GS1 Sunrise 2027: 2D Barcodes Replace the Barcode

Key Takeaways

• GS1 Sunrise 2027 requires retailers worldwide to be capable of accepting 2D barcodes (QR codes and Data Matrix carrying GS1 Digital Link data) at point of sale by end of 2027 — the largest change to retail scanning infrastructure in 50 years.
• A GS1 Digital Link QR code serves retail POS systems and consumer smartphones simultaneously from a single printed code, eliminating the need for a separate UPC and consumer-facing QR code on the same packaging.
• The same infrastructure required for Sunrise 2027 compliance is the foundation for EU Digital Product Passport requirements under ESPR — two converging mandates, one investment.
• The brands that treat Sunrise 2027 as a compliance exercise will get a compliant barcode; those that engage now will get a permanent direct channel to every consumer who has ever bought their product.

On 26 June 1974, a packet of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum was scanned at a Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio — the first-ever retail barcode transaction. That familiar cluster of black-and-white lines, the UPC barcode, went on to become one of the most successful standards in commercial history. Over five billion products carry one today.

Now, after more than fifty years, that barcode is being replaced.

GS1 — the global standards body behind the UPC and EAN barcodes — has launched Sunrise 2027, an initiative that calls on retailers worldwide to be capable of accepting 2D barcodes (such as QR codes encoded with GS1 Digital Link) at point of sale by the end of 2027. It is the most significant change to retail scanning infrastructure since the barcode was introduced, and it affects every brand that puts a product on a shelf.

This isn't a theoretical future. Pilot programmes are already underway, major retailers are upgrading their scanner infrastructure, and leading consumer goods companies are redesigning their packaging. The transition has started — the question is whether your brand is ready for it. GS1 estimates that more than two million companies worldwide rely on GS1 standards, with over six billion product scans occurring daily — making the Sunrise 2027 transition one of the most far-reaching supply chain infrastructure changes ever coordinated across the global retail industry.

Why Now? The Limits of the 1D Barcode

The traditional 1D barcode was designed for a single purpose: identifying a product at the checkout. It encodes a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) — essentially a product ID — and nothing else. That was sufficient in 1974. It is no longer sufficient today.

What a 1D Barcode Cannot Do

Limited data capacity: A standard UPC-A barcode holds exactly 12 digits. That's enough for a product identifier, but not for batch numbers, expiry dates, serial numbers, or any other data that supply chains and consumers now demand.

No consumer interaction: A 1D barcode is invisible to consumers. They can't scan it with a smartphone to learn about the product, access support, or engage with the brand. This is why most products today carry two codes — a UPC for the retailer and a separate QR code for the consumer.

No traceability granularity: When a recall hits, a 1D barcode identifies the product but not the specific batch or lot. Brands end up recalling far more product than necessary because the barcode lacks the precision to target affected units.

Static and one-directional: The barcode points nowhere. It is a number, not a gateway. It cannot be updated, cannot adapt to context, and cannot connect the physical product to a digital experience.

These limitations have been tolerated for decades. But as supply chains grow more complex, regulations demand more transparency, and consumers expect digital experiences from every product they buy, the 1D barcode has become a bottleneck.

What Is GS1 Sunrise 2027?

GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a global initiative coordinated by GS1 — the same organisation that manages the UPC, EAN, and GTIN standards used by over two million companies worldwide. The core requirement is straightforward:

By the end of 2027, retailers should be able to process 2D barcodes — specifically QR codes and Data Matrix codes carrying GS1-standard data — at the point of sale.

This does not mean 1D barcodes will disappear overnight. GS1 has been clear that both formats will coexist during a transition period. But the direction is set: 2D barcodes are the future of retail identification, and the infrastructure to support them must be in place by the deadline.

The Timeline

• 2020-2023: GS1 developed and ratified the GS1 Digital Link standard, providing the technical foundation for encoding GTINs and additional data into web-resolvable URLs carried by 2D barcodes.
• 2023: GS1 US formally announced the Sunrise 2027 target date, with GS1 organisations in other countries issuing parallel guidance.
• 2024-2025: Retailer pilot programmes expanded. Brands began packaging redesigns to incorporate GS1 Digital Link QR codes.
• 2025-2027: The transition period. Brands and retailers are expected to test, validate, and roll out 2D barcode acceptance at scale.
• End of 2027: The target date by which retailers should be ready to accept 2D barcodes at POS.

Who's Involved

This is not a niche experiment. Sunrise 2027 has drawn participation from some of the largest companies in retail and consumer goods:

• Walmart has been among the most vocal supporters, actively encouraging suppliers to adopt GS1 Digital Link QR codes and running in-store pilots.
• Kroger, Wegmans, and other major US grocery chains have participated in pilot programmes.
• Procter & Gamble and L'Oreal are among the consumer goods companies that have tested GS1 Digital Link on live products.
• GS1 organisations in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other regions are all aligned on the 2027 target.

