GS1 Sunrise 2027: What It Means for Your UPC Labels, Printers and Scanners

What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?

Sunrise 2027 is a retail industry transition from 1D UPC barcodes to 2D barcodes such as QR codes, so that point-of-sale systems can read and process 2D codes. The goal is that by the end of 2027, retail checkout scanning can read the product's GTIN from both existing linear barcodes and 2D barcodes. GS1 describes it as a milestone, not a cutoff: businesses do not need every 2D capability in place by that date, and GS1 US recommends a "crawl, walk, run" approach.

Is Sunrise 2027 a mandate?

No. It is an industry goal set through GS1, not a government regulation. Some retailers may ask suppliers for 2D codes on their own timeline. Check your vendor guide, and confirm requirements with your retailer and GS1 US.

Do 1D UPC barcodes stop working?

No. GS1 US says U.P.C. barcodes will continue to be accepted and scanned after the 2027 sunrise date. Linear barcodes and 2D barcodes are expected to coexist for as long as there are uses for them. During the transition, products carry both: the UPC stays, and a 2D code is added beside it. This is called dual marking.

What is a GS1 Digital Link QR code?

A GS1 Digital Link QR code carries the product's GTIN inside a GS1 standard web address. One code can ring up at checkout and also open product information on a shopper's phone. A plain marketing QR code that only holds a website link is different: it will not ring up the product at the register. If you already print QR codes on packaging, make sure they follow GS1 Digital Link and include your GTIN.

GS1 DataMatrix vs QR code: which one do I need?

GS1 accepts GS1 DataMatrix, QR Code with GS1 Digital Link, and Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link at retail point of sale.

QR codes are the format most consumer phone cameras open. GS1 DataMatrix has been the healthcare 2D barcode of choice since the early 2000s (see DSCSA product identifier labels). Pick based on who needs to scan it, and ask your retailer which they prefer.

Do I need new printers, labels or scanners?

• Scanners (retailers and stores): stores need Sunrise-capable scanners that read 2D codes and pull out the GTIN. That takes software upgrades, and may take new equipment if the checkout scanner is not already an imager (camera) scanner. GS1 keeps a scanner readiness table.
• Printers and labels (brands): many thermal label printers already print 2D barcodes. CIS can check yours. Most of the work is in label layout and data. See label printing methods and thermal transfer ribbons.
• Data: the GTIN in the 2D code must match your UPC. Batch, lot or expiration data can be added later. See pre-printed serialization.
• Testing: GS1 US offers a 2D test suite of sample barcodes to check scanning.

A simple crawl, walk, run plan

• Crawl: add a 2D code to your existing packaging next to the UPC, and make sure any QR codes you already use follow GS1 Digital Link and carry your GTIN.
• Walk: add more data to the 2D code, such as variants and production or expiration dates.
• Run: use that data across your operation as your retailers' systems are ready for it.

Sunrise 2027 is not your GS1-128 shipping label

Sunrise 2027 is about the barcode the cashier scans. Your GS1-128 shipping labels are a separate requirement. For case and pallet labels, read understanding GS1-128 labels, GS1-128 label verification and the GS1-128 chargeback challenge.

How CIS helps

CIS prints GS1 2D barcodes, QR or DataMatrix, on labels alongside your existing UPC, and serves customers nationwide. Send us your GTIN and Digital Link URL, and we will print it. Need the UPC too? See our UPC label rolls.

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