sunset date

Hi everybody!

I would like to know if "sunset date" is the same as "expiry date" and, therefore, they can be used in the same way as for example "this passport expires on 15th January 2016/this passport sunsets on 15th January 2016" or if "sunset date" is used in specific fields.

Thank you for your answers and examples

I've just found this definition online "When purchasing any property off plan, be it apartments or a house and land package, the contract will have what is called a Sunset Date. The Sunset Date is the day by which the developer is able to fulfil their obligations as stipulated in the contract, the contract may be rescinded without penalty by either party. Usually, that is if they were unable to complete the project by the Sunset Date".

It appears to be a legal term, and I don't think it you could successfully extend it into more everyday usage. I would certainly avoid using it where there is already a simple and idiomatic way of saying something - like 'expiry date', and 'X expires on Y'.

I've never heard of 'sunset date', nor of 'sunset' being used as a verb. Can you give us a real example you've seen? 'Sunset' might sometimes be used of, for example, laws that cease to have effect after a certain date.

I've heard of sunset dates for things like software, but -- and I agree with Heypresto -- this is not a term you should import to other contexts, especially when there is already a word we use for it. Passports expire, they certainly don't "sunset."

A "sunset clause" in contracts rings a faint bell, but I don't think I've heard this in any other contexts. For computer products, I've heard an even weirder-sounding phrase for when support for things is terminated: Things get "end-of-lifed".

Thank your for your answers.
My doubt and, at the same time, curiosity about "sunset date" derives from this sentence I heard "The product sunset date is on day/month/year" and the explanation that "sunset date" is the same as expiry date -UK- or expiration date -US-.
Now it is clear and I thank you all

toknowmore said:

this sentence I heard "The product sunset date is on day/month/year"

Two questions: If this wasn't UK English or US English, where was this sentence used?
And do you know what type of product was being referred to? Was it food or something else?

toknowmore said:

Hi everybody!

I would like to know if "sunset date" is the same as "expiry date" and, therefore, they can be used in the same way as for example "this passport expires on 15th January 2016/this passport sunsets on 15th January 2016" or if "sunset date" is used in specific fields.

In answer to your question, definitely not the same in all contexts.

It sounds highly unlikely as legalese but it is possible. It might be used in reference to a business offer--informally. Often you see it used in reference to legislation.