What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?

Sunrise 2027 is GS1's global initiative requiring retail point-of-sale systems in 48+ countries to accept 2D barcodes (including QR codes) alongside traditional linear barcodes by the end of 2027. This means QR codes with GS1 Digital Link URIs will be scannable at checkout, replacing or supplementing the UPC/EAN barcodes used today. Major retailers are already piloting this transition.

Do I need a GS1 membership to use this?

Yes, you need a valid GTIN assigned by GS1 to create compliant GS1 Digital Link QR codes. GTINs are obtained by joining your local GS1 Member Organisation and getting a GS1 Company Prefix. QR-Verse validates your GTIN's check digit but cannot issue GTINs. If you don't have one yet, visit gs1.org to register.

Will my GS1 Digital Link QR code work at retail POS?

Yes, if the retailer's POS system supports 2D barcode scanning. Under Sunrise 2027, this will be required globally by end of 2027. Early adopters like Walmart, Carrefour, and Woolworths already support it. The QR code contains the same GTIN data as a traditional barcode, encoded in a GS1 Digital Link URI that POS systems parse to extract the identifier.

How is this different from a regular QR code?

A regular QR code contains any URL or text. A GS1 Digital Link QR code contains a specifically structured URI following the GS1 standard - with your GTIN, batch, serial, and other identifiers in defined path positions. This standardized structure allows POS systems, supply chain software, and consumer apps to all interpret the same code correctly.

Can I use my own GS1 resolver?

Yes. You can configure the QR code to point to your own GS1 conformant resolver (e.g., id.yourbrand.com/01/05901234123457). This gives you full control over what content is served when the code is scanned. You can also start with QR-Verse's hosted resolver and migrate to your own later without reprinting codes.

What identifiers can I encode?

QR-Verse supports all primary GS1 Application Identifiers: GTIN (AI 01), Batch/Lot number (AI 10), Serial number (AI 21), Expiry date (AI 17), and additional identifiers per the GS1 Digital Link specification. The URI structure follows id.gs1.org/01/GTIN/10/BATCH/21/SERIAL/17/EXPIRY format.

Can I generate GS1 Digital Link codes in bulk?

Yes. The QR-Verse API (Business plan, EUR 12.99/mo) lets you generate thousands of GS1 Digital Link QR codes programmatically. Upload a CSV with GTINs, batch numbers, and serial numbers, or call the REST API from your ERP, PLM, or label printing system. Each code gets individual analytics tracking.

How does this relate to the EU Digital Product Passport?

The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) regulation under ESPR requires that certain product categories carry a data carrier (QR code) linking to lifecycle data. GS1 Digital Link is the recommended URI standard for DPP carriers. Creating GS1 compliant QR codes now prepares your products for DPP requirements as they take effect in 2027-2030.

What does the QR-Verse hosted product page include?

The hosted page displays your product name, description, images, and any structured data you provide (ingredients, materials, certifications, sustainability info). It is mobile-optimized and loads in under 2 seconds. You can update the content anytime through the dashboard without changing the QR code. Custom domains and white-label options are available on Business plans.

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Generate GS1 Digital Link compliant QR codes that encode GTINs, batch numbers, and serial numbers in a standardized URI. One code for consumers and supply chain systems.

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What is a GS1 Digital Link QR Code Generator?

GS1 Digital Link is the global standard that turns traditional barcodes into web-enabled QR codes. Instead of encoding a bare GTIN that only works at a POS scanner, a GS1 Digital Link QR code encodes a structured URL that contains the product identifier, batch, serial number, and expiry date - and resolves to a web page when scanned by a consumer's phone. This is not optional for much longer. GS1's Sunrise 2027 initiative requires retail point-of-sale systems in 48+ countries to accept 2D barcodes (QR codes) alongside traditional linear barcodes by the end of 2027. Major retailers including Walmart, Carrefour, and Woolworths are already piloting GS1 Digital Link QR codes on product packaging. Brands that prepare now gain early-mover advantages in consumer engagement, supply chain visibility, and regulatory readiness. QR-Verse generates fully compliant GS1 Digital Link URIs following the GS1 specification. Enter your GTIN and optional identifiers (batch/lot, serial number, expiry date), and the platform produces a QR code with the correct URI structure. The code works at retail POS scanners that support 2D barcodes, and it also opens a product information page when scanned by a consumer's phone camera. Dynamic codes let you update the consumer-facing landing page without changing the printed code or breaking POS compatibility.

The Challenge

!Replace traditional linear barcodes on product packaging with GS1 Digital Link QR codes.
!Encode batch numbers, serial numbers, and expiry dates directly in the GS1 Digital Link URI.
!Use serialized GS1 Digital Link QR codes to verify product authenticity.

QR-Verse Solution

Full GS1 Digital Link URI Compliance
GTIN Check Digit Validation
Batch/Lot & Serial Number Encoding

Why choose this QR type?

