Shelf life of condoms

Condom quality is, in many countries, regulated through ISO (international standard) 4074. It prescribes a maximum shelf life of 5 years and also a real time stability requirement to ensure the products are fit for use until the expiry date. This article reports on tests done on condoms well past their expiry date, as well as some which were near their expiry date and then submitted to the additional challenge of storage at 50 °C for 90 days. The results show that, with two exceptions, the condoms continued to comply comfortably with the requirements of the standard. It thus appears that the 5 year maximum shelf life currently allowed for condoms should be reviewed.