The UPC is Retiring.
Is Your Packaging Ready?
By the end of 2027, retail point-of-sale systems worldwide must be capable of scanning 2D barcodes. This global industry initiative marks the transition from traditional UPCs to information-rich GS1 Digital Links—a universal standard that works seamlessly across international borders and supply chains.
The Transitional Strategy: Dual Marking
GS1's recommended approach for a smooth migration to 2D barcodes
Traditional UPC (1D Barcode)
Limited to a single GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). Retailers with existing POS systems can continue scanning these during the transition.
GS1 Digital Link (2D Barcode)
Carries GTIN plus batch/lot numbers, expiration dates, serial numbers, and more. Modern scanners can access enhanced data for supply chain tracking and consumer engagement.
Dual marking allows you to print both barcodes side-by-side on your packaging. This ensures backward compatibility while positioning your brand for the future. QRbolt is your ideal partner for managing this dual-marking phase, providing the tools to generate compliant 2D codes while you phase out 1D barcodes over time.
The Safety Hook: Surgical Precision in Recalls
GS1 Digital Links transform product recalls from broad alerts to targeted, life-saving communications
Batch-Level Targeting
Recall specific contaminated batches (AI '10') rather than entire product lines. Surgical precision protects your brand and reduces waste.
Dynamic Redirection
Our platform routes recalled batches to a "Do Not Consume" page instantly, while safe batches continue to normal product pages.
Instant Communication
Consumers receive critical safety information at the moment of scan—no waiting for news reports or confusing recall notices.
Brand Trust
Demonstrates commitment to safety and transparency, transforming QR codes from static links into dynamic communication channels.
Industry Applications
GS1 Digital Link is a global standard powering compliance and traceability across industries worldwide
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
Directly Affected: CPG products (food, beverages, cosmetics, household items) are the products with barcodes on packaging. By December 31, 2027, all retail POS systems must scan 2D barcodes instead of traditional UPCs.
QRbolt provides Canadian data sovereignty, compliance hosting, and production-ready GS1 code generation for CPG brands.
Pharmacy & Healthcare
Already Compliant: The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) required 2D DataMatrix codes with GTIN, serial, lot, and expiration dates by November 2023. Pharmaceutical companies are leaders in this space.
QRbolt helps manage this data and extend barcode functionality for patient information and verification.
US Retail (Sunrise 2027)
2027 Deadline: All US retail POS systems must scan 2D barcodes by end of 2027. This enables richer data like batch/lot numbers, expiry dates, and serial numbers at checkout.
Start dual marking now to ensure seamless transition and future-ready packaging.
EU Digital Product Passport
ESPR Compliance: Starting with batteries, textiles, and electronics, products must have a Digital Product Passport accessible via QR code.
GS1 Digital Link is a leading candidate for DPP implementation, providing sustainability and circularity data.
Food & Beverage
FSMA Rule 204: Enhanced traceability for high-risk foods. GS1 standards are a primary method for compliance.
Digital Link provides direct access to traceability data for supply chain partners and consumers.
Craft Breweries & Alcohol
Traceability & Compliance: Batch/lot tracking for quality control and recall readiness. EU mandates ingredient and nutrition information via QR codes for wine. TTB allows QR codes for supplemental nutritional information.
GS1 Digital Links enable batch-level traceability, ingredient transparency, and responsible consumption messaging while meeting regulatory requirements.
Tobacco & Nicotine Products
Track & Trace Compliance: EU TPD and US FDA regulations mandate unique identifiers for supply chain tracking. GS1 standards are the foundation for anti-counterfeiting and traceability systems.
GS1 Digital Links provide consumer-facing verification while meeting strict track-and-trace requirements. Content must be purely informational and age-gated.
Medical Devices
FDA UDI / EU MDR: Unique Device Identification systems require GS1 identifiers. Digital Link provides direct web access to device information.
Essential for market access in both US and EU markets.
Cannabis Industry (Canadian Market)
Health Canada Compliance: GS1 Digital Links help satisfy Health Canada's lot-level traceability requirements under the Cannabis Act. While not explicitly mandated, GS1 standards are industry best practice for compliance.
Adopting GS1-compliant 2D barcodes enables access to Certificates of Analysis and consumer engagement while meeting regulatory needs.
Canadian Data Sovereignty
Store your supply chain data on Canadian servers. Fully compliant with PIPEDA and critical for regulated sectors.
PIPEDA Compliance
Full compliance with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Critical for regulated sectors like Cannabis and Pharma.
Canadian Server Hosting
Your supply chain data (Batch, Serial, Expiry) is stored on Canadian servers, ensuring data sovereignty and regulatory compliance.
Regulated Sector Ready
Built for industries with strict compliance requirements. Trust factor for Cannabis and Pharma businesses operating in Canada.
Technical Benefits
Future-proof your production line with GS1-compliant syntax and compliance data hosting
Inline Printing Ready
QRbolt generates the GS1-compliant syntax required for inline coding systems. Future-proof your production line with barcodes that work seamlessly with modern printing equipment.
Compliance Data Hosting
QRbolt doesn't just redirect—it hosts your compliance data. Use our templates to display Allergens, Nutrition, and Recycling info without hiring a developer.