The Global Standard for Connected Products
With GS1's Sunrise 2027 deadline approaching, the global transition from traditional barcodes to QR codes is accelerating. As an official GS1 partner, we help your customers adopt fully compliant Digital Link QR codes — unlocking immediate operational benefits while ensuring readiness before mandates tighten.
Sunrise 2027
GS1's global Sunrise 2027 initiative requires retail point-of-sale systems worldwide to accept 2D barcodes — including QR codes — alongside traditional 1D barcodes by the end of 2027.
This isn't a recommendation — it's the industry-wide transition. Major retailers are already upgrading their scanning infrastructure. Brands that adopt GS1 Digital Link QR codes now gain immediate operational benefits while ensuring compliance ahead of the deadline.
Regulatory Timeline & Key Milestones
GS1 Sunrise 2027
Global retail POS systems must accept 2D barcodes (QR codes) alongside traditional 1D barcodes.
EU Digital Product Passport
Mandatory digital product information for textiles, batteries, and electronics — delivered via QR code.
FDA UDI Compliance
Unique Device Identification requirements for medical devices, increasingly requiring 2D data carriers.
Retailer Readiness
Major retailers worldwide are already upgrading POS scanners and systems to read 2D codes at checkout.
Why Act Now?
The compliance deadline is the catalyst, but the benefits are immediate. Here's what early adoption unlocks for your customers today.
Operational Benefits
Batch tracking, targeted recalls, and full supply chain visibility from a single scan — benefits you unlock today, not in 2027.
Consumer Engagement
Product information, promotions, sustainability data, and brand experiences — all accessible from the same QR code on pack.
Future Compliance
Adopt GS1 Digital Link now and avoid last-minute scrambles. Be fully compliant before mandates tighten across markets.
Competitive Advantage
Early adopters differentiate their packaging offering. Position your print services as forward-thinking and compliance-ready.
Four Pillars of GS1 Digital Link
One QR code standard that serves retail, supply chain, regulatory, and consumer needs simultaneously.
Retail Point-of-Sale
With Sunrise 2027, retail POS systems worldwide must accept QR codes at checkout. One code that replaces traditional barcodes and doubles as a consumer engagement tool.
Supply Chain Visibility
Track products through the entire journey from factory to consumer. Full traceability with batch and serial-level granularity.
Regulatory Compliance
Meet Sunrise 2027, EU Digital Product Passport, FDA UDI, and other emerging requirements with a single, standards-compliant identifier.
Consumer Engagement
Rich product information, promotions, sustainability data, and brand experiences — all accessed from one scan.
Partner Benefits
As a SmartLinks print partner, you get full access to our GS1-compliant infrastructure, training, and ongoing support to deliver best-in-class connected packaging.
- Sunrise 2027 readiness support
- Access to GS1-compliant URL structures
- Automatic resolver handling
- GTIN, batch, and serial support
- Training and certification
- White-label options available
- Dedicated partner support