GS1 Sunrise 2027: 2D Barcodes at Checkout Explained
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is the retail industry's goal for checkouts to read 2D barcodes, such as GS1 DataMatrix and QR codes with GS1 Digital Link, by the end of 2027. It is a voluntary goal, not a law, and the UPC or EAN stays on the pack meanwhile. This guide covers what GS1 requires and recommends.
By the Barcode.codes editorial teamReviewed
What Is Sunrise 2027?
Sunrise 2027 is GS1's goal for retail checkouts around the world to read 2D barcodes by the end of 2027.
Which 2D Barcodes Count
- GS1 DataMatrix: the GTIN and other data as GS1 element strings.
- QR Code with a GS1 Digital Link URI: the GTIN and other data in a web address that phones also open.
- Data Matrix with a GS1 Digital Link URI: the same web address in a Data Matrix.
Is Sunrise 2027 a Mandate?
No. GS1's General Specifications call it an ambition that GS1 supports, and GS1's implementation guideline for 2D barcodes at retail describes a voluntary transition. What you print is set by the GS1 rules below and by the retailers you sell to.
1D vs 2D Barcode
A 1D barcode such as UPC-A holds only the product number, while a 2D barcode can hold the GTIN with a batch, expiry date, serial number or a web address.
| Property | UPC-A or EAN-13 | GS1 DataMatrix | QR Code with GS1 Digital Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data | GTIN only | GTIN and other AIs as element strings | GTIN and other AIs in a web address |
| Scanner needed | Laser or image-based | Image-based | Image-based |
| Opens a web page on a phone | No | No | Yes |
Why Stores Want 2D Barcodes
A 2D barcode can carry the batch, expiry date or serial number with the GTIN, and a store system that reads them can use them for traceability and date checks. A GTIN alone does not carry that data.
GS1 Sunrise 2027 Requirements for Brands
GS1's General Specifications set the rules for the transition, GS1's implementation guideline adds recommendations, and the rest is a choice for the brand and its retailers.
- Required, General Specifications section 4.15.4: a GS1 DataMatrix, or a QR Code or Data Matrix with a GS1 Digital Link URI, is added to the EAN/UPC or GS1 DataBar, not used instead of it.
- Required, General Specifications section 1.2.2.2.1: Restricted Circulation Numbers are not used in 2D barcodes; GS1 recommends a GTIN instead.
- Guideline, release 1.1.0: keep the linear barcode until 90% of checkout scanners can use 2D barcodes, place the 2D barcode within 50 mm of the linear barcode's centre, and check print quality.
- Your choice: which 2D barcode to use, which data to add to the GTIN, and whether a GS1 Digital Link URI uses GS1's resolver or your own domain.
- Ask your retailers what they accept and by when.
- Choose the 2D barcode and the data: the GTIN, plus a batch, expiry date or serial number if you track them.
- If your GS1 Digital Link URIs use your own domain, set up the pages they open.
- Place the 2D barcode next to the UPC or EAN, print a proof and scan both.
For Retailers
Retailers need scanners and point-of-sale software that read 2D barcodes, take the GTIN out of them and process an item once when it carries two barcodes. GS1's implementation guideline lists steps for testing, supplier communication and staff training.
Store Codes in 2D Barcodes
Restricted Circulation Numbers, such as the in-store codes on weighed fresh food, cannot be encoded with GS1 Application Identifiers, so GS1 does not permit them in its 2D barcodes. GS1 recommends a GTIN instead, for fixed and variable measure products alike.
What Changes at the Checkout
Retailers need scanners that read 2D barcodes and take the GTIN out of them, and the till must count an item once when it carries two barcodes.
One Item, One Beep
When a pack has both a UPC and a 2D barcode with the GTIN, the General Specifications require the point-of-sale system to process only one set of data, and recommend a single acknowledgement, such as one beep. Without that, an item scanned twice can be charged twice.
Make a 2D Barcode for Sunrise 2027
The generators below make the 2D barcodes GS1 lists for retail and check their data with GS1's Barcode Syntax Engine; a valid barcode still needs a print test and, for a web address, a page it opens.
GS1 Digital Link generator for a QR Code or Data Matrix with your GTIN in a web address.
GS1 DataMatrix generator for the GTIN, batch and expiry date as element strings.
UPC barcode generator for the UPC-A that stays on the pack.
Try it: GS1 Digital Link
A GTIN of 8, 12, 13 or 14 digits, with its check digit.
- GTIN-14
- 09506000134352
- Digital Link URI
- https://id.gs1.org/01/09506000134352
The example addresses on id.gs1.org show the syntax only: GS1's standard notes that its example URIs do not lead to a demonstration page. Before printing, check that your own URIs open the page you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Sunrise 2027 Deadline?
GS1's goal is for retail point-of-sale scanners around the world to read 2D barcodes by the end of 2027. It is a target date for stores, not a date after which the UPC stops working.
Will UPC Barcodes Go Away in 2027?
Not in 2027. GS1's rules require the 2D barcode in addition to the UPC or EAN during the transition, and GS1's guideline keeps the linear barcode until 90% of checkout scanners can use 2D barcodes.
Do I Need a New GTIN for a 2D Barcode?
No. The 2D barcode carries the GTIN your product already has, the same one as in its UPC. What it adds is the room for more data, such as a batch or expiry date.
Is a QR Code Enough for Sunrise 2027?
Only if it holds a GS1 Digital Link URI with the GTIN. A QR code with an ordinary web address does not carry the GTIN in GS1's syntax, so a checkout cannot use it.
Should I Choose GS1 DataMatrix or a QR Code?
GS1 lists both for retail. A QR Code with GS1 Digital Link also opens a web page on a shopper's phone; GS1 DataMatrix holds the data as element strings, which suits systems that already process GS1-128 data.
Who Is Behind Sunrise 2027?
GS1, the not-for-profit organization that issues GTINs, and its member organizations such as GS1 US. GS1 US publishes guidance for brands and retailers in the United States.
Sources
The rules and dates in this guide come from these GS1 sources, checked on October 8, 2026.
GS1 General Specifications, Release 26.0, ratified January 2026 defines the GS1 identification keys, barcodes and Application Identifiers; the text names the sections used.
GS1 2D barcodes at retail point-of-sale implementation guideline, release 1.1.0, December 2025 describes the voluntary transition, keeping the linear barcode, and placement.
GS1 Digital Link Standard: URI Syntax, version 1.7.0, August 2026 sets the URI format and the GTIN in 14 digits, and notes that its example URIs lead to no demo page.
GS1 System Architecture, version 12.0.0, October 2024 covers GS1 Digital Link URIs in QR Code and Data Matrix in section 5.2.3.
Related GS1 Guides
- What is a GS1 barcode?
GS1 barcode types, keys and data.
- GS1 Application Identifiers list
Every AI with its format and FNC1 rule.
- What is a GTIN?
The product number inside every retail barcode.
- What is a UPC code?
The 12 digits, the check digit and how to get one.