Next Generation 2D Barcode FAQs

It is not mandatory for brands to implement 2D barcodes by 2027.

GS1 members are not charged any extra for updating to 2D barcodes.

Yes, 2D barcodes can represent a GTIN-only. At minimum, a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is necessary for objects/products intended for sale at retail point-of-sale. 2D barcodes are smaller than most of their 1D counterparts and can offer a solution for products with limited space.

Organisations looking to implement 2D barcodes need to select a data carrier based on their business needs, regulatory requirements, data carrier approved to be used for their application/sector and stakeholder capabilities.

GS1 recommends actively engaging with key trading partners to ensure the path forward is collaborative and the solutions are capable and compliant. For more details for understanding what 2D barcodes have been approved for use for each sector please see sector specific questions.

Whilst both barcodes look the same, the GS1 DataMatrix begins with the special start sequence FNC1. The FNC1 turns a DataMatrix code into a GS1 DataMatrix code. It tells scanners that the code is structured in accordance with GS1 standards and how to interpret the data. A scanner will generate an error message if it is expecting a GS1 DataMatrix code, but the label only contains a DataMatrix code.

System updates will vary based on what equipment is already in place and what use cases need to be enabled. Scanning 2D barcodes requires an image-based scanner, so those with older laser-based scanners will need hardware upgrades.

If image-based scanners are already installed, you will need to check with your solution providers to see if software updates can be done to scan the new barcodes and process the data encoded in them using Application Identifiers.

Beyond scanner updates, systems that will store and use the data in the barcode may also need updating. For instance, systems may need modifications to stop the sale of an expired product based on the date in the barcode or they may need to be modified to capture and use a batch/lot number to support recalls.

2D barcodes use what is known as Reed-Solomon error correction. This error correction allows barcodes that have a certain amount of damage or that are otherwise obscured to still be scanned. Error correction is viewed as a benefit of 2D barcodes, as it is not available in 1D barcodes like EAN/UPC or GS1 DataBar.

No. You will have already assigned a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) to a product that is encoded in the linear barcode. All you need to do is use the same GTIN in the 2D barcode. 

No. You should always ensure that your physical label is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations for the relevant government body or regulator.

No. A barcode verification check is to determine that the barcode will scan first time, every time. A barcode verification check is valid for 12 months. Reminder: It is advised that continual business processes are in place including inline verification.

The NPC is for master data management and does not support publishing of dynamic data such as batch/lot, expiry date or serial number.

QR Codes are neither inherently safe nor unsafe. It is the software used to scan them and the user's behaviour that will determine if scanning a QR Code leads to good or bad information. A brand or retailer can help by selecting a domain name that will resonate with and give confidence to the user. 

1D barcodes have provided value over the last 50 years. 1D barcodes, such as EAN/UPC, are only capable of carrying a product identifier known as the Global Trade Item Number® (GTIN®). 2D barcodes can carry additional data, such as expiration date, batch/lot number, serial number and more. Having this additional data in the barcode adds value by allowing the information to be automatically captured and acted on.

Some 2D barcodes, like a QR Code powered by GS1 Digital Link, can carry additional data while connecting consumers and other users to online resources and experiences. Having this data in the barcode adds value by allowing the information to be automatically captured and acted on. In addition to carrying more data, 2D barcodes are likely to be smaller than their 1D counterparts and include features, like built-in error correction that add to their reliability.

No. 1D linear barcodes such as EAN/UPC and GS1 DataBar are not going away anytime soon. 1D barcodes will exist along with 2D barcodes wherever they are still needed or preferred.

The three barcodes that are approved for retail POS use in the GS1 standards are:

• GS1 DataMatrix

• QR Code with GS1 Digital Link

• DataMatrix with GS1 Digital Link

Note: These barcodes can only be used in addition to the 1D (EAN/UPC or GS1 DataBar), until there is pervasive adoption of 2D barcodes. GS1 has set an ambitious goal that all retailers should aim to scan 2D barcodes by 2027.

Organisations looking to implement 2D need to select a data carrier and syntax based on their business needs and stakeholder capabilities. GS1 recommends actively engaging with key trading partners to ensure the path forward is collaborative and the solutions are capable and compliant.

Yes. POS systems will need to be updated to be able to scan new, more advanced data carriers and extract the GTIN (at a minimum) from all barcodes scanned on a pack. Until these updates have been made across all retailers both locally and globally, a dual-marking period with 2D data carriers and the existing 1D barcode will be needed. Both the barcodes SHALL encode the same GTIN.

