the spread of fire. Substandard or expired connecting elements (anchors, dowels, mounting foams) may not withstand the operating load and cause the cladding or equipment to fall.
Thus, the concept of functionality and safety is not only design compliance, but also the long—term preservation of specified characteristics through the use of fresh and proven materials.
The shelf life is directly related to the above characteristics. After this period, the manufacturer no longer guarantees compliance with regulations, which makes the use of the material potentially dangerous and in violation of building regulations.
Shelf life of building materials
The shelf life of building materials is set by manufacturers in quality certificates. They are regulated by the requirements of GOST standards and technical specifications. Some building materials, including mixtures, adhesives, and waterproofing, may simply become useless or even dangerous after the expiration date.
How are the expiration dates for materials determined?:
Based on tests according to GOST standards and technical specifications: aging, climate chambers, freezing/thawing, compression, stretching;
The calculation includes safety margin, chemical stability, transportation and storage conditions.
What determines the shelf life of building materials?:
The type of material (cements, polymers, metals, wood). Mineral and inorganic materials (cements, dry mixes) are more resistant to time, especially when properly stored. Polymers (sealants, puffs, membranes) are susceptible to aging, especially when in contact with oxygen, light, and moisture. Metals rust at high humidity, especially without corrosion protection. Wood is a hygroscopic and biosensitive material: it absorbs moisture, rots, and is affected by fungi and insects.
Packaging and tightness. Properly selected and sealed packaging prolongs the shelf life. For example, two—component adhesives are packaged in sealed cartridges, and membranes are packaged in vacuum-protected rolls. If the package is damaged or leaky, it comes into contact with moisture, light, or air, which accelerates aging and loss of properties.
Humidity and temperature in the warehouse. Recommended storage conditions (for example, +5…+25 °C, relative humidity no more than 60%) affect the chemical stability of materials. When temperatures are exceeded (especially above 35 °C), degradation and detachment of components are possible. When frozen, irreversible physico-chemical changes occur, especially in emulsion paints and liquid formulations.
Of the constituent components (organic substances lose their properties faster). Organic components include plasticizers, binders, and dietary supplements. These substances oxidize, evaporate, or react under the influence of the environment. Therefore, for example, bitumen materials or polyurethane sealants require strict adherence to the terms and conditions of storage.
Important: the specific date is always indicated by the manufacturer in the passport or on the package. In case of any doubt, laboratory analysis or suitability tests are required.
When the shelf life of the building material is exhausted, the irrevocable process of deterioration of technical and technological characteristics begins. Such processes can eventually cause the material to become completely unusable, in which it loses all its useful properties. As an example, such cases of loss of properties and the consequences associated with this process can be noted.:
Deterioration of adhesion leads to peeling of materials (for example, tiles). When using expired tile adhesives, waterproofing mastics and primers, adhesion to the substrate is disrupted. This leads to peeling of tiles, wallpaper, and facade panels, which requires re-laying and additional costs.
Non—curing of the glue – breaks the tightness or adhesion. If an adhesive with a broken formula is used, it may not solidify completely, but remain viscous or, conversely— crumble. This is especially critical for window, roof, and plumbing connections where tightness is compromised, leaks, and air or water leaks are possible.
The loss of flame-retardant properties leads to a violation of fire safety standards. Flame-retardant paints, formulations, and coatings have a limited shelf life. Expired material may not form a protective film when heated, which violates the design limit of fire resistance. This is critical for cable ducts, metal structures, and wooden floors.
The use of expired materials deprives the customer of the guarantee, and the contractor of the right to an acceptance certificate. Violation of the expiration dates may become grounds for refusal to sign executive documents, acceptance certificates, and may also be the subject of proceedings with supervisory authorities. The customer will not be able to make warranty claims if the use of expired components is found.
However, these are not the most alarming factors that arise after the expiration dates of building materials. At the end of the deadline, a number of significant disadvantages arise that can pose a danger to both products and structures, as well as to the life and health of citizens. Among them, it should be noted:
Loss of bearing capacity, cracking, delamination. When using expired cement-containing or polymer formulations, incomplete curing, reduced compressive or bending strength may occur. As a result, concrete or mortar does not provide the calculated strength, microcracks form. This is especially dangerous when pouring slabs, beams, and supports, when the safety of the entire structure depends on its strength.
The inability to adhere to the substrate, the appearance of micro cavities. Adhesives, primers, and putties with expired shelf life have a broken structure, and they do not penetrate the substrate properly. Voids and cavities form at the point of contact, which subsequently become foci of detachment, accumulation of moisture and microcracks.
Release of toxic substances, changes in pH or reactions. During decomposition of components, especially organic ones, volatile compounds (formaldehydes, alcohols, ammonia) can form in expired materials. Changes in the pH of adhesives and mortars affect the adhesion, corrosion resistance, and stability of other contact elements.
The appearance of pathogenic microflora. In biosensitive materials (for example, eco-wool, cellulose insulation, jute, cork), mold, fungus, and bacteria can occur if packaging is disrupted and stored in conditions of high humidity. Their introduction into building structures leads to damage to the material, the appearance of odor, and a threat to health (allergies, respiratory diseases).