The breadth of involvement signals that this is not optional. When your largest retail partners are preparing to scan 2D barcodes, preparing your packaging is a business imperative, not a nice-to-have. A 2024 survey by GS1 US found that 85% of retailers surveyed expected to have 2D barcode scanning capability at all or most POS lanes by 2027, with Walmart, Target, and Kroger among the most advanced in their upgrade programmes. This transition also intersects with the EU's Digital Product Passport requirements, which rely on the same GS1 Digital Link infrastructure.

GS1 Digital Link: One Code to Rule Them All

At the heart of Sunrise 2027 is a standard called GS1 Digital Link. This is what transforms a QR code from a simple web link into a standards-compliant data carrier that works at both the point of sale and in a consumer's hand.

How It Works

A GS1 Digital Link encodes product identification data into a structured URL. Instead of encoding just a GTIN as a raw number (as a 1D barcode does), it embeds the GTIN — and optionally other data elements — into a web address that follows a defined syntax:

https://brand.com/01/09506000134376

In this example:

• https://brand.com is the brand's domain (or a resolver domain)
• /01/ is the GS1 Application Identifier for GTIN
• 09506000134376 is the GTIN itself

Additional data can be appended:

https://brand.com/01/09506000134376/10/LOT123/21/SERIAL456

Here, /10/ identifies the batch or lot number, and /21/ identifies the serial number. Expiry dates, net weight, and dozens of other GS1 Application Identifiers can be included the same way.

The Dual-Purpose Magic

Here is what makes GS1 Digital Link genuinely transformative: the same QR code serves two completely different purposes depending on who scans it.

At the point of sale: The retailer's scanner reads the QR code, extracts the GTIN (and any other required data elements), and processes the transaction exactly as it would with a traditional barcode. The URL structure is irrelevant to the POS system — it only needs the embedded identifiers.

In the consumer's hand: When a shopper scans the same QR code with their smartphone camera, it resolves as a URL and opens a web experience. The brand controls what that experience is — product information, setup instructions, warranty registration, support resources, recipe ideas, loyalty programme enrolment, or anything else.

One code. Two audiences. No compromise.

This is the end of the era where products need a UPC barcode on one side and a separate QR code on the other. GS1 Digital Link unifies both functions into a single symbol, saving packaging space and eliminating the confusion of multiple codes. To understand the difference between static and dynamic QR codes and how to maximise the consumer-facing value of these codes, see QR Codes Demystified: Static vs. Dynamic.

Content Negotiation and Resolvers

The system relies on resolver infrastructure to direct different types of requests to appropriate destinations. When a POS scanner queries the URL, the resolver returns structured product data. When a smartphone browser requests the same URL, the resolver redirects to a consumer-facing web experience.

This is handled through standard web mechanisms — HTTP content negotiation, redirects, and link headers. The brand (or its platform provider) operates the resolver and controls the routing logic. Different responses can be served based on:

• The type of client (POS scanner vs. smartphone browser)
• The consumer's location (country-specific content, language preferences)
• The time of scan (pre-purchase in-store vs. post-purchase at home)
• Additional data in the URL (batch-specific recall notices, serial-specific authentication)

What This Means for Brands

The transition to 2D barcodes is mandatory in the sense that your retail partners will expect it. But it is also a significant opportunity — arguably the biggest packaging innovation opportunity in a generation.

Richer Data on Every Product

With GS1 Digital Link, you are no longer limited to 12 digits. Each product can carry:

• GTIN for product identification
• Batch and lot numbers for traceability
• Serial numbers for unit-level tracking
• Expiry dates for freshness management
• Net weight or count for variable-measure items

This data travels with the product from manufacturing through distribution to the consumer's home, enabling far more granular supply chain visibility than a GTIN alone ever could.

Streamlined Packaging Design

No more choosing between a UPC barcode and a QR code — or cramming both onto limited packaging real estate. A single GS1 Digital Link QR code replaces both, freeing up space for brand messaging, regulatory information, or simply cleaner design.

A Direct Channel to Your Consumer

Every product you sell becomes a touchpoint. When a consumer scans the code — whether in-store before purchasing or at home after unboxing — you have an opportunity to:

• Deliver product setup guides and digital manuals
• Offer warranty registration in under sixty seconds
• Provide troubleshooting and support without a call centre queue
• Cross-sell accessories, spare parts, and complementary products
• Collect first-party data with proper consent
• Build an ongoing relationship that extends well beyond the initial transaction

This is the shift from packaging as a cost centre to packaging as an engagement platform. The connected packaging checklist covers the practical steps for making the most of this transition. For brand managers evaluating what GS1 Digital Link means for their specific packaging and product strategy, GS1 Digital Link for Brand Managers explains the practical decisions involved without the technical jargon.

