Look Here: GS1 QR Code Webinar Highlights

On February 26, 2025, QR TIGER hosted an insightful webinar designed to explain the GS1 QR code—what it is and how it’s changing product identification. 

The 42-minute session revolved around getting to know the ins and outs of GS1 Digital Link QR codes and how they transform consumer engagement, logistics, and point-of-sale (POS) systems. 

Two industry experts led the discussion: Melissa Wilson, Head of Enterprise at QR TIGER, and Ned Mears, Senior Director of GS1 US. 

Together, they answered pressing questions from active attendees about the pros and cons of adopting and implementing GS1 QR codes.

In this recap, we’ll explore the key insights, expert perspectives, and notable Q&A moments that made this webinar an essential learning resource for understanding these codes.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding GS1 digital link QR codes 
2. What is Sunrise 2027?
3. Benefits of adopting GS1 QR codes
4. Key insights from the Webinar Q&A
   • Is the transition to 2D barcodes mandatory by 2027? 
   • Will 1D barcodes be completely replaced by 2D barcodes? 
   • Is there enhanced security with GS1 Digital Link QR codes?  
   • How do we go about transitioning our stock room to 2D barcodes?
   • Are smartphones already capable of scanning GS1 QR codes?
   • Do brand intentions for the data included in the 2D barcode align with retailer requirements?
   • How do you control who sees sector-relevant information? 
   • For regulated products, could you dictate the barcode for regulation and marketing?
5. Start making a GS1 QR code for your products today
6. The widespread move toward GS1 QR codes 

Understanding GS1 digital link QR codes 

How do they work?

A GS1 digital link is a special QR code known as a 2D barcode. It follows GS1 standards, an internationally recognized non-profit organization that reinforces global barcode standards. 

GS1’s primary role is to keep product information clear and consistent across the supply chain process, creating a universal language anyone who scans can understand. 

The code follows a standard structure: a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) syntax. It also contains data, such as a domain, primary identification key, key qualifiers, and data attributes. 

When a GS1 QR code is scanned, a resolver interprets the encoded information and unique identifiers to ensure content is delivered to the right sector (e.g., consumers or manufacturers). 

What types of barcodes are there? 

Talk of 1D vs 2D barcodes is on the rise now that GS1 QR codes are here to reshape the future of data sharing. While both barcode types serve the same core function of storing scannable data, they are also very different. Here’s how:  

• 1D barcodes (UPC, EAN, Code 39): These codes have a horizontal structure composed of horizontal bars, with a data capacity of up to 25 characters, and usually encode basic data like numbers and letters. 
• 2D barcodes (QR code, Data Matrix): In comparison, two-dimensional codes have a higher data capacity, built-in correction, and can fit in small areas.  

What is Sunrise 2027?

GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a global initiative to adopt 2D barcodes and is a milestone date for the transition to these barcodes at point-and-sale (POS) systems. 

Why the shift to GS1 QR codes? Today’s consumer expectations are evolving, and there is a growing demand for more information about the products they buy. Businesses also seek better traceability, efficiency, and visibility in supply chain processes. 

And that’s exactly what 2D barcodes offer. This change will have a ripple effect on everyone, from retailers at POS systems and manufacturers to logistics and consumers. 

GS1 US is already modifying its POS terminals in preparation for replacing the nearly 50-year-old UPC barcodes with GS1-standardized QR codes. 

Benefits of adopting GS1 QR codes

Take a look at some of the main advantages of these barcodes: 

• One code for everything. Products often have multiple barcodes for checkout, supply chain tracking, and promotional content. Consolidating data in one code eliminates redundant barcodes, lessens printing costs, and makes packaging cleaner and smarter.  
• Easy data sharing. A GS1 QR code integrates easily and can be read by retail scanners, logistics systems, and smartphone cameras to access rich and standardized product information. 
• Specified information. Go beyond identifying the product and offer specifics like flavor, weight, expiration date, serial batch number, lot number, and more. 
• Verify authenticity. Embed encrypted serial numbers to prevent product counterfeit. Customers can verify a product’s legitimacy via the GS1 Digital Link. 
• Real-time updates. The dynamic GS1-standardized codes can be edited to reflect real-time content changes without reprinting the packaging. Similarly, scanning the QR code at different checkpoints updates inventory and expiration status. 

Key insights from the Webinar Q&A

Here are some of the discussion highlights between GS1 expert Ned Mears and the participants: 

Is the transition to 2D barcodes mandatory by 2027? 

No, it is not mandated, and businesses can still use UPC and EANs; however, they are strongly encouraged to support this initiative by 2027, as it will be a huge advantage. 

To prepare for the transition, you can start by upgrading your scanners to support both 1D and 2D barcodes. 