Thus, the use of expired materials carries not only technical, but also legal, financial and reputational risks. Even with the “visual normality” of the material, it may be unsuitable and dangerous. Expiration date verification is a basic element of construction control.
Shelf life of buildings and structures
The shelf life of a building or structure (sometimes also referred to as the regulatory service life) is the period established by the design or regulatory documentation during which the object must safely perform its functions, provided proper operation and maintenance.
Historically, in the USSR, the standard service life was specified in building regulations — SNIPS. For example, SNiP II-22-81 and SNiP 2.03.01-84 already provided for requirements for the service life of structures and buildings. These standards have become the prototype of modern joint ventures.
In Russia, the issue is regulated:
SP 255.1325800.2016 “Buildings and structures. Rules of examination and monitoring”;
GOST 31937-2024 “Buildings and structures. Rules of research and monitoring of technical condition” (the new version replaced GOST 31937-2011);
SP 13-102-2003 — Rules for the study of load-bearing building structures;
Federal Law No. 384-FZ “Technical Regulations on the Safety of Buildings and Structures”;
VSN 53-86(r) “Departmental building regulations. Rules for assessing the physical deterioration of residential buildings”.
Usually, the service life of buildings depends on their structural characteristics. As a rule, it is:
50 years old — for panel and brick residential buildings. This period is due to the estimated durability of reinforced concrete panels, brickwork and floors under standard operating conditions. It includes design tolerances for wind, snow, temperature, and operational loads. In practice, seam defects, cracks in panels, and wear of engineering networks may occur in buildings of this type, requiring timely major repairs.
100 years or more — for monolithic public buildings. Such buildings are designed with increased durability and wear resistance in mind. Reinforced monolithic concrete, resistance to aggressive environments, increased standards for fire safety and rigidity allow these structures to function for centuries with proper care. This is especially true for administrative, educational, medical, and cultural institutions.
25-30 years — for temporary structures, modules, and light structures. Such objects include shopping pavilions, kiosks, warehouses of a prefabricated type, and mobile buildings. The materials used — metal, LSTC, wood, panels — are designed for a limited service life, including operating conditions (lack of capacity, mobility). After 30 years, their mandatory inspection or dismantling is required.
During Soviet times, the service life of buildings of the "Khrushchev" type was originally planned for only 25 years, as temporary housing. However, in some cases they have been in use for more than 60 years, which requires regular inspection and confirmation of their technical suitability.
When the service life and operation of the building is coming to an end
Nothing lasts forever – sooner or later, the standard life span of real estate comes to an end. However, this does not necessarily mean that the building becomes completely unusable. The standard service life of buildings is essentially the “average temperature in a hospital,” reflecting a statistical picture of typical real estate properties. Often, the actual service life of buildings and structures can significantly exceed the standard ones, especially in milder climates and with the proper level of maintenance and operation of structures and elements. When the deadline comes to an end, it is necessary:
To carry out a technical inspection with the registration of an act according to GOST 31937-2024. The examination includes visual diagnostics, instrumental measurements, autopsies, laboratory analysis of materials, assessment of bearing capacity, physical wear, deformations, condition of structures and engineering systems. The results are formalized in the technical act.
To draw up a technical opinion on the possibility of further operation or the required measures. Based on the survey, a conclusion is issued stating:
the suitability of the building for further operation.;
the presence of critical and local defects;
list of necessary measures to restore the characteristics (repair, reinforcement, dismantling);
recommendations on the time period during which operation is acceptable without compromising safety.
In case of unsatisfactory condition, develop and implement measures to strengthen, repair or reconstruct. You may need to:
injection of cracks, replacement of damaged plates;
reinforcement with metal or polymer composites;
restoration of waterproofing, foundations, networks;
redevelopment and redistribution of workloads. All work must be accompanied by project documentation and SRO control.
If the condition is satisfactory, extend the service life, taking into account the expert opinion. Based on a positive conclusion, it is possible to officially extend the service life by 5-10 years or more, provided that the technical condition is monitored with the regularity specified in the recommendations. The extension data is included in the technical data sheet of the building and, if necessary, is registered with the technical accounting authorities.
This ensures the safety, legal security of the operation and the possibility of participating in legally significant transactions (lease, sale, reconstruction).
If a building is operated after the expiration of the regulatory period without inspection, this can lead to a threat to life, destruction, accidents, as well as to administrative and criminal liability of operating organizations. Prolongation of the service life is possible only after an engineering survey, accompanied by an analysis of materials, structural elements, bases and engineering systems.
Expiration dates of technical documentation in construction
The technical documentation includes:
engineering survey results;
project and working documentation;
acts of technical surveys and expert opinions;
passports of objects and technical passports of structures.
The terms of validity of construction documentation are regulated in regulations and documents:
Surveys are required to obtain building and renovation permits. In accordance with the norms of current legislation, including JV 47.13330.2016, JV 317.1325800.2017, JV 446.1325800.2019, the validity period of the results of engineering surveys is limited (provided there are no significant changes in engineering, geological and natural conditions. If such changes occur (rising ground water levels, seismic activation, urbanization of adjacent territories), surveys require updating):
geodetic surveys – 2 years;
geological surveys for built–up and undeveloped territories – 2 and 5 years, respectively;
environmental surveys for built–up and undeveloped areas are 1-5 and 1-10 years, respectively.
