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Future-Proof Your Product Identity for Sunrise 2027 & EU DPP Compliance
By December 2027, traditional barcodes will no longer be sufficient for retail checkout. Get ahead of Sunrise 2027 with GS1 Digital Link QR codes that work at point-of-sale AND provide the Digital Product Passport (DPP) required for EU compliance. Our free generator creates retail-ready, branded QR codes in minutes—no technical expertise required.
GS1 Digital Link technology transforms your GTIN into a trackable, web-ready QR code that serves multiple purposes: retail scanning, consumer transparency, regulatory compliance, and supply chain optimization. Whether you're preparing for the Sunrise 2027 barcode transition or meeting EU sustainability mandates, our specialized generator makes global compliance easy.
The only QR code that works at retail checkout AND provides EU Digital Product Passport compliance. Free to create, ready for Sunrise 2027.
The benefits of transitioning to GS1-standard Digital Link QR codes are essential for modern brands. Unlike generic QR codes, GS1 Digital Links follow the official international standard (ISO/IEC 15459), providing a bridge between retail logistics and consumer engagement. Here's why leading brands are making the switch now:
Unlike standard QR codes, GS1 Digital Links are designed to be scanned at retail checkouts worldwide. By the end of 2027, point-of-sale systems globally will be upgraded to read 2D barcodes, eventually replacing traditional EAN/UPC barcodes. Early adoption means you avoid the 2027 rush to repackage all your products.
Easily meet the requirements of the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The Digital Product Passport (DPP) provides mandatory information about materials, origin, and recycling through a single scan. Our generator creates QR codes that link directly to your DPP landing pages.
A branded DPP QR code signals transparency and authenticity. 66% of shoppers trust brands that provide supply chain transparency, and 78% of consumers feel more confident purchasing when product details are easily accessible. Your GS1 Digital Link QR code becomes a direct communication channel with your customers, building loyalty and trust.
Use a single unified code for everything: inventory management, retail point-of-sale scanning, consumer engagement, warranty registration, and end-of-life recycling instructions. This reduces packaging clutter by up to 40%, creates cleaner designs, and simplifies compliance across the entire supply chain.
Real-world applications of GS1 Digital Links across regulated sectors.
Meet EU textile mandates by embedding a Digital Product Passport into every garment. A single scan provides customers with fiber composition, care instructions, and recycling pathways, while also allowing brands to verify authenticity in the resale market.
Stay ahead of the 2026 EU Battery Regulation. Link your products to real-time safety data sheets, warranty registration, and end-of-life recycling instructions without needing bulky printed manuals. Save packaging space and improve customer experience.
Enhance transparency 'from farm to fork.' Use GS1 Digital Links to provide nutritional data, allergen alerts, and batch-specific traceability that builds deep consumer loyalty and ensures food safety. Consumers increasingly demand to know the story behind their food.
Follow these expert guidelines to ensure your QR codes work flawlessly at retail checkout, comply with regulations, and engage consumers effectively.
Retail POS scanners require a clear distinction between the code modules and background. Always use dark codes on light backgrounds.
Avoid:
Recommended: Black on white, dark blue on cream, dark green on light gray.
For Sunrise 2027 checkout compatibility, ensure your GS1 Digital Link QR code is at least 21mm x 21mm (0.83 inches). We recommend 25mm x 25mm for optimal scanability in all conditions.
Why size matters: Retail scanners read QR codes from 10-15cm distance. Smaller codes may fail under poor lighting or if the packaging is scratched or slightly damaged.
Maintain a border of empty space (quiet zone) around your QR code equal to at least 4 modules (the smallest squares in the QR code). This blank margin ensures scanners can properly detect the QR code boundaries.
Avoid: Placing text, logos, or graphics too close to the QR code edges.
For high-value goods, batteries, or items requiring individual tracking, use serialized GS1 Digital Links. Include AI (21) Serial Number data to track specific units rather than just product types.
Benefits:
Example serialized URI:
https://yourdomain.com/01/05449000054227/21/SN123456789
Dynamic QR codes allow updating the destination URL or underlying DPP data at any time without reprinting.
This is critical for:
Cost saving: Prevents expensive packaging redesigns when information needs updating.
Include AI (17) Expiration Date in the GS1 Digital Link for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and batteries.
This enables:
Verify your GS1 Digital Link QR code using GS1-standard scanner apps before mass production.
Recommended testing apps:
What to verify:
QR codes can behave differently on various surfaces.
