What is GS1 Digital Link and why does it matter in 2027?

GS1 Digital Link is a standard 2D barcode that carries both a product identifier and a web link, so one code serves the shopper (via smartphone) and the supply chain (via scanner). It matters in 2027 because major retailers are sunsetting 1D barcodes at POS in favor of 2D, so coders must already print compliant QR/DataMatrix.

Buying a 600 DPI, GS1-ready coder now avoids a forced upgrade when the mandate lands.

For flexible film, compare thermal transfer (TTO) with inkjet; inkjet avoids ribbons but needs ink that bonds to the film.

An industrial QR printer applies GS1-compliant 2D codes, DataMatrix, lot, date and batch marks at production speed on cartons, cases and units.

Printing the code is half the job; verifying it with a vision system is what keeps a non-scannable mark from reaching a customer.

Key points:

• Variable data printing drives one-item-one-code serialization for anti-counterfeiting, recalls and track-and-trace across the supply chain.
• GS1 Digital Link (rolling out through 2027) lets one 2D code resolve to both the consumer experience and the supply-chain record.
• Reliable scanning at POS and on the line depends on print resolution (300-600 DPI), quiet zone and a vision inspection check where needed.

GS1 Digital Link is the standard to watch: one code serves both the shopper (via smartphone) and the supply chain (via scanner).

SHICAI (Shanghai Shicai Inkjet Technology Co., Ltd.) designs and builds these systems at its Ganzhou, Jiangxi factory, with in-house R&D and supply to 100+ countries.

Related: Can industrial printers print GS1-compliant 2D barcodes? · What is the UK retail 2D barcode sunset (2027) and its impact?

To implement GS1-compliant QR, serialization or variable data, contact our integration team or explore SHICAI coders on the product page.

Reviewed by the SHICAI engineering team.