This directive prescribes uniform policies, responsibilities, and guidance for the development, preparation, publication, and maintenance of storage standards for Military Services (U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) managed shelf-life materiel.

The guidelines contained herein provide the principles for quality assurance techniques to be used when performing surveillance of shelf-life materiel in storage; determining the condition of shelf-life materiel during storage and upon shipment; and the inspection, testing, or restorative actions required to maintain and to return shelf-life stocks to a ready-for-issue status.