Next Generation Barcodes are set to transform the way GS1 members do business.
Consumers, brand owners, retailers and regulators: it seems everyone wants to know more about products—and as a result, everyone is looking for better ways to access information about a product by scanning a code on its packaging.
A Next Generation Barcode can carry substantially more information than a traditional linear barcode, opening a world of possibilities for Kiwi businesses. Unlike standard ‘QR codes’, GS1 QR Codes also go ‘beep’ at point of sale just like a traditional barcode.
Working with retailers and product manufacturers, GS1 NZ is aiming for retail point of sale systems in New Zealand to scan next generation barcodes by the end of 2027.
If you can’t find the answer for your questions, please get in contact with us, GS1 NZ is committed to supporting the 2D barcode transition with the ecosystem and our members.
General
1. How is the rollout of these new generation barcodes happening in New Zealand?
New Zealand is part of the international supply chain, so these new barcodes will start to appear here in the next couple of years. They also provide great benefits for brand owners locally to engage with their consumers. GS1 NZ is working together with retailers, industry associations, manufacturers and suppliers to ensure they are aware of the new approach and the opportunity for businesses.
The first port of call is really to ensure that retailer’s scanning environments are set up to scan at point of sale (POS). This planning is well underway.
2. As a supplier, when will I need to do something?
The 'sunrise date' of 2027 is for retailers to be prepared to scan these new barcodes at POS. However, it’s important suppliers are aware of what next generation barcodes are, and how they can be used to deepen consumer engagement and provide additional data that can be acted upon. For example, an expiry date encoded in the barcode can be used to block the sale of expired products at point of sale.
During the transition period, we expect to see 'dual-marking' on many retail products (both linear and 2D graphics together).
3. Where can I find more information?
Please check out the latest version of the Retail Point-of Sale implementation guideline: https://ref.gs1.org/guidelines/2d-in-retail/#h-executive-summary
This Implementation Guideline is focused on the considerations and implications of utilising next generation barcodes encoded with GS1 barcode syntaxes at retail point-of-sale (POS) for brand owners, manufacturers, retailers and solution providers. The purpose of this document is to provide implementation guidance for industry to use in their barcode journey and to enable a smooth, voluntary transition from linear barcodes, to using more capable next generation barcodes while minimising disruptions to existing business processes.
4. What services does GS1 NZ offer to support the transition?
You can book a free consultation here or an in person workshop here.
GS1 members who have access to the new MyGS1 member platform can create and download GS1 QR Code graphics in MyGS1.
Get it checked:
- Pre check – For your first next generation graphic, we are offering a free preliminary check to evaluate the syntax (1 check per member). Please email the support team with your artwork – subject line ‘Free preliminary check’.
- Order an interim barcode verification report (from artwork)
- Order a final barcode verification report (from final packaging)
See how to order verification here.
We can also support you with creating GS1 Datamatrix barcodes on request.
5. Are there any additional GS1 membership costs for migrating to 2D barcodes?
No. You will have already been assigned a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) to a product that is encoded in the linear barcode. All you need to do is use the same GTIN in the 2D barcode.
*Note just like with traditional 1D barcodes, there may be a cost to download a design file from MyGS1
6. Which Next Generation Barcode should I use?
Most GS1 members will opt for a GS1 QR Code rather than a GS1 Datamatrix.
If you are going to implement a Next Generation Barcode, you need to choose data carriers and syntax based on your business needs and the ability of your stakeholders.
GS1 recommends that you actively collaborate with your business partners to ensure that the work ahead takes place in collaboration and that the solutions that are developed comply with current regulations.
7. Can I remove regulatory data (e.g. country of origin, best before date) from my label and instead provide this information via a Next Generation Barcode?
No. You should always ensure that your physical label is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations for the relevant government body or regulator.
Retail
8. Why should I switch from traditional barcodes to Next Generation barcodes?
Traditional barcodes have provided value over the last 50 years. These barcodes, such as EAN/UPC, are only capable of carrying a product identifier known as the Global Trade Item Number® (GTIN®). Next Generation Barcodes can carry additional data, such as expiration date, batch/lot number, serial number and more. Having this additional data in the barcode adds value by allowing the information to be automatically captured and acted on.
Some Next Generation barcodes, like a GS1 QR Code, can carry additional data while connecting consumers and other users to online resources and experiences. Having this data in the barcode adds value by allowing the information to be automatically captured and acted on. In addition to carrying more data, Next Generation Barcodes are likely to be smaller than their traditional counterparts and include features, like built-in error correction that add to their reliability.
9. Is the traditional linear barcode going away at retail point of sale (POS)?
No. 1D linear barcodes such as EAN/UPC and GS1 DataBar are not going away anytime soon. 1D barcodes will exist along with 2D barcodes wherever they are still needed or preferred.