Smarter Recall Management

When a safety issue arises, GS1 Digital Link's ability to carry batch and serial data means you can target recalls with precision. Instead of pulling all units of a product from shelves, you can identify the specific lots affected. And because the QR code on the product resolves to a web experience you control, you can dynamically update it to show recall notices to consumers who have already purchased affected units.

How BrandedMark helps: BrandedMark supports GS1 Digital Link resolution, turning every product's QR code into a dynamic consumer experience. When the Sunrise 2027 transition makes 2D barcodes mandatory at retail, BrandedMark ensures the consumer-facing side of that code delivers real value — support content, warranty registration, engagement flows, and first-party data capture — all without requiring an app download.

What This Means for Consumers

The benefits are not just B2B. Consumers gain tangible value from the transition to 2D barcodes:

In-Store Transparency

Scan a product on the shelf and instantly access detailed information that doesn't fit on the label — ingredient sourcing, allergen data, sustainability certifications, user reviews, video demonstrations. The QR code becomes a window into everything behind the product.

Post-Purchase Support

The same code that was scanned at checkout becomes the consumer's gateway to the product's digital ecosystem after they get home. Setup instructions, how-to videos, troubleshooting guides, and direct support channels are all one scan away — no digging through drawers for paper manuals or navigating a brand's website to find the right product page.

Product Authenticity

For premium goods, pharmaceuticals, and other categories where counterfeiting is a concern, serialised GS1 Digital Link codes enable consumers to verify that the product they purchased is genuine. Each unit has a unique identifier that can be validated in real time.

Personalised Experiences

Because the QR code resolves to a web experience controlled by the brand, the content can be tailored — showing recipes relevant to the consumer's region, support content in their language, or offers based on their purchase history (with appropriate consent).

Technical Considerations and Challenges

The vision is compelling, but the transition is not without hurdles. Brands planning their Sunrise 2027 strategy should be aware of the following:

QR Code Size and Print Quality

POS scanners have different requirements than smartphone cameras. A QR code intended for POS scanning must meet minimum size specifications — GS1 recommends a minimum module size (the smallest square in the QR pattern) that ensures reliable scanning by fixed and handheld retail scanners. This often means the QR code needs to be larger than brands are accustomed to printing for consumer-facing codes.

Key considerations:

• Minimum recommended size varies by data carrier and scanning environment
• High contrast (dark modules on a light background) is essential
• Quiet zones (blank space around the code) must be maintained
• Print resolution must be sufficient for the smallest module size

Data Carrier Selection

GS1 Sunrise 2027 supports multiple 2D data carriers, primarily:

• QR Code: The most consumer-recognisable format. Consumers know to scan it with their phone camera. Best suited for packaging where consumer engagement is a priority.
• Data Matrix: More compact than QR codes for the same data payload. Common in healthcare and logistics. Less recognisable to consumers but highly efficient for space-constrained applications.

The choice depends on your primary use case. For most consumer goods brands, the QR code is the natural choice because it serves the dual purpose of POS scanning and consumer engagement.

Retailer Readiness

Not all retailers will be ready at the same pace. While major chains are investing heavily in scanner upgrades and software updates, smaller and regional retailers may lag behind. During the transition period, many brands will need to include both a 1D barcode and a 2D barcode on their packaging to ensure universal scannability.

Resolver Infrastructure

Someone needs to host and operate the resolver — the web service that interprets GS1 Digital Link URLs and routes requests to the appropriate destination. This can be the brand itself, a third-party platform provider, or GS1's own conformant resolver infrastructure. The resolver must be highly available (downtime means broken scans), fast (consumers won't wait), and standards-compliant.

Data Governance

GS1 Digital Link QR codes carry more data than traditional barcodes, potentially including batch numbers, serial numbers, and other identifiers. Brands need clear data governance policies covering what data is encoded, who can access it, and how consumer interactions with the code are tracked and stored — particularly in light of GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations.

How to Prepare: A Practical Roadmap

Whether Sunrise 2027 feels imminent or distant, starting now gives you the advantage of learning before the deadline pressure hits.

1. Audit Your Current Packaging

Inventory every product SKU and note the current barcode formats. Identify which products have both a UPC and a separate consumer-facing QR code — these are prime candidates for consolidation into a single GS1 Digital Link QR code.

2. Confirm Your GS1 Membership and GTIN Allocation

Most brands that sell through retail already have a GS1 company prefix and allocated GTINs. Verify that your GS1 membership is current and that your GTIN data is accurate in the GS1 Registry Platform. Accurate GTIN data is the foundation of GS1 Digital Link.

