New old stock like this are often still quite usable. These are print-heads for older business class inkjet printers, the type that continue working for decades! Getting new ink cartidges is still possible, getting the separate print heads is difficult. The heads for this model don't wear out that often and when they do, it's a back-order or head to e-bay situation. Luckily someone had a fistful of the critters for sale, total was cheaper than a single new one (even with P&S!) Since they are sealed in foil and do not contain ink, I have no idea why HP would feel inclined to set an 'expire date'. The only issue was that the protective strip left a little residue on the contacts which I had to rub with a little cleaner. Now my old business inkjet 2250 is happily printing out the few pages I don't want to walk all the way to the end of the hall and sort from the big laser's output tray!