A technical survey is applicable for any form of impact on an object, including redevelopment, major repairs, reinforcement, or reconstruction. In accordance with the norms of current legislation, including GOST 31937-2024, the expiration date of the report on the inspection of buildings and structures depends on the category of technical condition of the object, which is assigned based on the results of the survey.:
3 years — for facilities with technical condition categories I (standard) and II (operational);
1.5 years — for facilities with technical condition categories III (limited operational) and IV (emergency).
The frequency of inspection and monitoring of buildings and structures on the territory of the Russian Federation is regulated by the interstate standard GOST 31937-2024. In accordance with the requirements of GOST, the initial inspection of facilities should be carried out no later than 2 years after commissioning. Subsequent routine examinations are performed at least once every 10 years. For facilities that are operated in unfavorable conditions (aggressive environments, high humidity, vibrations, seismicity from 7 points), at least once every 5 years, and for unique buildings and structures, a permanent monitoring regime is established.
SP 13-102-2003 “Rules for the study of load—bearing building structures of buildings and structures” establishes that the results of a technical survey are valid for up to 3 years during normal operation, and only 1 year under conditions of structural changes (reconstruction, redevelopment, load changes)
The Order of the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation dated 05/15/2017 No. 783/pr regulates the procedure for updating and re-examining project documentation. According to it, if the initial data, norms or construction conditions change, the project is subject to verification and modification.
What happens after the deadline:
The documentation loses its legal force upon receipt of a construction permit, passing an expert examination, or handing over the facility.;
It may need to be updated through repeated surveys, surveys, or the preparation of a new project part.;
The results lose relevance with changes in climate, soil composition, groundwater level, loads on the object (for example, when changing the destination), changes in building codes (SNiP, SP, GOST).
If the validity period has expired:
The customer should initiate repeated surveys, surveys, or a request for a reassessment of documentation.;
The designer should update or confirm the validity of the documentation with a new conclusion and justification for the stability of the conditions.;
If necessary, issue an extension of the validity period of the technical report through an expert examination.
Technically, it is possible to extend the validity period of the technical documentation if a number of procedural and administrative measures are carried out.:
Re-examination or verification of the relevance of the results (for example, new geological wells, control measurements, scanning of structures);
Preparation of a justification with the application of the results of confirmatory tests or analysis of the regulatory framework;
Repeated examination (state or non—state, depending on the type of facility and the source of funding).
Suspended construction projects for a long time (more than 5 years) in most cases require a complete revision of the project documentation, due to the obsolescence of the regulatory framework and survey results.
The use of outdated documentation in the creation or reconstruction of construction sites carries a number of significant risks for both the developer and other participants in the construction process, as well as for future copyright holders or operators.:
The use of outdated documentation may lead to the denial of an expert examination, a construction permit, as well as to the temporary suspension of the project.;
The use of invalid data at the implementation stage entails the legal insecurity of the facility, disputes between the participants in the process, and potential criminal or administrative liability.;
This is especially critical for government orders, where the validity period of documents is strictly controlled by the supervisory authorities (Rosstroynadzor, GASN, prosecutor’s office).
The standard service life of a construction site is not an absolute limit, but a guideline that requires an assessment of its technical condition. Timely inspection in accordance with GOST 31937-2024 and making an informed decision on repair, reconstruction or extension of the service life can ensure safety, preserve property and extend the service life of facilities for decades. This requires not only engineering precision, but also compliance with regulatory procedures, which is especially important when managing real estate and implementing large investment projects.
Results
We used to think of the “expiration date” as the date after which you can not drink milk or use pills. However, this term has a much broader meaning and plays a critical role not only in the food industry or pharmaceuticals, but also in construction, medicine, machinery manufacturing, design, and even documentation management. The safety of buildings, human health, and the sustainability of the entire management system may depend on how well we understand the meaning, purpose, and consequences of expiration dates.
The expiration date is not just the date after which a product or material cannot be used. This is a legal, technical and organizational measure aimed at safety, quality and responsibility.
In construction, it regulates both specific materials and the fate of buildings as a whole. Ignoring expiration dates can lead to not only financial but also life-threatening risks.
Our recommendations:
Always check the shelf life and operation of building materials;
Conduct a survey of buildings as the end of the standard service life approaches;
To update and verify documentation, especially in case of reuse or suspension of construction.
A competent attitude to the shelf life of building materials, the relevance of documentation, and the service life and operational suitability of buildings is an investment in the reliability, safety, and legal security of the project.
EUCLID provides comprehensive solutions for preparing for reconstruction, repair, modernization of existing and implementation of new projects. Our team is ready to take on the tasks within the framework of project and investment activities in construction:
Pre-design study and analysis;
Engineering surveys and design;
Technical and financial support for the implementation of projects;
Inspection of finished objects and completed stages of work;
Construction inspection of buildings, structures and engineering systems;
Technical expertise and audit.
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