10. What Next Generation Barcodes can I use at retail point of sale (POS)?
The three barcodes that are approved for retail POS use in the GS1 standards are:
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 QR Code (with GS1 Digital Link)
DataMatrix with GS1 Digital Link
Note: These barcodes can only be used in addition to the traditional barcode (EAN/UPC or GS1 DataBar), until there is pervasive adoption of Next Generation Barcodes. GS1 has set an ambitious goal that all retailers should aim to scan Next Generation Barcodes by 2027.
Organisations looking to implement Next Generation Barcodes need to select a data carrier and syntax based on their business needs and stakeholder capabilities. GS1 recommends actively engaging with key trading partners to ensure the path forward is collaborative and the solutions are capable and compliant.
11. Do I have to keep two barcodes on my product/s for a transition period for Retail POS?
Yes. POS systems will need to be updated to be able to scan new, more advanced data carriers and extract the GTIN (at a minimum) from all barcodes scanned on a pack. Until these updates have been made across all retailers both locally and globally, a dual-marking period with Next Generation Barcodes and the existing traditional barcode will be needed. Both the barcodes MUST encode the same GTIN.
12. Is it mandatory for suppliers to implement Next Generation Barcodes by 2027?
It is not mandatory under GS1 standards for brands to implement Next Generation Barcodes by 2027.
13. What is the difference between the Next Generation Barcode options DataMatrix, GS1 DataMatrix, GS1 QR Code?
All three barcode types are capable of encoding GS1 Application Identifiers (AI) that encode data like GTIN, batch/lot number, use by date and serial number. How those AIs are encoded into the barcode change how they can be used.
GS1 DataMatrix is a variant of Data Matrix that uses GS1 element string syntax*, which is also used in other GS1 barcodes like GS1-128.
GS1 QR Code and Data Matrix use the GS1 Digital Link URI syntax* to put data into a web compatible format that also allows the information to be used for traditional supply chain applications like price lookup, while also connecting to the web.
GS1 QR Code is often used for consumer engagement because they are recognised by all smartphone cameras natively. Many existing implementations of QR Codes on-pack are now enabling proprietary experiences. Once they are repurposed to use GS1 Digital Link URI syntax, they will transform into multi-use barcodes that allow BOTH consumer engagement and price lookup, eliminating the need for multiple codes on pack.
DataMatrix can also be used to connect users to the web, but not all mobile device cameras can natively recognise them.
*Syntax means how things are arranged in a specific way to have meaning.
14. What additional data will be available using Next Generation Barcodes at retail point-of-sale?
The data that is encoded in barcodes and used at point-of-sale will vary based on what use cases are being enabled. At minimum, retail point-of- sale (POS) must be able to process the GTIN from a barcode. Following is a sample list of applications and the additional data that is commonly used to support industry’s retail POS use cases.
15. How will having multiple codes on the package and Next Generation Barcodes with more data impact scanning at the checkout?
Results from testing, pilots and implementations have shown that scanning of Next Generation Barcodes with additional data will not cause delays at point-of-sale.
16. How much space will a next generation barcode take up?
The size of the barcode will depend on multiple factors:
a) The type of Next Generation Barcode (GS1 QR Code, GS1 DataMatrix or Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link URI)
b) the length of the domain name ( if using a GS1 Digital Link syntax)
c) number of additional information you encode in it. For example, batch/lot, expiry date, serial number etc
d) the length of the additional attributes. For example, you may choose an 8 digit batch/lot or 20 digit batch/lot
e) the x-dimension that you choose
For example, a GS1 DataMatrix encoding only a GTIN at the minimum x-dimension would take up approximately 7mm x 7mm.
The GS1 General Specifications contains the minimum and maximum sizes allowed for Next Generation Barcodes used on products scanned at retail point-of-sale in section 5.12.3.1
17. How long will the transition/migration period be for migration to Next Generation Barcodes?
Industry has set the ambitious goal of retail POS scanners globally being capable of scanning and processing Next Generation Barcodes by the end of 2027. Different regions of the world will move at different paces towards the ambition goal of enabling these barcodes to be scanned at POS.
18. Do all retailers support the scanning of Next Generation Barcodes?
Currently not all retailers can scan Next Generation barcodes at POS. The Ambition is that all retailers will aim to scan Next Generation barcodes approved for POS by 2027.
19. Do I have to change the GS1 QR Code every time I need to point to a new web page? Eg. A seasonal promotion page?
No you don’t need to change the GS1 QR Code to point to a new webpage. Redirection is a fundamental aspect of World Wide Web and can be set up by any website administrator. You can change the redirection to any URL without needing to change the QR Code. If you have created your GS1 QR Code in MyGS1 using the GS1 Resolver, then you can redirect your link inside of MyGS1.