Specific surface considerations:
Best practice: Print test samples and scan them with retail-grade scanners before committing to a full production run.
Ensure your GS1 Digital Link works correctly in both scenarios:
Retail scanner should:
Smartphone scanner should:
How to test: Use a dedicated retail scanner (not just phone apps) to verify checkout functionality.
Our specialized generator simplifies the complex GS1 syntax into an intuitive workflow. No technical knowledge required—just follow these four steps to create retail-ready, compliant QR codes:
Select the 'GS1 Digital Link' data type from our QR code generator menu. This ensures your QR code is automatically formatted with the correct URI syntax required by retail scanners and international GS1 standards.
What happens: Our generator structures your QR code URL according to the official GS1 Digital Link specification, making it compatible with Sunrise 2027 point-of-sale systems while remaining fully scannable by consumer smartphones.
Note: This is different from a 'standard QR code' or 'website QR code.' GS1 Digital Links embed your GTIN in a structured format that retail systems can extract for checkout processing.
Input your product's GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)—this is the 13 or 14-digit number typically found below traditional barcodes. Our generator validates your GTIN in real-time to ensure accuracy.
Additional data you can include:
Next, paste the URL of your Digital Product Passport landing page where consumers will find compliance and sustainability data. This is where your detailed product information, certifications, and environmental impact data will be hosted.
Don't have a DPP page yet? Our platform can create one for you with pre-built compliance templates for your industry.
Style your QR code to match your packaging and brand guidelines, ensuring it remains 100% scannable by high-speed retail scanners while looking beautiful on your product.
Customization options:
Scannability guarantee: Our system automatically tests every customization to ensure retail POS scanners can read your code. We'll alert you if any design choice compromises scannability.
Download your GS1 Digital Link QR code in professional print-ready formats. Choose from high-resolution vector (SVG, EPS) or raster (PNG) formats suitable for any printing method.
Critical setting: Enable the 'Dynamic QR Code' option so you can update your DPP data as regulations change without reprinting your packaging. This feature alone can save thousands in future repackaging costs.
What you get:
Recommended minimum size: 25mm x 25mm for retail scanning (21mm absolute minimum per GS1 guidelines)
Our generator supports all major GS1 identifiers required for global commerce.
Encode additional product data using GS1 Application Identifiers.
| AI Code | Data Type | Example | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| (01) | GTIN | 05449000054227 | Product identification |
| (22) | Consumer Product Variant | 221001 | Minor Product Variations |
| (10) | Batch/Lot | LOT2025-A | Batch tracking, recalls |
| (21) | Serial Number | SN987654321 | Individual item tracking |
| (11) | Production Date | 2026-02-17 | Item-Level Traceability |
| (13) | Packaging Date | 2026-02-18 | Optimized Recycling |
| (17) | Expiration Date | 2027-02-18 | Food safety, shelf life |
| (16) | Sell-by Date | 2026-05-18 | Dynamic Expiry Tracking |
| (422) | Country of Origin | IN | Supply Chain Traceability |
| (310X) | Net Weight (kg) | 100 | Variable weight products |
Full GS1 General Specifications compliance Our generator follows the official GS1 standard to ensure maximum compatibility.
Resolution options: 300 DPI (print), 600 DPI (high-quality print), 72 DPI (web/screen).
Size customization: Generate codes from 21mm x 21mm (minimum) up to full A4 page size.
Choose the right error correction level for your packaging environment:
Note: Higher error correction creates denser (more complex) QR codes. Medium is the optimal balance for most retail applications.
What makes us different from basic QR generators and DIY solutions
Unlike generic generators, our visual editor allows customization of colors, logos, frames with calls-to-action, and ensures scannability. QR codes match brand guidelines while meeting GS1 technical requirements.
What you can customize:
What we prevent:
Track every scan with our comprehensive analytics platform. Most free generators provide zero data. We give you actionable insights to optimize your product packaging and marketing strategies.
Analytics metrics:
Update your DPP data, fix errors, or change destinations anytime—even years after printing. Static QR codes from basic generators lock you in forever.
What you can update dynamically:
No reprinting required. Make unlimited updates without touching your packaging.
Dedicated onboarding, API access, white-label options, and priority support. We work with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike.
Enterprise features:
Every QR code generated is automatically validated against GS1 Digital Link standards. No guesswork, no manual checking, no compliance risks.
What we validate:
Built-in validator: Get instant feedback if anything doesn't meet GS1 requirements.
