What is the UK retail 2D barcode sunset (2027) and its impact?

The UK (and wider GS1) retail sunset means traditional 1D barcodes stop being the POS standard in favor of 2D barcodes (QR/DataMatrix) by 2027, so products must carry a scannable 2D code at checkout. Coders bought now should print GS1-compliant 2D at 600 DPI, or you will need to retrofit before the deadline.

It is not just the UK – multiple markets are moving to 2D, so 600 DPI GS1 readiness is globally relevant.

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

Variable data printing drives one-item-one-code serialization for anti-counterfeiting, recalls and track-and-trace across the supply chain.

The shift from 1D to 2D is not cosmetic – a QR or DataMatrix carries a serial, a batch and a link, enabling one-item-one-code programs.

Key points:

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

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

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: What is GS1 Digital Link and why does it matter in 2027? · Can industrial printers print GS1-compliant 2D barcodes?

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.