Cigarettes have a shelf life. Generally speaking, the shelf life of cigarettes is about 2 years, but the specific shelf life is related to its storage environment. If the cigarette has not been opened, it can be stored in a cool and ventilated place under the condition of ensuring dryness, which can be kept for about 2 years. If cigarettes are sealed in the refrigerator, the shelf life can be extended to ten years. If the storage environment of cigarettes is not good, they may be damp and moldy in less than one year, which is also considered "expired" and can no longer be used.

Although cigarettes are special commodities, they also have a "time limit for enjoying the best smoking experience". That is, how long does it take to smoke from the factory to ensure the best "smoking experience" When domestic regular cigarettes leave the factory, the date of cigarette production will be indicated on the packaging box and product certificate, but most cigarettes or a box of cigarettes are not specially indicated by the manufacturer. Generally, there are printed numbers on the outer packaging of cigarettes, which are the main anti-counterfeiting passwords of merchants. This printed number means the production date information of the product.