GS1 Sunrise 2027: Is Your Product Packaging Ready for 2D Barcodes?

GS1 Sunrise 2027 Is Changing Retail Barcodes

By the end of 2027, retailers are working toward the ability to scan GS1-compliant 2D barcodes at checkout. These next-generation barcodes can carry much more information than a traditional UPC—including the GTIN, lot or batch number, expiration date, serial number and links to online product information.

Traditional UPC barcodes are not simply disappearing in 2027. During the transition, many products will carry both the familiar UPC/EAN barcode and a GS1-compliant 2D barcode.

Which 2D Barcode Do You Need?

GS1 Digital Link QR Code

Best when you want the barcode to serve both the retail supply chain and the consumer. It can connect shoppers to product information, instructions, promotions, authenticity information and more.

GS1 DataMatrix

A compact option particularly useful where space is limited or where variable information such as lot numbers, expiration dates or serial numbers needs to be encoded.

Already Have a UPC?

Your existing GTIN/UPC number remains important. Sunrise 2027 changes how product information can be encoded and accessed; it doesn't mean businesses need to throw away their existing GS1 identification numbers.

We Can Help You Make the Transition

WePrintBarcodes.com can produce GS1-compliant 1D and 2D barcode labels for your products, whether you need:

• UPC-A or EAN labels
• GS1 Digital Link QR Code labels
• GS1 DataMatrix labels
• UPC + 2D combination labels
• Variable lot, batch, expiration or serial-number labels
• Durable or specialty label materials

Not sure what barcode you need for Sunrise 2027?

Tell us where your product is being sold and what information needs to be encoded. We'll help determine the appropriate barcode format and produce labels that are ready for your application.