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Guidebeginner4 min read

Do I Need a 2D Barcode? A Simple Checklist

You've heard about Sunrise 2027. You know something is changing with barcodes. But does it actually affect you? And if so, what do you need to do right now?

This checklist will help you figure that out in about three minutes.

The quick answer

If you sell physical products with barcodes on them, yes, you will eventually need a 2D barcode (specifically, a GS1 Digital Link QR code). The question is when.

Start here: which category are you in?

You sell through major retailers (grocery chains, big-box stores, pharmacies)

Priority: High. Major retailers are the driving force behind Sunrise 2027. Many are already running pilot programs, and some will begin requiring 2D codes from suppliers within the next 1 to 2 years. If a buyer from a major retailer asks "are you 2D-ready?" you want to say yes.

What to do now:

  • Make sure your GTINs are in order
  • Set up a GS1 Digital Link resolver
  • Generate QR codes for your top-selling products
  • Add QR codes at your next packaging print run

You sell direct-to-consumer only (your own website, farmers markets, Etsy)

Priority: Low, but there's upside. No one is going to require you to switch. But a QR code on your packaging that links to product information, reorder pages, or your brand story is a genuine marketing tool. You'd be adopting early for the benefits, not because of a deadline.

What to do now:

  • No rush, but consider adding QR codes for consumer engagement and scan analytics
  • Every scan is a data point -- you'll see where your products are being used, how often, and when
  • When you do, use the GS1 Digital Link format so you're compliant from day one

You sell on Amazon, Walmart Marketplace, or other online marketplaces

Priority: Medium. These platforms already require GTINs for product listings. The 2D barcode transition primarily affects physical retail, but marketplace sellers who also sell through wholesale or retail channels should prepare. Amazon and Walmart have both signaled interest in 2D code readiness for their physical stores.

You sell through distributors or wholesalers

Priority: Medium to High. Your distributor's retail customers will drive the requirement. When a retailer tells their distributor "we need 2D-ready products," that flows down to you. Being ready before the request arrives is a competitive advantage.

The checklist

Walk through each question:

  1. Do your products have barcodes today? If no, you may not need one yet. If yes, continue.

  2. Do you have a GS1 Company Prefix? If you have UPC barcodes, you do. If you're not sure, check with GS1 US or your local GS1 office. Our Company Prefix guide walks through this.

  3. Do you sell through retailers who have announced 2D code requirements? Check with your retail buyers. If they haven't mentioned it yet, they will. The Sunrise 2027 timeline tracks retailer announcements.

  4. Are you in food, beverage, or supplements? If yes, the FDA's FSMA 204 traceability rule (enforcement begins July 2028) adds urgency. A GS1 Digital Link QR code is the most practical way to carry the required traceability data on-pack. See our food and beverage guide.

  5. Do you have a packaging print run coming up in the next 12 months? If yes, this is your best opportunity to add a QR code. Adding it during a scheduled redesign is far cheaper than doing a separate print run just for the code.

  6. Do you want your packaging to link to digital content? Product pages, recipes, how-to videos, sustainability info, promotions. If yes, a GS1 Digital Link QR code does this while also being retail-compliant. One code, multiple uses.

The bottom line

You already have barcodes and sell through retailers announcing 2D requirements? Start preparing now.

You're in food, beverage, or supplements? Even more urgent. The FDA's FSMA 204 traceability rule adds a hard deadline on top of the retail transition.

You have a packaging print run coming up but no retailer pressure yet? Add a QR code anyway. The marginal cost during a scheduled redesign is minimal, and you'll be ready when the requirement arrives.

You don't have barcodes on your products today? You're not in the immediate scope of Sunrise 2027, but you should get GTINs assigned if you plan to sell through any retail channel in the future.

What it costs

The transition is more affordable than most brands expect:

  • GS1 Company Prefix: Starting at $250/year (you probably already have this)
  • Resolver hosting: A managed service like SunriseQR -- see pricing
  • Packaging update: Varies, but if you're doing a print run anyway, the marginal cost of adding a QR code is typically under $500 in design time
  • Per-code cost: Zero. Once your resolver is set up, generating QR codes is included

There's no per-scan fee, no per-product fee beyond the resolver hosting, and no hardware to buy.

Getting started

If you've decided you need to move forward, here's the path:

  1. Verify your GTINs (or get them if you don't have them yet)
  2. Set up a resolver to host your QR code destinations
  3. Generate your QR codes and add them to your packaging

SunriseQR handles steps 2 and 3. Learn more →

Want the full picture on the 2027 transition? Read Sunrise 2027: What Brands Need to Know.