Standardized solution for digital product marking
GS1 Digital Link
Until now, EAN-13 barcodes have been used as checkout codes in retail and logistics. However, due to their very limited data capacity and growing connectivity, they are simply no longer up to date. Manufacturers are increasingly expected to provide product information in a simple and accessible way. Be it for consumers who want to know more about a specific product or for wholesalers and retailers who want to optimize their efficiency by having access to accurate product data and supply chain information.
A standardized solution for digital product marking developed by the GS1 organization combines existing GS1 standards with a new universal code – the GS1 Digital Link. With the new GS1 Digital Link standard, GS1 identifiers – such as the GTIN – are linked to the Internet. With this new standard, different information about a product can be made available flexibly via a single link. This means that the information can be adapted at any time without having to renew the data carrier, such as the QR code, and its content.
Existing GS1 identifiers, such as the GTIN, remain valid and are embedded in a standard-compliant URL of the brand owner.
Since 2021, the GS1 2D DataMatrix, the QR code with GS1 Digital Link and the DataMatrix code with GS1 Digital Link have been approved as checkout codes at the point of sale. Migration to GS1 Digital Link can be carried out without major changes to existing systems and processes. The aim is to achieve a worldwide migration to 2D cash register codes by 2027.




