FEFO (First-Expired, First-Out)

What Is FEFO?

FEFO stands for first-expired, first-out. It is a picking rule for products with a shelf life, such as supplements, skincare, cosmetics and food. Under FEFO, the warehouse always sends out the stock that will expire soonest, so older dates move before newer ones.

FEFO differs from FIFO, which ships whatever arrived first. Usually the two match, but not always. A later delivery can carry an earlier expiration date if it was produced in an older batch, and only FEFO catches that.

How It Works

FEFO depends on tracking expiration dates and lot numbers at receiving. Each batch is recorded with its date and stored so the system knows which units expire first. When an order comes in, the warehouse management system directs the picker to the location holding the earliest-dated lot.

For example, a brand might receive vitamin gummies in March with a June expiration, then receive another batch in April that expires in May. With FEFO, the April batch ships first because it expires sooner, even though it arrived later.

• Record expiration dates and lot numbers at receiving.
• Keep different lots of the same SKU clearly separated.
• Review short-dated inventory regularly so it can be promoted or pulled.

Why It Matters for Ecommerce Brands

Expired product is lost money. FEFO reduces write-offs by making sure short-dated stock sells while it is still good. It also protects the customer experience, since nobody wants to receive a moisturizer or protein powder that is close to its date.

For brands selling to retailers, FEFO helps meet minimum remaining shelf-life requirements. It also supports recalls and quality checks, because lot data shows exactly which customers received which batch.