The GS1 Digital Link is a link set up by the GS1 organization, which turns product identifiers like GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) into URLs. These can be linked to barcode QR codes or 2D barcodes, which will phase out 1D barcodes by 2027. A GTIN QR code is useful because it stores links to rich online resources that are required for supply chain movement, regulatory laws, and are helpful for the end consumer. This enables one code to streamline everything for multiple audiences.
With the right GS1 identifiers, you can track the product throughout its entire lifecycle if the content is updated at different points. Start with batch/lot numbers, expiration dates, serial numbers for item-level QR codes, and any other important information relevant to the brand when the code is scanned. They can hold up to about 7,089 numbers, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes for the largest standard codes. What the GS1 Digital Link enables you to do is to embed the URL link to specific landing pages that hold as much information as you want. Depending on the audience scanning, you’ll use a resolver service to direct them to the correct pages. But we’ll speak more about that later!
You would then encode your GS1 link into the QR code. You get that link from being registered with the GS1 organization.
Next, you deploy the resolver. A resolver is a service that takes the scanned GS1 Digital Link URI and redirects it to the appropriate resource based on the context. Here are just a few examples of what’s possible:
Since all of Trueqrcode’s QR codes are dynamic vs. static, you can edit the information on the backend at any time without reprinting the physical code. This makes dynamic QR codes the perfect, magic code for products in movement.
Production milestones are easily managed in this way since the information has to be recorded somewhere. Now, it’s also conveniently linked to the physical QR codes on product packaging. Therefore, traceability is done in real-time, streamlining supply chain logistics alerts.
What is more, GS1 Digital Link QR Codes can hold information to landing pages that can be translated into different languages, making them ideal for international shipping and the distribution of products to various audiences. This is helpful for the supply chain, regulations in different regions, and consumers with diverse expectations around the world.
A redirect resolver service for QR codes with GS1 Digital Links reads the URL, and based on the rules, context, and standards given, it will redirect the scanner to the appropriate content. Therefore, the resolver analyzes the GS1 identifiers, and based on the device type, language, location, date, permissions, etc., it will send the user to the correct content.
The transition to 2D barcodes comes from the need of stakeholders from all sides to obtain more information with less physical material involved. The GS1 organization has deemed Sunrise 2027 the transition from 1D to 2D barcodes to offer the following content to the following audiences. It’s an industry-led transition that’s been necessary for years, and now, we finally have the technology to do it.
So, why act now? Because by the end of 2027, you’re going to see the entire industry shift to 2D barcodes. Now’s the best time to prepare yourself instead of falling behind and doing it at the last minute. It’s also being demanded by stakeholders all around and right now, we’re seeing packaging that is cluttered with traditional barcodes and QR codes, but now we have the ability to put all of the information in one QR code with a GS1 Digital Link, which mitigates clutter, organizes all product information in one place for multiple audiences, and is much neater on smart packaging. Now’s the time that you can see what works and what doesn’t regarding content (which will change over time), and packaging and material design. It’s also a way for supply chain teams to see what works best regarding the product’s updates along the production line to its destination. 2026 is a great testing period to acclimate your company to QR codes with a GS1 Digital Link. By the time 2027 rolls around, you’ll be ahead of the rest.
Operational efficiency will be improved by switching to QR code barcodes for various reasons.
Within the supply chain, inventory and logistics systems keep all information in a centralized database. When a product is scanned in a warehouse, details such as batch numbers, expiration dates, serial numbers, and the GTIN can instantly appear. As long as the embedded QR code links are kept up to date, the data can also be accessed and viewed in real time.
Lots that are recalled in the process can also be identified when scanning a QR code, as another channel of communication for notifying staff of recalls in the logistics process. Recall information can also be used later on for the end consumer, although you should still use other means to tell them about the recall in case they don’t scan the code after the update.
Compliance can be satisfied by streamlining all of the necessary information in one QR code for multiple links. Post-purchase tasks like repeat buys, warranty registration, and serialization (with bulk QR code generation), improve convenience for the customer and the business.
QR codes simplify the omnichannel environment from larger supply chains to SMEs.
These are just a few of the industries that benefit from GS1-approved QR codes, although there are many more. Any brand that sells products with barcodes can take advantage of this powerful technology. In the examples below, we’ll highlight several ways these codes can be used within specific sectors, but the GS1 QR code capabilities described apply broadly across industries.
GS1 QR Code for Retail – The 2D barcode for retail is a marketer’s and customer’s dream. Your product transparency will earn trust and loyalty from customers. Use this GS1 Digital Link to connect to virtual reality experiences, tutorials, recipes, allergen information, and post-purchase engagement. This QR code simplifies processes for any retail sector.
