INVENTORY & WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS
First expired,
first out (FEFO)
FEFO, first expired first out, prioritizes eligible stock with the earliest expiration date for issue or shipment.
FEFO (FIRST EXPIRED, FIRST OUT) IN PRACTICE
- Capture lot & expiry
- Check shipment eligibility
- Pick earliest eligible expiry
A WORKED EXAMPLE
Received later. Expires sooner.
Lot A arrived first and expires on 30 June. Lot B arrived later but expires on 31 May. FEFO normally selects B first when both are eligible. If the customer requires remaining shelf life that B cannot meet on delivery, B is not the right allocation for that order.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR QUOTE
Make the requirement explicit
Use the same scope and units when comparing providers. Put the agreed responsibility, included work and exception process into the service description.
A LITTLE MORE CONTEXT
Questions about FEFO (First Expired, First Out)
Is FEFO the same as FIFO?
No. FEFO prioritizes expiration; FIFO prioritizes the defined receipt or aging date.
Can FEFO make expired stock acceptable?
No. Selection still depends on the product’s status and applicable acceptance requirements.
Source & example notes
Microsoft Learn: products with limited shelf life. Further reading on the related controls and terminology. Product documentation describes a particular implementation; it does not establish a universal procedure or service commitment.
Definitions and worked examples are prepared by 3PL Hub. Numbers are illustrative, not provider rates, operating targets or guarantees.
Last updated: · 3PL Hub
