GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

FEFO (First Expired, First Out)

A pharmaceutical distributor receives weekly drug batches with vastly different expiration dates.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FEFO

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

111

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

A pharmaceutical distributor receives weekly drug batches with vastly different expiration dates. Under FEFO (First Expired, First Out), the batch closest to its expiry is picked and shipped first—regardless of when it arrived in the warehouse. This method is standard, and often legally required, in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics supply chains because it reduces spoilage, write-offs, and liability exposure from expired goods reaching end customers. Unlike FIFO, which follows arrival sequence, FEFO prioritises shelf life; the two can produce identical results only when older stock also expires sooner, which is not always the case. Warehouse management systems (WMS) automate FEFO logic to eliminate manual selection errors and support regulatory audit trails.

Next steps

Matching tools and partners

Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Find a matching partnerFreight forwarders and logistics partners worldwideOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

First Expired First Out (FEFO) Reefer Logistics

Unlike FIFO (First In First Out), which sequences stock by receipt date, FEFO—First Expired First Out—orders goods strictly by exp…

Learn more

FIFO (First-In-First-Out)

Warehouse managers and supply chain planners use FIFO (First-In-First-Out) to ensure that stock received earliest is the first to …

Learn more

First Expired First Out Reefer Logistics Systems

First Expired First Out (FEFO) is a stock rotation principle in which perishable goods are prioritized by expiration date—products…

Learn more

First Expired First Out (FEFO) Reefer Systems

A typical scenario in perishable goods management: a logistics operator receives a mixed shipment of refrigerated products with va…

Learn more

FIFO Analysis of Reefer Warehouse Goods

In reefer warehouse operations, FIFO analysis comes into play whenever stock is picked and dispatched: it verifies that goods stor…

Learn more

warehouse withdrawal procedures

Warehouse withdrawal procedures define the sequence in which goods are retrieved from storage, balancing stock rotation, shelf-lif…

Learn more

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.

FEFO (First Expired, First Out)

Next steps

Related Terms

First Expired First Out (FEFO) Reefer Logistics

FIFO (First-In-First-Out)

First Expired First Out Reefer Logistics Systems

First Expired First Out (FEFO) Reefer Systems

FIFO Analysis of Reefer Warehouse Goods

warehouse withdrawal procedures

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers