The position paper, which was adopted by the GEON during its meeting in May 2009 in Vienna, Austria, highlights the added-value of including OMCLs in the scientifically-based, decision-making process for the use of medicines beyond their authorised shelf-lives in emergency situations/crises (e.g. suspected or confirmed spread of pathogenic agents, toxins, chemical agents or nuclear radiation; any of which could cause harm). In this regard, it must be stressed that this position paper does not question the regulatory expiry date of medicines, which are based on the valid marketing authorisations of products.