20. Where should I place the Next Generation Barcode when I already have a linear EAN/UPC barcode?
When both linear and 2D barcodes are being used at retail POS, the recommendation is to place the 2D barcode (including Quiet Zones) within a 50mm radius from the centre of the linear barcode. You will need to be mindful of X-dimensions and quiet zones between the two graphics.
Note: Optical effects in the image capture process require that the 2D barcodes be printed at 1.5 times the equivalent X-dimension allowed for linear symbols. In the above image the xdimension used for EAN-13 is 0.33mm and the x-dim used for the QR Code with GS1 Digital Link is 0.495mm.
X-dimension: The nominal width (& height for 2D barcodes) of a single module is equivalent. The specified width of the narrowest element of a barcode.
Quiet zone: Empty margins around the outside of graphics.
To learn more about barcode placement rules see the GS1 General Specifications and the 2D Barcodes at Retail Point-of-Sale Implementation Guideline.
21. Can I put Next Generation barcodes on my cases and cartons/ inners and outers?
If the cartons/cases need to be scanned at retail POS then the 2D barcodes approved for retail POS (GS1 DataMatrix, QR Code with GS1 Digital Link URI, Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link URI) can be added as an additional barcode to the linear barcode during the transition period. If the cartons/inners and outers are never to be scanned in retail POS, then either GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR Code can be applied as an additional barcode to the linear barcode in the carton/cases. Trade partner and regulatory standards should also always be considered when setting up labelling.
Healthcare
22. Is there a specific 2D barcode I need to use for healthcare products?
GS1 DataMatrix is often the preferred symbology especially for regulated healthcare products. To encode a GTIN for scanning at point of sale you would use a linear 1D barcode. If you would like to encode production information like expiry, batch/lot, serial number for scanning in a healthcare setting, GS1 DataMatrix barcode can be used. At present you may need to apply both barcodes with the SAME GTIN to your product so it can be scanned in both a retail and healthcare setting.
23. Can I use QR code with GS1 Digital Link to support UDI requirements?
GS1 Digital Link is a way to web enable your barcodes. It provides a structured standards based way to represent your GS1 identifiers in a web URL. It can provide more information about the product for patients, healthcare providers, manufacturers, distributors etc. globally. However the main requirement for UDI is a unique identifier also known as a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) represented in a linear EAN/UPC barcode or a GS1 DataMatrix barcode which uniquely identifies your product globally.
NEW! The MyGS1 QR Code Generator
If you’ve used the online MyGS1 QR Code graphic generator using the GS1 Resolver, then the data encoded in your 2D graphic will look similar to this:
https://id.gs1.org/01/09420024200001
Because not all retailers have upgraded their technology to scan 2D yet, graphics are being provided initially with both a GS1 QR Code & an EAN-13 graphic beside it.
Please note, if you generate a graphic using the GS1 Resolver and decide later to switch to your own Resolver, you will have to create a brand new graphic. This will likely mean printing updated artwork.
Can I change the URL in my GS1 QR Code?
If you have generated your GS1 QR Code graphic in MyGS1 with the GS1 resolver, you will be able to change the URL that your graphic redirects consumers to in MyGS1. This sits under the ‘digital link’ tab on your product in MyGS1.
Can I create a GS1 QR Code without a digital link?
For generating a GS1 QR Code in MyGS1, you need to have a digital link. If you don't have a dedicated product information page yet, you can use a temporary URL like your company website or a social media page and update it later once your product page is ready.
Does a GS1 QR Code cost more than a linear barcode graphic?
The cost of a GS1 QR Code graphic is the same as a Linear barcode graphic.
What is a resolver?
The term ‘resolver’ is used for any service that connects an identifier to an online information source. The re-direct of your URL link is managed by a Resolver. A GS1-Conformant resolver connects an identifier structured in GS1 Digital Link format to one or more sources of information about the identified entity.
For example, it can connect a product’s GTIN to a Web page about the product, instructions and ideas for how to use the product, sustainability information and more. Using a resolver to redirect users, means digital content can be continually updated by a brand owner, without the need to change the GS1 QR Code on-pack.
Why use the GS1 resolver for the redirect in MyGS1?
The GS1 resolver option has been created to make it easy for brand owners to set up a digital link without needing to use their own re-direct service. If your business already has a website and technical expertise around this, then using your own resolver instead is worth considering.
Can I have my own redirect service (AKA own resolver)?
MyGS1 has been updated to enable you to use your own re-direct service. You can select 'Manage redirection yourself' when setting up digital links in MyGS1.
Read more about redirection setup here: https://ref.gs1.org/docs/2024/redirection-from-scan-to-content