Will 1D barcodes be completely replaced by 2D barcodes? 

No, that is why the transition is described as “sunrise” rather than “sunset.” There are various pathways in a retail environment, and depending on the size of your retail partners, you may need both barcodes. 

Although 2D barcodes will become the new standard under Sunrise 2027, 1D barcodes will still be around for the foreseeable future. 

Is there enhanced security with GS1 Digital Link QR codes?  

While a GS1 Digital Link, like any other web link, can be susceptible to malicious actors, they are more secure than most. 

There is a verifiable registry of GTIN product information, and these QR codes incorporate things like custom domain security, centralized data, and compliance with industry regulations. 

“It can’t prevent everything, but using a GS1 system gives you a more reliable source of truth for that product information and the links attached to the packaging,” says Mears. 

How do we go about transitioning our stock room to 2D barcodes?

First, assess your current inventory system (e.g., SAP or Oracle) and check whether it already supports GS1 QR codes. Then, determine whether your handheld or mounted scanners are capable and configured to read 2D barcodes. 

“What is the scanning environment like? Are the scanners ready? There are a ton of free tools available, such as installable data packets and code snippets. These things are free and provided by GS1 to make sure they’re enabled.”

Once your hardware is ready, you can find a GS1 QR code maker of your choice and embed information for consumer engagement (e.g., product details) and logistics (e.g., expiration tracking). 

Implementation will mean configuring your inventory software to flag soon-to-expire products based on barcode data and training teams across logistics and retail on the new system. 

Are smartphones already capable of scanning GS1 QR codes?

Yes, the beauty of these codes is that they function the same way as ordinary QR codes. Just open your smartphone camera, point it at the GS1 QR code, and Safari or Chrome will redirect you.

Some GS1 QR codes even work with Apple Wallet for ticketing or proving authenticity. 

Do brand intentions for the data included in the 2D barcode align with retailer requirements?

Brands should consider including the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) or the product ID within the 2D barcode at the very least. This ensures that their systems can readily recognize and process product information once retailers are ready to scan. 

Beyond that, collaboration between brands and retailers becomes necessary. For instance, brands selling perishable items may include expiration data in the Digital Link QR code. 

However, some retailers may not yet be equipped to capture this information at checkout. In such cases, they can simply ignore the expiration date and rely on the GTIN for price lookup. 

How do you control who sees sector-relevant information? 

Using a resolver service, you can direct different users to specific information so that customers who scan the code see sustainability information or promotions while a retailer sees a GTIN. 

Storing Application identifiers (AI) is also an option, allowing users to extract relevant data. 

It’s important to note that a brand has complete ownership of a URL and the data that is directed to consumers. Like a distributor, someone in the supply chain may configure their system to only grab a GTIN or an expiration date.

For regulated products, could you dictate the barcode for regulation and marketing?

It's an interesting conversation happening right now in healthcare. The regulation states that they must use a Data Matrix barcode containing the GTIN, lot number, and serial number, which the FDA requires for pharmaceutical traceability. 

If you are subject to that regulation, you can't switch to using QR codes. How to get to one barcode is an ongoing conversation because the regulatory map is so complicated worldwide.

There's always the option to have a 2D barcode that can be used for its primary, regulatory, or point-of-sale use. There's no reason why you can't also include an additional customer engagement QR code on the package.

Start making a GS1 QR code for your products today

How to create a GS1 QR code for your business? It’s simple and only takes five steps with the right platform. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Obtain a GS1 Company Prefix, a unique identifier for your business, by going to GS1’s official website and registering for a GS1 license. Here, you will receive a GTIN for each of your products. 
2. Choose a reliable GS1 QR Code Generator platform that is fully compliant with GS1 standards and input your GTIN, key qualifiers, or data attributes. 
3. Select an output method (e.g., URL, File, Product Page) and click Generate QR code. 
4. Test-scan your QR code, then click Download to save it in PNG, SVG, PDF, or EPS format. 
5. Integrate with your inventory and retail systems for real-time stock tracking and enable POS scanners to read 2D barcodes. 

The widespread move toward GS1 QR codes 

Sunrise 2027 marks an exciting change in global commerce, pushing businesses to adopt 2D barcodes to improve traceability and engagement. 

As retailers and brands make the transition from traditional 1D barcodes, they open the door to smarter packaging, enhanced product data sharing, and better supply chain visibility. 

By taking the early step in adopting GS1 QR codes, businesses can stay ahead and ensure compatibility with point-of-sale systems and consumer expectations. 

With 2027 fast approaching, now is the time to prepare for and implement GS1 QR codes. It is more than a technical reform—it’s a chance to create a more connected and transparent retail ecosystem.