All three barcode types are capable of encoding GS1 Application Identifiers (AI) that encode data like GTIN, batch/lot number, use by date and serial number. How those AIs are encoded into the barcode change how they can be used.

GS1 DataMatrix is a variant of Data Matrix that uses GS1 element string syntax*, which is also used in other GS1 barcodes like GS1-128.

QR Code and Data Matrix use the GS1 Digital Link URI syntax* to put data into a web compatible format that also allows the information to be used for traditional supply chain applications like price lookup, while also connecting to the web.

QR Code is often used for consumer engagement because they are recognised by all smartphone cameras natively. Many existing implementations of QR Codes on-pack are now enabling proprietary experiences. Once they are repurposed to use GS1 Digital Link URI syntax, they will transform into multi-use barcodes that allow BOTH consumer engagement and price lookup, eliminating the need for multiple codes on pack.

DataMatrix can also be used to connect users to the web, but not all mobile device cameras can natively recognise them.

*Syntax means how things are arranged in a specific way to have meaning. GS1 currently have 4 different syntaxes.

The data that is encoded in barcodes and used at point-of-sale will vary based on what use cases are being enabled. At minimum, retail point-of- sale (POS) must be able to process the GTIN from a barcode. Following is a sample list of applications and the additional data that is commonly used to support industry’s retail POS use cases.

Results from testing, pilots and implementations have shown that scanning of 2D barcodes with additional data will not cause delays at point-of-sale.

The size of the 2D barcode will depend on multiple factors:

a) The type of 2D barcode (QR code with GS1 Digital Link URI or GS1 DataMatrix or Data Matrix with GS1 DL URI)

b) the length of the domain name ( if using a GS1 DL syntax)

c) number of additional information you encode in it. For example, batch/lot, expiry date, serial number etc

d) the length of the additional attributes. For example, you may choose an 8 digit batch/lot or 20 digit batch/lot

e) the x-dim that you choose

For example, a GS1 DataMatrix encoding only a GTIN at the minimum x-dimension would take up approximately 7mm x 7mm.

The GS1 General Specifications contains the minimum and maximum sizes allowed for 2D barcodes used on products scanned at retail point-of-sale in section 5.12.3.1.

Industry has set the ambitious goal of retail POS scanners globally being capable of scanning and processing 2D barcodes by the end of 2027.

Different regions of the world will move at different paces towards the ambition goal of enabling 2D barcodes to be scanned at POS. GS1 Australia will be continuously monitoring and will communicate the adoption rate of 2D barcodes.

Currently not all retailers can scan 2D barcodes at POS. The Ambition is that all retailers will aim to scan 2D barcodes approved for POS by 2027.

No you don’t need to change the QR Code with GS1 DL URI to point to a new webpage. Redirection is a fundamental aspect of World Wide Web and can be set up by any website administrator. You can change the redirection to any URL without changing the QR Code.

When both linear and 2D barcode are being used at retail POS, the recommendation is to place the 2D barcode (including Quiet Zones) within a 50mm radius from the centre of the linear barcode.

If the cartons/cases need to be scanned at retail POS then the 2D barcodes approved for retail POS (GS1 DataMatrix, QR Code with GS1 Digital Link URI, Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link URI) can be added as an additional barcode to the linear barcode during the transition period.

If the cartons/inners and outers are never to be scanned in retail POS, then either GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR Code can be applied as an additional barcode to the linear barcode in the carton/cases.

GS1 DataMatrix is the preferred symbology especially for regulated healthcare products. To encode a GTIN for scanning at point of sale you would use a linear 1D barcode. If you would like to encode production information like expiry, batch/lot, serial number for scanning in a healthcare setting, GS1 DataMatrix barcode can be used. At present you may need to apply both barcodes with the SAME GTIN to your product so it can be scanned in both a retail and healthcare setting.

GS1 Digital Link is a way to web enable your barcodes.  It provides a structured standards based way to represent your GS1 identifiers in a web URL.  It can provide more information about the product for patients, healthcare providers, manufacturers, distributors etc. globally.

However the main requirement for UDI is a unique identifier also known as a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) represented in a linear EAN/UPC barcode or a GS1 DataMatrix barcode which uniquely identifies your product globally.