Logistics Management: Two Types of Shelf Life

BLUF: There are two types of shelf life (SL), Type I and Type II. Knowing about Type II, in particular, will ensure SL items are ready for use when needed.

Photo by: Spc. Yolanda Moreno Leon
 

The shelf life (SL) of an item is based on the item being kept in optimum storage conditions. Given that the exact rate of deterioration of an item is unknown, the shelf-life of items must be closely monitored and certain actions followed prior to use.

There are two types of SL items, Type I and Type II.  Type I are non-extendable: They have a finite period of SL or a specific point in time that they reach their date of expiration (date they must be processed for disposal). Type II items can be extended if they’ve been kept in optimum storage and pass either visual inspection or testing.
 
For Type II SL items that won’t be placed into service before their inspection date, the extension process should begin six (6) months before the inspection date for items requiring only visual inspections or nine (9) months before the inspection date for items requiring laboratory testing.

Prior to sending an item for laboratory testing, first conduct a visual inspection. If it fails visual inspection, process it for disposal. If it passes visual inspection, check the Quality Status Listing (QSL) on the Shelf-Life Extension System (SLES). The QSL has extension data for SL Type II items that have already been tested in DOD-certified labs and extended to a new test date. Keep in mind that the QSL data is only valid if the SL Type II item has been stored IAW the Materiel Quality Control Storage Standards (MQCSS) found in the SLES.
 
To access the SLES, you’ll need a DLA Account Management and Provisioning System (AMPS) account. Click HERE for detailed instructions access AMPS and get access to SLES.  .
 
Questions? Click HERE.