In the electronics manufacturing industry, PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) products are often produced in batches and may not be used immediately. Proper storage plays a crucial role in maintaining their quality and reliability before final assembly or shipment. So, how long can a PCBA be stored, and what are the best practices to keep it in good condition?

What Determines the Shelf Life of PCBA?

The shelf life of a PCBA largely depends on three key factors:

Surface finish of the PCB (such as HASL, ENIG, OSP, Immersion Silver, etc.)

Storage environment (temperature, humidity, cleanliness)

Packaging method (vacuum seal, moisture-proof bag, desiccant, etc.)

Under proper storage conditions, the general shelf life of a finished PCBA is:

If the board contains sensitive components (such as BGA, QFN, or fine-pitch ICs), the shelf life may be shorter, as moisture absorption can affect solderability and reliability.

Recommended Storage Conditions for PCBA

To ensure product stability, the following guidelines should be followed:

Temperature and Humidity Control

Store in a dry, clean environment (ideally 20–25°C, RH < 50%)

Avoid high humidity or temperature fluctuations that may cause oxidation or delamination.

Anti-static and Moisture Protection

Use vacuum-sealed packaging with desiccant and humidity indicator cards.

For long-term storage, place in ESD-safe moisture barrier bags.

Clean and Dust-free Area

Store PCBA on ESD-safe shelves or racks.

Avoid exposure to dust, chemicals, or corrosive gases.

Regular Inspection

Re-check solderability every 6 months if stored for an extended period.

If oxidation or discoloration appears, the PCBA should be reprocessed or cleaned before use.

Handling Before Use

Before assembling the PCBA into the final product:

Remove it from the sealed bag only when ready to use.

Bake the board (typically at 120°C for 2–4 hours) if it has been stored for over 6 months or exposed to humidity.

Visual and AOI inspection is recommended to confirm there is no oxidation or contamination.

Key Takeaways

The typical storage life of PCBA ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the finish and storage conditions.

Moisture and oxidation are the biggest threats to PCBA quality during storage.

Proper packaging and environmental control can effectively extend the shelf life and maintain solderability.

At PCBAmake, we not only provide high-quality PCB fabrication and assembly services, but also ensure every board is vacuum-packed and moisture-protected for safe shipping and storage.

Our team follows strict IPC standards to guarantee your boards perform reliably — even after long-term storage.