Generate thousands of unique GS1 QR codes with serialized data in minutes. Upload CSV files, connect your ERP system, or use our REST API. Most competitors limit you to one-at-a-time creation.
Bulk capabilities:
Use case: Generate 10,000 unique QR codes (each with different serial number) for a product line in under 5 minutes.
Your data and your customers' privacy are our priority
Our scan tracking is designed with privacy by default:
Your DPP data stays protected:
Flexible Privacy Controls
99.9% Uptime SLA:
Your GS1 Digital Links will always resolve, even if your DPP hosting goes down (we can redirect to a backup page).
Educational content for those new to GS1 standards
A GS1 Digital Link is a special type of URL that encodes product identification information (like your GTIN) in a standardized, structured format. Unlike regular QR codes that simply point to any website, GS1 Digital Links follow the official GS1 standard (ISO/IEC 15459), making them both:
Example GS1 Digital Link URI:
https://yourdomain.com/01/05449000054227/21/SN123456?info=dpp
Breaking down the structure:
When a retail scanner reads this, it extracts just the GTIN (05449000054227) for checkout.
When a smartphone scans it, the full URL opens, showing the Digital Product Passport (DPP) page.
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the internationally recognized identifier for products worldwide. It's the number typically found below traditional barcodes:
Where to get a GTIN: GTINs are obtained from a local GS1 organization (e.g., GS1 US, GS1 UK) after purchasing a GS1 Company Prefix. Each GTIN uniquely identifies one specific product globally.
Role in GS1 Digital Links: In GS1 Digital Links, the GTIN is embedded within the QR code URL structure, enabling retail systems to extract it for checkout while consumers can access additional web-based product information.
Sunrise 2027 is GS1's global initiative to transition retail point-of-sale systems from 1D barcodes (traditional UPC/EAN) to 2D barcodes (QR codes and Data Matrix) by the end of 2027.
What's changing:
Why it matters:
Timeline:
Who's affected: Every product sold through retail checkout globally (grocery, pharmacy, electronics, apparel, hardware, etc.)
A Digital Product Passport is a digital record that provides comprehensive information about a product's sustainability, environmental impact, and circularity (reuse/recycling potential). Required by the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
Mandatory DPP information typically includes:
Industry-specific requirements:
Access method: DPPs are accessed via QR codes (like GS1 Digital Links) on product packaging. Consumers scan to view, regulators scan to verify compliance.
Don't wait until the 2027 deadline rush. Create your first GS1 Digital Link QR code today and ensure your products are ready for:
Join 10,000+ brands already preparing for the future of product identification.
Common questions from brands transitioning to GS1 Digital Links and DPP compliance
A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a comprehensive digital record required by the European Union's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It provides detailed information about a product's sustainability performance, environmental impact, and circularity potential throughout its entire lifecycle.
DPP data requirements vary by product category but typically include:
Access mechanism: DPPs must be accessible via a unique data carrier, most commonly a GS1 Digital Link QR code on the product packaging. This allows consumers, retailers, and regulators to access the information easily by scanning.
Who needs a DPP: Initially required for batteries (2027), textiles (2027-2028), and electronics (2028+), with expansion to most product categories expected by 2030.
Digital Product Passport requirements are being phased in by product category:
Batteries & Energy Storage (EARLIEST DEADLINE):
Textiles & Apparel:
Electronics & Electrical Equipment:
Recommendation: Adopt GS1 Digital Links now to avoid the 2026-2027 rush. Early implementation gives you time to refine your DPP content and ensures smooth compliance without last-minute packaging redesigns.
While both use QR code symbology, they serve different purposes and have different capabilities.
Standard QR Code:
https://yoursite.com/product).GS1 Digital Link:
https://yourdomain.com/01/05449000054227).Real-world impact:
Key insight:
After Sunrise 2027, GS1 Digital Links will be necessary for retail products. Standard QR codes will only be suitable for marketing-only applications (e.g., "Follow us on Instagram" codes).
By the end of 2027, retail POS systems worldwide will be upgraded to scan and decode 2D barcodes like GS1 Digital Link QR codes. Here's the transition process:
Current State (2024-2027):
Transition Period (2025-2027):
Post-Sunrise 2027 (2028+):
Technical process at checkout:
When scanned by a retail POS terminal, the GS1 Digital Link QR code is decoded to extract just the GTIN (and optionally batch/expiry data) for pricing lookup and inventory management. The scanner does not follow the URL; it treats the QR code like a traditional barcode but with enhanced data capacity.
