Date of Minimum Durability on products
Last updated: July 21, 2026
What is it DMD?
The Date of Minimum Durability (DDM and sometimes DLUO in French) is a fixed date for all products (you can think of it as a “best before” date). On the website, each product has a DDM expressed in months, which is the length between the product's production and the moment it will reach its DDM. It is displayed as:
Day & Month for products with a DDM inferior to 3 months
Month & Year for products with a DDM between 3 months & 18 months
Year for products with a DDM superior to months
When is DMD required?
DMD is mandatory for:
Food products (with some exceptions)
Cosmetic products
Certain other consumer goods where quality/efficacy may deteriorate over time
What is the difference between DDM and LIMIT DATE (expiration date)?
DMD (Date of Minimum Durability):
Also known as the "Best Before" date.
Indicates the date until which the product retains its specific qualities, such as taste, colour, and texture, under proper storage conditions.
Commonly found on food products, cosmetics, and certain household items.
After the DMD, the product is usually still safe to consume, but it may not be at its optimal quality.
Limit Date:
Often referred to as the "Use By" or "Expiration Date"
Indicates the date by which the product should be consumed or used for safety reasons.
Commonly found on perishable items, such as dairy products, meat, and medications.
After the limit date, the product may not be safe to consume or use and should be discarded.
Best Practices for DMD Management
The DMD displayed on the platform reflects the length between production and the DMD itself. It is not an indication of the remaining shelf life. We ask brands to ship products with at least 3 months of remaining shelf life, unless explicitly specified differently on the product page.
Check DMD upon receipt of goods: Retailer must inform themselves in the product page of the product DMD.
Plan inventory based on DMD dates
Follow storage instructions
Report any discrepancies promptly
FAQ
How much remaining shelf life should products have when shipped?
This varies by product category and is specified in the product page. Generally, products should have sufficient remaining shelf life for reasonable retail sale and consumer use.
What happens if products are received with insufficient DMD?
If you receive products with a Date of Minimum Durability (DMD) that differs from what was indicated on the product page, please submit a claim through your Retailer Account. Make sure to document the discrepancy with clear photos of the product labels and any other relevant information.