Scan & Generate
GS1 Sunrise 2027: Why Stores Are Replacing Barcodes With QR Codes
After 50 years, the striped UPC barcode is being replaced at the checkout by 2D codes. Here is what GS1 Sunrise 2027 is, why it is happening now, and what it means for you.
For 50 years, the striped UPC barcode has been scanned at checkout. That era is ending. Under an industry-led initiative called GS1 Sunrise 2027, retailers worldwide are moving from one-dimensional barcodes to 2D codes — QR codes and Data Matrix — that hold vastly more data. In April 2026, Tesco became the first UK supermarket to begin retiring traditional barcodes, and Walmart, Carrefour, Woolworths, and Albertsons have all published 2D-acceptance roadmaps.
What Is GS1 Sunrise 2027?
GS1 is the global organisation that governs barcodes and product identifiers (the GTIN — Global Trade Item Number). Sunrise 2027 is its target for retailers everywhere to be able to scan 2D barcodes at the point of sale by the end of 2027. It has been adopted across 48+ countries. The goal isn't to ban the old barcode overnight — it's to make 2D the default carrier, with the 1D barcode kept as a temporary fallback while scanners are upgraded.
1D vs 2D: A Quick Refresher
A traditional barcode stores data in one dimension — the widths of vertical bars — and typically holds only the 12–13 digit product number. A 2D barcode stores data both horizontally and vertically, holding up to ~7,000 characters. (For the full breakdown, see types of barcodes explained and our EAN-13 vs UPC-A vs Code 128 vs QR comparison.)
| 1D (UPC/EAN) | 2D (QR / Data Matrix) | |
|---|---|---|
| Data stored | ~12–13 digits | Up to ~7,000 characters |
| Carries | Product number only | GTIN + URL + batch, expiry, serial |
| Links to web | No | Yes (GS1 Digital Link) |
| Damage tolerance | Low | High (error correction) |
The Key Technology: GS1 Digital Link
The breakthrough is GS1 Digital Link — a standard that lets a single 2D code do multiple jobs at once. One scan can:
- Ring up at checkout using the embedded GTIN, exactly like today's barcode.
- Open a product page for the shopper — ingredients, how-to videos, promotions.
- Carry supply-chain data — batch number, expiry date, and serial for traceability and recalls.
In other words, the same square on the package serves the cashier, the shopper, and the supply chain — something the old barcode could never do.
Why Now? Three Forces Converging
- Traceability and transparency — 56% of companies already use QR codes to give consumers real-time product information, and food-safety recalls become far faster when expiry and batch data live on the package.
- The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) — new rules attach a machine-readable record to physical goods, and a 2D code is the practical way to carry it.
- The European Accessibility Act — reshaping how product information must be delivered digitally, which a scannable link supports.
What It Means for You
For shoppers
More to scan, and more reasons to. The code on a package can reveal allergens, sourcing, recycling instructions, or a how-to video — not just a price. Any modern phone camera reads these codes today.
For small businesses and brands
If you sell physical products, plan for 2D-first on new SKUs, with 1D as a fallback until your retail partners finish upgrading. The upside is direct: the code becomes a marketing channel and a compliance tool in one. Forward-looking brands are deploying now rather than waiting for the deadline.
For everyday scanning
You'll increasingly meet packages carrying both formats. A scanner that reliably handles UPC, EAN, Data Matrix, and QR in one pass is becoming the practical default.
Timeline at a Glance
| Window | What's happening |
|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | Retailer scanner upgrades; early brand pilots |
| 2026 | 2D becomes default on new product launches; Tesco begins retiring 1D |
| End of 2027 | Target: all retail POS able to scan 2D barcodes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my old barcodes stop working in 2027?
Not immediately. Sunrise 2027 ensures retailers can scan 2D codes by then; 1D barcodes remain a valid fallback during the transition.
Is the 2D code a normal QR code?
Often, yes — a QR code carrying a GS1 Digital Link — though Data Matrix is also used, especially in healthcare and small items.
Do I need a special app to scan them?
No. Standard phone cameras read GS1 Digital Link QR codes. For batch scanning, history, and reading every format including Data Matrix, a dedicated app is more capable.
How do I make GS1-compliant codes for my products?
You need a licensed GTIN from GS1 and must follow GS1 Digital Link URL syntax. Start by understanding which barcode format fits your product.
Be Ready for the 2D Shelf
The shelf is going two-dimensional. Whether you're a shopper wanting product details or a seller preparing packaging, scanning every format reliably is the new baseline — and that's exactly what Scan & Generate is built for.