Hi @Seller_Vd3fzE8t2WKbN,

Understanding Expiration Date Requirements

Amazon considers candy, gum, and sweets as consumable products subject to expiration, even if they only have "Best By" or "Use By" dates rather than strict expiration dates. These terms are treated as equivalent to expiration dates in Amazon's system.

For FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)

Shelf Life Requirements:

• Products must have at least 90 days of remaining shelf life when they arrive at the fulfillment center for candy, chocolate, boxed chocolate, and sweets
• Amazon automatically removes units that are within 50 days (in North America) or 45 days (in EU) of the expiration date
• Units marked for disposal cannot be returned to you

How Amazon Tracks Dates: When your inventory arrives at the fulfillment center, Amazon associates scan the expiration/best by date printed on your products and enter it into their system. This creates a virtual "date lot" that tracks when products will expire.

Labeling Requirements:

• All consumable products must be clearly labeled with an expiration date, best by date, or manufacturing date
• "Best By," "Best Before," "Use By," and "Sell By" dates are all considered equivalent to expiration dates
• Acceptable date formats: MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY
• The date must be printed on both the outer carton AND individual units

For FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant)

For merchant-fulfilled orders, you're responsible for managing your own inventory and ensuring you don't ship expired products to customers. While Amazon doesn't actively track expiration dates for FBM inventory in their warehouses (since you're storing it yourself), you must still comply with Amazon's policies about not selling expired products to customers.

Best PracticesTo stay compliant:

• Always ensure your products have sufficient shelf life before sending to FBA
• Clearly print expiration dates on all packaging
• Monitor your inventory age through Seller Central's Inventory Performance Dashboard
• Remove aging inventory before it reaches the 50-day (NA) or 45-day (EU) threshold

Need more guidance? Check out the FBA product preparation requirements in Seller Central.

— Angie