Sunrise 2027 and GS1 QR Codes

Sunrise 2027 is a global initiative by GS1. The goal is for point-of-sale systems worldwide to be able to process 2D codes such as GS1 DataMatrix or QR Codes with digital links in addition to traditional barcodes by 2028.

This is both due to new regulatory requirements - particularly in Europe - as well as the growing demand for digital product information and traceability.

GS1 Sunrise 2027 is not an EU regulation, but rather an industry-driven goal to ensure that point-of-sale systems can reliably scan 2D codes.

This means that retailers should be able to process 2D codes at the point-of-sale from the beginning of 2028. The classic 1D barcodes will not be replaced, but supplemented.  

In addition to product identification, two-dimensional codes can be used to encode other data such as  expiration date, batch number, or serial number in a very small space. 2D codes are also faster to read, enabling interaction.

Most retailers are already equipped with the necessary hardware—a camera-based scanner. This means that reading 2D codes at the checkout is already possible in principle.

It is not only scanner cash registers that should be able to read a 2D code. All parties who come into contact with the code should be able to access the additional information contained in a multifunctional QR Code with GS1 Digital Link. Two steps are necessary:

• GS1 QR Codes must be created with the correct information and links.
• All systems involved in a product's supply chain must also be able to read the QR Code completely.  

For consumers, it's easy. A cell phone camera is all you need.

As a company, you must ensure that all systems can read the QR Code completely so that the relevant information can be used directly.

In the European Union, a digital product passport will become a mandatory element for defined product groups.

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is essentially a product label (such as a 2D QR Code) that can be scanned by various actors in the supply chain to obtain information about the product: for example, about the product materials or whether it can be reused and recycled.

In addition to the European Ecodesign Regulation, there are already other regulations that require or will require a digital product passport, such as the Battery Regulation.

Batteries, including electric car batteries

For certain battery categories, a QR Code providing access to the battery product passport is planned, starting in February 2027. More information can be found in the EU Parliament's regulation on batteries and waste batteries.

Special food regulations for wine

Since December 8, 2023, new EU rules on the labelling of ingredients and nutritional values for wine/flavored wine products have been in force. This information can also be provided electronically (e.g., via a QR Code). Certain information must still appear on the physical label. For example, the nutritional declaration on the packaging can be limited to the energy value (symbol "E" for energy). 

There are (as yet) no legal requirements for the use of 2D codes on everyday products. Practical applications such as product traceability, instructions for customers, and the ability to check stock levels already make GS1 QR Codes an interesting proposition for retailers.

The EU's current working program on eco-design for sustainable products and energy labelling identifies the following finished products as the next priorities: textiles/clothing, furniture, tires, and mattresses.

The DPP Editor from QR Planet is a web-based tool for creating and managing digital product passports (DPP). Companies can use it to record and update structured product data in a centralised manner, such as technical specifications, sustainability information, material composition, or compliance documents.

The content is provided via a GS1 QR Code and can be displayed appropriately depending on the target group (e.g., consumers, retailers). This ensures that the digital product passport is maintained efficiently and implemented in compliance with regulations.

GS1 QR Codes are two-dimensional barcodes specifically designed to convey large amounts of information in a compact format. GS1 QR Codes were developed by GS1, a global network for developing and optimizing standards for business processes, which is also responsible for the barcode you see on every product in retail.

GS1 QR Codes can store comprehensive data, including product identifiers (such as GTIN/EAN), expiration dates, batch numbers, and even URLs. 

In total, up to 4,000 letters and over 7,000 numbers can be encrypted. And that with only 42% of the space required for a linear barcode. 

A GS1 Digital Link is essentially a web address stored directly in the QR Code.

When you scan, it doesn't just open a website - it opens structured product information that can provide different content depending on your needs.

This URL includes standardized product data such as GTIN, batch number, or best-before date. This allows systems along the supply chain to process the data automatically.

Link types define what kind of information is accessed when a GS1 QR Code is scanned.

The GS1 Digital Link can store different "relationship types" - i.e., whether it is product information, instructions for use, or sustainability data.

You can think of it like this: one code - but different types of information behind it.

• Product information
• Instructions for use
• Nutritional information
• Certificates
• Traceability data
• Digital Product Passport (DPP)

Your advantage

Systems (e.g. apps, retailer software, or government portals) automatically recognize what type of information is being provided -without having to guess. A single code can thus serve different target groups.

This turns a simple QR Code into a digital interface between the product, the company, and the consumer.

The team at QR Planet has compiled a wealth of detailed guides to help you with the transition:

• Guide to creating a GS1 QR Code
• How to read GS1 QR Codes
• Structure and examples of an application identifier
• GS1 data attributes
• Mass creation of static QR Code variants for GS1 QR Codes

Need more information? Don't hesitate to contact us if you need assistance implementing GS1 QR Codes in conjunction with your product database or ERP system.