use-by date
n. A metaphoric date after which something is considered to be outdated or no longer applicable.
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Examples
2004
But the novel, though finished, was never submitted to a publisher. It needed a second draft but that gave way to the demands of a full-time job and family commitments. Eventually the theme, terrorism and women's liberation, reached its use-by date.
—“Bill finds himself beached in the best possible way,” The Advertiser, February 13, 2004
2004
This week Philips, the huge Dutch electronics company that invented the cassette and technology that led to the CD and DVD, announced the closure of its remaining VCR production lines.

Philips conceded the decision would cost it sales. People were comfortable with the technology, a spokesman said, but Philips believed it had reached its use-by date.
—Garry Barker, “Will Video Be Killed By The Rising Star DVD?,” The Age (Melbourne, Australia), February 12, 2004
1987 (earliest)
The Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, made it clear yesterday that he was prepared to break promises again — but added that he did not expect he would have to do so.

He was asked at the National Press Club whether he could give a "use by" date on his promises in future.
—Mike Steketee, “I may break word again, says Hawke,” Sydney Morning Herald, July 09, 1987
Notes
He also acknowledged a need for Parliamentary vetting of nominees for appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada. Now these and other similar pledges, having passed their "best before" date, are effectively being tossed down the toilet.
—“Paul's one-man show,” The Calgary Sun, February 08, 2004