3. Talk to Your Packaging Suppliers

Your packaging printer needs to understand the specifications for 2D barcodes — size, resolution, quiet zones, and substrate compatibility. Start these conversations early. Print trials are essential to validate scannability before committing to full production runs.

4. Choose a Platform That Supports GS1 Digital Link

You need resolver infrastructure and a consumer experience platform behind the QR code. Evaluate providers based on GS1 Digital Link conformance, uptime guarantees, consumer experience capabilities, analytics, and the ability to update content dynamically without reprinting codes.

How BrandedMark helps: BrandedMark is built for exactly this transition. The platform provides GS1 Digital Link-conformant resolver infrastructure paired with a consumer experience layer — so the same QR code that scans at the checkout also delivers branded support, onboarding, and engagement experiences when a consumer scans it at home. You get the mandatory retail functionality and the consumer engagement upside in one platform.

5. Pilot with One Product Line

Don't try to convert your entire portfolio at once. Select one product line — ideally one with an engaged consumer base and a retail partner participating in Sunrise pilots — and run a controlled test. Measure POS scan success rates, consumer scan rates, and engagement metrics. Use the learnings to refine your approach before scaling.

6. Plan the Coexistence Period

For the foreseeable future, many products will carry both a 1D and a 2D barcode. Design your packaging to accommodate both without clutter. As retailer acceptance of 2D barcodes reaches critical mass, you can begin phasing out the 1D barcode — but plan for a transition period of at least two to three years beyond the 2027 target.

The Bigger Picture: From Identification to Interaction

GS1 Sunrise 2027 is not just a barcode format swap. It represents a fundamental shift in what a product's packaging can do.

For fifty years, the barcode's job was to identify the product at checkout and then become irrelevant. The consumer never interacted with it. The brand never benefited from it beyond the transaction.

With GS1 Digital Link, every product becomes a connected product. Every package becomes an interface. Every purchase becomes the beginning of a relationship rather than the end of a transaction.

Brands that treat Sunrise 2027 as a compliance exercise — swapping one barcode format for another — will miss the point. The brands that win will be those that recognise the QR code as a permanent, direct channel to their consumer and invest accordingly in the experience behind it.

The barcode is dead. Long live the barcode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GS1 Sunrise 2027 a legal requirement?

Not in the regulatory sense. GS1 Sunrise 2027 is an industry initiative, not legislation. However, it carries significant practical weight. When your major retail partners upgrade their systems to accept 2D barcodes and begin requesting or requiring them from suppliers, the distinction between "industry standard" and "legal requirement" becomes largely academic. For most brands selling through retail, compliance will be a commercial necessity.

Will 1D barcodes stop working after 2027?

No. The Sunrise 2027 deadline refers to retailer readiness to accept 2D barcodes — it does not mandate the removal of 1D barcodes. GS1 expects a coexistence period during which products may carry both formats. Over time, as 2D acceptance becomes universal, brands will have the option to consolidate to a single 2D code. But no one is switching off 1D barcode scanning on 1 January 2028.

What's the difference between a regular QR code and a GS1 Digital Link QR code?

A regular QR code can encode any URL or text. A GS1 Digital Link QR code encodes a URL that follows a specific structure defined by the GS1 Digital Link standard — embedding a GTIN and optionally other GS1 identifiers in a standardised URI syntax. This structure allows POS systems to extract product identification data from the URL, while smartphones resolve it as a normal web link. A regular QR code pointing to, say, https://brand.com/my-product would not be readable by a POS system because it lacks the standardised GS1 data structure.

Do I need to change my GS1 membership or get new GTINs?

No. Your existing GTINs remain valid. GS1 Digital Link uses the same GTINs you already have — it simply encodes them in a new format (a URL rather than a linear barcode). You do not need to re-register products or obtain new identifiers. You may need to ensure your GTIN data is accurate and up to date in GS1's systems, but the identifiers themselves carry over.

How much does the transition cost?

Costs vary significantly depending on the size of your product portfolio, your packaging complexity, and your current digital infrastructure. The main cost areas are: packaging redesign (incorporating the QR code at the right size and placement), resolver infrastructure (hosted by a platform provider or built in-house), consumer experience development (the web content behind the code), and internal coordination across packaging, supply chain, and marketing teams. Starting with a single-product pilot keeps initial costs manageable and provides data to build a business case for broader rollout.

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Ready to turn the Sunrise 2027 transition into a competitive advantage?

The brands that move early won't just be compliant — they'll be connected. Every product on the shelf becomes a direct line to the consumer. Every scan becomes a relationship.

Join the BrandedMark waitlist and start building the consumer experience behind your GS1 Digital Link QR codes today.