​​What Are GS1 DataBar Barcodes?​

​The GS1 Sunrise 2027 global initiative is driving a broader transition — replacing traditional 1D barcodes with 2D barcodes like Data Matrix and QR codes across retail and supply chain environments. Understanding both 1D and 2D GS1 barcodes, and when each applies to your operation, is critical to planning a compliant and efficient labeling strategy.

​​GS1 DataBar Expanded barcodes give retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers the power to capture more detailed product information, streamlining inventory, tracking, and supermarket coupon processing. An evolution of the GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional, it goes beyond the 14-character limit by using Application Identifiers, enabling encoding of extra data such as expiration date, weight, and batch number. They can also be stacked or combined in composite barcodes, allowing a single label to carry all essential product and logistic information. For applications requiring even greater data capacity – including serialization, digital links, and full traceability data – 2D GS1 codes such as Data Matrix can encode up to 4,296 characters in a compact format compatible with the GS1 Sunrise 2027 standard.

​Specifications: The structure of the GS1 DataBar Expanded barcode is similar to that of the Omnidirectional:

• ​Left guard character – Marks the beginning of the barcode.
• Encoded data – Includes several digits, with the ability to store extra data characters compared to the Omnidirectional.
• ​Finder patterns – Placed throughout the code for scanning accuracy.
• ​Check digit – Located at the front of the barcode for immediate verification.
• ​Right guard character – Marks the end of the barcode.

Advantages: The GS1 DataBar Expanded barcode not only holds more data than the Omnidirectional, it can also be stacked to communicate even more information.  

​Disadvantages: The added capacity makes the barcode longer than the Omnidirectional, reducing its appeal for use in small spaces. While it supports both letters and numbers, it can’t encode symbols, punctuation, or other special characters.

​Encoding Type: Partial alphanumeric ▪ Format: Multi-width ▪ Check digit: Required

​Typical usage:  Retail, supermarket coupons​ 

​​GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional barcodes are compact, high-density codes designed to hold the 14-digit GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), providing universal product identification across databases and organizations. Smaller than standard UPC-A and EAN-13 retail barcodes of the United States and Europe, they are ideal for small items like produce, packaged snacks, or similar products. They can also be stacked or combined with other codes to create composite codes, and, true to their name, can be scanned accurately in any direction.  

​Specifications:  

• ​Left guard character – Marks the beginning of the barcode.
• Encoded data – Divided into four sections.
• Finder patterns – Left and right patterns for scanning accuracy.
• Right guard character – Marks the end of the barcode.
• Stacked option – Can be stacked to encode more consecutive data. 

​Advantages: The GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional condenses more information into a smaller space and can be stacked to communicate even more. It supports omnidirectional scanning, includes a check digit for accuracy, and is alphanumeric, accommodating both letters and numbers.

​Disadvantages: The GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional doesn’t support special characters or symbols. While it can be stacked, a single barcode holds only up to 14 characters, so encoding larger amounts of data can become bulky despite its compact design. 

Encoding type: Partial alphanumeric ▪ Format: Multi-width ▪ Check digit: Required

​Typical usage: Retail, supermarket coupons​ 

The GS1 Sunrise 2027 global initiative aims to replace traditional 1D barcodes, such as EAN and UPC, with 2D barcodes like Data Matrix and QR codes by the end of 2027. This change will improve product information storage, scanning accuracy, and supply chain logistics. However, it will also require manufacturers to re-evaluate their current coding, labeling, and inspection processes.

Compared to 1D GS1 codes that encode up to 48 alphanumeric characters, 2D codes like Data Matrix and QR codes have significantly greater capacity,  up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters. Manufacturers can enhance 2D codes to include information beyond the GTIN and basic product details, such as: 

• Lot codes and expiration dates to improve traceability, inventory management, and recall efficiency
• Serialization data for item-level tracking
• Embedded links to webpages featuring nutritional details, recipes, user manuals, or coupons — enabling consumer engagement through GS1 Digital Link 

• 

What is GS1 Digital Link?

GS1 Digital Link is a standard that enables 2D barcodes to connect products to online information. This technology gives manufacturers more space and flexibility to keep consumers and supply chain partners informed, all from a single scannable code. Uses include: 

• Manufacturers: Tracking codes to provide insights into regional consumption patterns or marketing campaigns
• Supply chain partners: Real-time access to recall information, expiration dates, lot and date codes, and counterfeit alerts
• Consumers: Access to detailed product information, ingredient sources, recipes, and promotional offers directly from their smartphone