The authentication still works — the tag is not "locked" just because a product has passed its expiration date. But you control what the consumer sees, and you can tailor the message to handle expired products gracefully.
Default Behavior
By default, an expired product still authenticates as Authentic. The consumer sees the authenticated screen along with any Show More content you have configured for the product or batch.
Post-Expiration Authentication Window
Every ForgeStop plan includes a +1 year post-expiration authentication window — consumers can continue to scan and verify for a year after the product's printed expiration date. This matters for:
Shelf-stable products that may be used past their nominal expiration.
Products that get gifted or stored for long periods.
Brand protection against grey-market activity after shelf life.
After the post-expiration window closes, the tag stops returning an Authentic status and instead shows an expired-product message.
Customizing the Expired Message
If you want to show the consumer a specific message when the product is past its expiration date, use the #{{isExpired}} conditional in your Show More content:
#{{#if isExpired}}
<p><strong>This product has reached its expiration date.</strong>
Please consult your local distributor before use.</p>
#{{/if}}
This pattern is covered in detail in The Show More Digital Label.
Tier Gating — Custom Expiration Status Template
For full control of what consumers see (a completely custom expiration screen instead of the standard authenticated page with a conditional note), you need the Custom Expiration Status Template feature — available on Plus, Advanced, and Custom plans.
Shelf Life Limits by Plan
Plan | Max Shelf Life | Post-Expiration | Total Tag Life |
Standard | 2 years | +1 year | 3 years |
Pro | 3 years | +1 year | 4 years |
Plus | 4 years | +1 year | 5 years |
Advanced | 5 years | +1 year | 6 years |
Custom | Custom | +1 year | Custom |
Need Help?
If you need further assistance, contact us at [email protected] or use the chat widget in your Dashboard.
Last Synced: 2026-04-23 · Sync Status: Current · ID: 14750074 · Language: English