Question 1

What is a GS1 QR code?

Accepted Answer

A GS1 QR code encodes a structured URI containing your product's GTIN, following an international standard that makes it scannable at retail checkout, by supply chain partners, and by consumers. A regular QR code points to any URL and cannot do that, because point-of-sale systems have no way to extract a product identifier from it.

Question 2

How is a GS1 QR code different from a regular QR code?

Accepted Answer

A regular QR code points to an arbitrary URL, will not scan at retail point of sale, and carries no structured product data. A GS1 QR code encodes a standardized Digital Link URI, works at checkout, and can carry batch, lot, and expiry information alongside the GTIN.

Question 3

Do GS1 QR codes need a resolver?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The QR code encodes a URL, and a resolver is the web service that answers it, looking up the product by GTIN and redirecting to the right destination. Generating the code and hosting the resolver are two separate things. SunriseQR hosts a conformance-tested resolver so you do not have to build or maintain one.

Question 4

What are the requirements for a compliant GS1 QR code?

Accepted Answer

The code must encode a valid GS1 Digital Link URI rather than a shortened link, use a 14-digit zero-padded GTIN, be printed at a minimum of 20mm by 20mm, and use error correction level M or higher.

Question 5

When do retailers start accepting GS1 QR codes?

Accepted Answer

The Sunrise 2027 initiative targets the end of 2027 for retail point-of-sale systems to accept 2D barcodes alongside traditional 1D barcodes. Traditional barcodes continue to work through the transition, so most brands carry both on packaging during this period.

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