FIFO dispatches the oldest receipt first; FEFO dispatches the stock with the earliest expiry first. For wallpaper glue powder, which depends on moisture protection, package integrity and storage conditions, receipt date alone can leave an earlier-expiring lot behind. Importers and distributors should therefore manage remaining shelf life explicitly.
Calculate remaining shelf life at receipt
Use the production date and confirmed product shelf life to record lot, receipt date, production date, expiry, quantity and package condition. Do not restart shelf life on the arrival date. If a customer or local channel requires minimum remaining life, record the corresponding last acceptable dispatch date.
Keep lots identifiable by location
Different lots of the same product need separate locations or clear physical identification. The pick instruction should specify the lot instead of leaving selection to the operator. System quantity, pallet card and bag markings must agree, including after relocation, pallet splitting or rewrapping.
Manage opened material separately
Opening a bag changes its original moisture barrier. Reseal remainders and record opening time, original lot, remaining weight and status. Unopened stock and opened material should not be controlled only by the same printed expiry; repacking or test remainders require additional condition checks.
Create near-expiry alerts and disposition rules
Set alerts around the business cycle rather than waiting for expiry. Near-expiry stock may be prioritized, retested, used for approved samples or handled through another authorized route, but dates and lot identity must not be overwritten or hidden. Any re-evaluation needs a documented basis.
Inspect package condition during stock counts
Cycle counts should check torn bags, moisture evidence, caking, pallet damage and warehouse conditions as well as quantity. A correct count does not prove acceptable condition. Hangzhou Karn can provide production and lot records; the destination-market buyer controls location, rotation, near-expiry rules and customer commitments.