{
  "id": "api-lifecycle-deprecation",
  "name": "API Deprecation and Retirement",
  "description": "Lifecycle governance policy controlling how an API moves from active service to deprecated and retired. Requires a minimum 180-day deprecation window, Sunset HTTP header, changelog entry, and consumer notification before any endpoint can be removed.",
  "scope": "lifecycle",
  "target": ["openapi", "configuration"],
  "lifecycle": ["deprecation", "retirement"],
  "enforcement": "blocking",
  "engine": "custom",
  "conformance": "MUST",
  "rules": [
    "lifecycle-deprecation-window-min-180-days",
    "lifecycle-sunset-header-present",
    "lifecycle-changelog-entry-required",
    "lifecycle-consumer-notification-sent",
    "lifecycle-replacement-link-required"
  ],
  "owner": "API Governance Working Group",
  "approvers": ["VP Product", "Director Customer Success"],
  "tags": ["Lifecycle", "Deprecation", "Sunset", "Communication"],
  "guidanceUrl": "https://developer.apievangelist.com/feeds/policies/",
  "status": "active",
  "version": "1.1.0",
  "created": "2026-03-10",
  "modified": "2026-05-22"
}