Everything you need to succeed with GS1 Digital Link QR Code Generator

Full GS1 Digital Link URI Compliance

GTIN Check Digit Validation

Batch/Lot & Serial Number Encoding

Expiry Date Encoding (AI 17)

Consumer Landing Page + POS Compatible

Dynamic Content - Update Without Reprinting

Bulk Generation via API

Scan Analytics per Product & Batch

Custom Resolver or QR-Verse Hosted Page

Real-World Examples

See how businesses and creators are using GS1 Digital Link QR Code Generator to drive engagement and simplify processes.

Retail Product Packaging

Replace traditional linear barcodes on product packaging with GS1 Digital Link QR codes. One code serves both purposes: it scans at the checkout POS like a regular barcode and opens a product information page when a consumer scans it with their phone. This dual functionality is the foundation of GS1 Sunrise 2027.

Supply Chain Traceability

Encode batch numbers, serial numbers, and expiry dates directly in the GS1 Digital Link URI. Each scan along the supply chain - from manufacturer to distributor to retailer - creates a trackable event. This enables end-to-end traceability, faster recalls, and compliance with regulations like the EU Falsified Medicines Directive.

Product Authentication

Use serialized GS1 Digital Link QR codes to verify product authenticity. Each unit gets a unique serial number encoded in the URI. When a consumer or inspector scans the code, the resolver checks the serial against a database to confirm the product is genuine. This combats counterfeiting in pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, and electronics.

Fresh Food & Perishables

Encode expiry dates and batch information in QR codes on fresh food packaging. Consumers scan to check freshness, view allergen info, and access farm-to-fork traceability data. Retailers use the same code for inventory management and automated markdown pricing as expiry approaches.

Pharmaceutical Compliance

Meet serialization mandates (EU FMD, US DSCSA) with GS1 Digital Link QR codes that encode GTIN, serial number, batch, and expiry. Pharmacists and distributors verify authenticity at each handoff, while patients scan for dosage information, side effects, and recall notices.

Cross-Border Trade

GS1 Digital Link is a global standard recognized in 48+ countries. A single QR code works at any GS1-enabled POS system worldwide, while the web-resolved landing page can serve localized content based on the scanner's country. This simplifies export packaging and reduces the number of barcodes needed per product.

User Manual

How to Create your QR Code

Enter Your GTIN

Input your product's GTIN-13 or GTIN-14 (Global Trade Item Number). QR-Verse validates the check digit automatically. If you don't have a GTIN yet, you'll need to register with your local GS1 Member Organisation to obtain a GS1 Company Prefix.

TIP: GTINs are assigned by GS1 - you cannot create your own. Visit gs1.org to find your local GS1 office and register.

Add Optional Identifiers

Optionally add batch/lot number (AI 10), serial number (AI 21), and expiry date (AI 17). These are encoded in the GS1 Digital Link URI path. For traceability and authentication use cases, serial numbers are essential. For consumer-facing codes on standard packaging, GTIN alone is usually sufficient.

TIP: For serialized traceability, add batch + serial. For basic consumer engagement, GTIN-only codes are simpler and adequate.

Configure Your Resolver

Choose where the GS1 Digital Link URI resolves to. Use QR-Verse's hosted product page (included in all plans) or point to your own GS1 conformant resolver. The resolver determines what consumers see when they scan - product info, ingredient list, sustainability data, or your brand's product page.

TIP: Start with QR-Verse's hosted page. When you're ready, switch to your own resolver without reprinting codes - just update the DNS.

Generate & Deploy

Download the QR code in SVG (print) or PNG (digital) format. For production runs, use the Bulk API to generate codes per SKU or batch. Each code includes analytics tracking to measure consumer engagement and scan patterns across products, regions, and channels.

Used by businesses, creators and teams worldwide

Frequently Asked Questions

GS1 Digital Link is a standard that transforms traditional GS1 identifiers (like GTINs/barcodes) into web-enabled URIs. Instead of a bare number like 5901234123457, a GS1 Digital Link encodes it as a URL: https://id.gs1.org/01/05901234123457. This URL can be resolved to a product page, scanned at POS, or used in supply chain systems - all from one QR code.

Follow these tips to get the most out of your QR codes

Best Practices for QR Code Success

Test Before Printing

Always scan your QR code with multiple devices and apps before printing. Test in different lighting conditions and at various distances. A code that works on your screen might not scan reliably when printed at small sizes or on textured surfaces.

Use Dynamic QR Codes

Static QR codes cannot be edited after creation. Dynamic codes let you update the destination URL, track scan analytics, and set expiry dates - all without reprinting. For any professional use case, dynamic is the way to go.

Mind the Minimum Size

QR codes should be at least 2x2 cm (0.8x0.8 inches) for reliable scanning. For outdoor signage meant to be scanned from a distance, scale up significantly. The rule of thumb: the scanning distance should be no more than 10 times the QR code width.

Add a Clear Call-to-Action

A QR code alone does not tell people what to do. Add a short instruction near the code like 'Scan for menu', 'Scan to save contact', or 'Scan for 20% off'. This simple addition can increase scan rates by 30-50%.

Track and Optimize

Use QR-Verse's built-in analytics to monitor scan rates, peak times, locations, and device types. Compare performance across campaigns and locations. Data-driven optimization turns QR codes from a novelty into a measurable marketing channel.

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