The 2027 initiative is a transition toward retail systems that can use richer two dimensional barcode data. Businesses should begin with data and trading partner requirements, then validate artwork, print quality, and point-of-sale readiness.
Short answer
Do not simply add a consumer QR code beside the existing barcode. Determine which GS1 data carrier and application identifiers are required, protect symbol size and quiet zones, confirm packaging placement, verify the printed result, and coordinate the change with retailers, software, scanners, and master data systems.
A QR code is not automatically a GS1 retail barcode.
Data governance and system readiness come before label redesign.
Keep existing symbols during transition when trading partners still require them.
| Workstream | Key question | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Data | Which identifiers and attributes are required? | Approved data dictionary and ownership |
| Carrier | Which GS1 2D symbol does the use case support? | Documented barcode specification |
| Artwork | Can size, quiet zones, and placement be protected? | Production label template |
| Printing | Can the printer and material hold the required quality? | Verified physical samples |
| Systems | Can scanners and software parse the data? | End-to-end test result |
| Transition | When can the legacy symbol be removed? | Trading partner signoff |
Understand the 2027 transition
GS1's retail 2D initiative aims to support broader point-of-sale use of two dimensional symbols. The exact timing and requirements depend on markets, retailers, categories, and technical readiness. Treat 2027 as a planning milestone, not a universal permission to remove existing barcodes on one date.
Start by asking each trading partner what symbols, data, and transition rules they support. Keep the existing linear barcode where required until acceptance testing and written migration guidance are complete.
- Identify affected products and packaging levels.
- Confirm retailer and marketplace requirements.
- Assign owners for data, artwork, printing, and system testing.
Choose the data carrier and encoded data
GS1 DataMatrix and QR Code with GS1 Digital Link can serve different use cases. The choice is not based on appearance. It depends on the scanning environment, encoded identifiers, data structure, consumer engagement, and trading partner support.
Define the Global Trade Item Number and any additional attributes such as batch, expiry, serial, or a web resolver. Control the source data and check digits. Avoid manually typing long encoded strings into artwork.
A standard web QR code can direct a phone to a page but may not carry the GS1 identification structure required for retail or supply chain use.
Design and print for reliable scanning
Protect the symbol's required size, quiet zone, contrast, and placement. Dense data creates smaller modules that demand more from the printer and material. Gloss, curved packages, transparent stock, ink spread, and artwork scaling can reduce performance.
Generate symbols through validated software, preserve module geometry, and print on production media at production settings. Test multiple labels across the roll and after application to the package.
- Do not stretch or compress the code.
- Use high contrast and an opaque background when possible.
- Keep the symbol away from seams, folds, and tight curves.
- Verify the worst-case data length and smallest package.
Build an end-to-end transition plan
A good printed code is only one link. Scanners must capture it, software must parse the GS1 elements, databases must accept the fields, and downstream processes must use the result correctly. Test receiving, checkout, inventory, recall, and analytics flows as relevant.
Pilot a limited set of products, retain fallback symbols, collect verification reports, and document retailer acceptance. Update master data, packaging specifications, quality checks, and supplier instructions before scaling.
- Pilot with cooperative trading partners.
- Test consumer and point-of-sale experiences separately.
- Maintain version control for label templates.
- Define the rule for retiring the legacy barcode.
Authoritative sources
Product specifications and regulatory guidance can change. Confirm your final production setup against the current primary sources below.
Frequently asked questions
Will every UPC barcode disappear in 2027?
No single date applies to every product and trading partner. Confirm the transition plan with the retailers and GS1 guidance relevant to your market.
Is any QR code acceptable at checkout?
No. The carrier, data structure, and system support must match the GS1 and retailer use case.
Can I print 1D and 2D barcodes together?
Yes, and a transition period may require both. Protect placement and verify each symbol.
What should I test first?
Test data generation, printed symbol quality, package placement, scanner capture, software parsing, and trading partner acceptance as one end-to-end flow.
Choose the right label printing setup
ForeFront can help match your printer, ink, label material, adhesive, size, and workflow before you buy.