Consumer scanning:
When scanned by a smartphone, the same QR code opens as a clickable web link, directing the user to a Digital Product Passport or product information page.
Yes, this is one of the most powerful features of Dynamic GS1 Digital Link QR codes. Unlike static QR codes that are permanently locked to a specific destination, dynamic QR codes can be updated anytime through the QRStuff dashboard.
What you can update:
How it works:
Your QR code contains a short redirect URL (e.g., https://qrstuff.com/r/ABC123). When scanned, this URL forwards to your current DPP page. The destination can be changed at any time without altering the QR code itself.
Example scenario:
If 100,000 products are printed in January 2026, and EU regulations change in July 2026 requiring additional recycling data, instead of recalling and repackaging, you can simply update the DPP landing page with the new information. All 100,000 QR codes will instantly show the updated data when scanned.
Static vs. Dynamic cost impact:
Static QR codes might appear free upfront, but a single regulatory change or website migration could cost $50,000+ in repackaging. Dynamic QR codes, conversely, have a small monthly fee but offer unlimited update flexibility.
A resolver is a service that intelligently routes QR code scans to different destinations based on context (who's scanning, what device, what purpose).
Short answer:
Our Dynamic QR platform acts as your resolver, so you don't need a separate service.
What a resolver does:
Advanced resolver capabilities:
Do you need it?
For basic DPP compliance, a simple redirect to one landing page is sufficient. However, for advanced use cases involving multiple markets, complex product lines, or dynamic campaigns, resolver logic becomes valuable.
Our platform includes:
Basic resolver functionality (device detection, geographic routing) is included as part of Dynamic QR codes. Advanced enterprise resolver features are available in Pro plans.
DPP data security is flexible and under your control. You determine what information is public and what requires authentication.
Typical data visibility structure:
1. Public Access (No login required):
2. Restricted Access (Login required):
3. Confidential Access (Authorized personnel only):
Implementation:
You have the option to host your DPP on your own website with your own access controls, or to use our hosted DPP platform which includes built-in permission management.
Regulatory requirement:
EU regulations mandate certain information must be publicly accessible (the DPP itself), but doesn't require exposing all business data.
Yes, our entire platform is GDPR compliant. We take European data protection seriously and have implemented comprehensive privacy safeguards.
What we do:
For consumer scanning analytics:
Compliance certifications:
For brands:
Your GTIN data, branding, and DPP content are your intellectual property. We never share, sell, or use this data for any purpose beyond providing the QR code generation service.
Sunrise 2027 is a mandatory global transition affecting every product sold through retail checkout. It's not optional—it's coming to every major retailer worldwide.
What happens on December 31, 2027:
Why you should prepare NOW (2026):
Real-world impact: In late 2026 and 2027, expect:
Smart strategy:
Generate your GS1 Digital Links now, test them thoroughly, and phase them onto packaging during normal product refreshes.
Yes and no—here's the full picture:
You need a GS1 Company Prefix to get legitimate GTINs:
You do NOT need GS1 membership for:
Important distinction:
For testing/development:
You can use publicly available test GTINs (like 05449000054227 for Coca-Cola) to build and test your QR codes before you have your official GTINs.
Our role:
We don't sell GTINs or GS1 memberships—we create the QR codes using GTINs you already own. Think of it like: GS1 provides the license plate number, we create the physical license plate.
Our GS1 QR code generator is FREE to use with optional paid plans for advanced features.
Free Plan includes:
Dynamic QR Plans (with update capability):
What you're paying for with Dynamic:
One-time costs you may have:
ROI consideration:
Dynamic QR codes cost a small monthly fee per SKU but can save $500-2,000 per SKU in avoided repackaging costs when regulations change or data needs updating.
Absolutely! While GS1 Digital Links are designed for physical product packaging, they work excellently in digital contexts too.
E-commerce use cases:
SEO benefit:
GS1 Digital Links can enhance your product page SEO by creating a standardized product identifier recognized by search engines. This improves product knowledge graph development and rich snippet eligibility.
Cross-channel consistency:
Using the same GS1 Digital Link across physical packaging AND digital touchpoints creates a unified customer experience. A customer who scans your QR code in-store and later sees it on your website recognizes the consistency and trust.
Technical note:
On web pages, you can present the QR code as an image OR include the GS1 Digital Link as a clickable hyperlink (for desktop users who can't scan).
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