GS1 Digital Link Barcode for Cosmetic Products – Introduce or reinforce your brand’s purpose, style, mission, and qualities by adding so much more than you could have before to 1D barcodes. The beauty and cosmetics sector has so much content to offer, always making complementary products for core products, beauty tutorials, ingredient information, and launching new palettes and scents with every season and holiday. Dynamic vs static QR codes are editable, so when you have something new to offer in an industry that is always coming up with more, and consumers who crave more, using a dynamic GS1-approved QR code is perfect for updated content that you don’t need to reprint on packaging. Customize QR codes to complement your elegant packaging with an interesting CTA that keeps people scanning, even with anticipation for future purchases.
GS1 Digital Link for E-Commerce & D2C Brands – QR codes with dynamic digital links connect physical products to ecommerce shops and DTC operations with CRM, email, and loyalty platforms. When a customer scans a code on packaging, the brand can identify, tag, or segment them in the CRM, trigger automated email or SMS journeys, and enroll them in loyalty or referral programs—all from a single interaction. This establishes a direct, brand-owned data loop that unifies post-purchase engagement, personalization, and retention across systems, without adding friction or depending on paid channels.
GS1 Digital Link for Electronics & Consumer Goods – Our white-label digital link solution enables you to create interesting QR code landing pages that can be made at product-level, batch-level, or item-level; therefore, you can batch generate QR codes for items that may need serialization, registration, and authenticity verification, so it’s easier to prevent theft and counterfeiting.
GS1 Digital Link for Food Products – A GS1 QR code printed on smart packaging increases sustainability and traceability, making it clear where food products are coming from and enhancing brand awareness and consumer trust. Start with an Enterprise QR Code Rollout Plan to define how you will implement them into the supply chain so you can reduce risk and ensure data consistency, amongst the many benefits they offer. Food normally uses product-level codes and only uses the two others for high-risk foods or baby formula.
With any investment, there will be upfront costs, but the ROI is worth it. Where some just see obstacles, QR codes are actually the easiest solution. Once the naysayers overcome the hurdle of using their first QR code, we’re sure they’ll agree! What’s most important is that leadership is positive and fosters encouragement.
Most Gen Xs and younger generations are comfortable using a smartphone to scan a QR code. There are former generations that still prefer paper documents and packaging. The first challenge would be teaching them or convincing them to scan. Some, based on limited capabilities, might need help, but if you can hold a smartphone and take a picture, you can scan a QR code. When they are printed on your favorite brands’ packaging, then you know it’s safe. For things like pharmaceuticals or medical information, depending on the person’s abilities, they would be in a position to receive more help for things like that, or printouts from someone who can scan the code and send it to a printer for them.
A lot of people mention they are afraid of scanning malicious QR codes and downloading a virus to their smartphones. We’ve created the linked article with details of what to do and not to do, but a very broad commentary would be that you shouldn’t scan mystery codes when you don’t know where they came from. You also shouldn’t download anything with pop-ups, nor provide your personal information in mystery websites or duplicated ones with weird country codes on the end.
At first, you’re going to need to strategize ahead and modify your supply chain processes with a flexible approach. It will be more work in the beginning, and workers might get frustrated, especially those who don’t use technology or enjoy it on a regular basis or during their work day. However, there are always employees who adapt better to change and who fit the role of updating tasks done on the backend and making sure they have linked to the QR code. It actually won’t be as bad as some think, as we already use computers and databases to improve and automate processes. In the long run, QR code implementation will be a benefit to supply chain workers and to end consumers.
Here are the simple steps to making your first GS1-Approved Barcode QR Code:
“Sunrise 2027” is the global initiative led by GS1, encouraging retailers and manufacturers to enable POS systems to scan 2D barcodes (QR codes powered by GS1 standards) by 2027.
It’s best to have only one 2D barcode to store all product information for the supply chain and the consumer. This helps with real-time updates regarding product movement, transparency, sustainability, recall management, product authenticity, and marketing which ultimately benefits the end user.
No, but you will gain a competitive edge by doing it as soon as possible. It looks better on cluttered packaging and saves you on printing costs. It may be necessary for certain industries, like pharma, that have particular transparency and safety standards depending on their region.
That would start happening immediately, and you’ll see the benefits manifesting in real-time.
Yes, but it’s not any worse than the present design planning. You just incorporate it and ensure that your code scans on the test package before printing all of them. Be sure your QR codes have contrasted colors, space around the code, are big enough to scan, and are not on surfaces that have harsh curves, folds, or seams.