Get a GS1 2D code for your product

Just like the EAN barcode, the core of the GS1 2D code is the product’s unique GTIN. To generate it, you need a GS1 Company Prefix, which is used to create all GS1 identifiers. If your company already has a GS1 Company Prefix, for example for EAN barcodes, you do not need to obtain a separate one for GS1 2D codes, and their implementation will not incur any additional costs from GS1.

If your product does not yet have a GTIN or an EAN barcode, first review the guide “Get a EAN barcode for your product”. With a GS1 Company Prefix, you gain access to the GS1 Rekisteri, where you can create and manage your GTIN and the EAN barcodes generated from them. An annual fee is charged for the GS1 Company Prefix.

In addition to the product’s unique GTIN, the GS1 2D code always includes a web link. You can start using the GS1 2D code simply by including only the GTIN and a link to the product’s current website or campaign page. In the future, you can enhance consumer communication by adding more extensive content behind the web link. In such cases, you can pre-print the GS1 2D code on the packaging, just as you currently do with the EAN barcode.

You can also add information such as a batch or serial number, as well as a best-by or expiration date, to the GS1 2D code. The GS1 2D code should be printed on the packaging when that information is generated for the product, for example, on the production or packaging line.

Although the standard allows for a vast amount of different information to be included in the code, it is advisable to limit the data content strictly according to business needs. This is because the amount of data in a GS1 2D code affects the code’s physical size.

The GS1 2D code differs from a normal QR code in that its data content complies with the GS1 Digital Link standard. Among other things, this standard defines the order of the data elements to be included in the GS1 2D code. In addition, GS1 application identifiers are used in the data content so that various systems and applications that read and interpret the code can utilize the information.

When creating a standard QR code, make sure it exactly matches the data content and structure you want. Free barcode and QR code generators, in particular, may add, remove, or modify the data you specify, resulting in codes that are incorrect and do not function in the supply chain. Therefore, we recommend using only official barcode software to generate GS1 2D codes.

When placing a GS1 2D code on packaging, it is important to consider different scanning scenarios. During the transition period, when packaging features both a GS1 2D code and an EAN barcode, they should be placed close to each other to ensure smooth checkout scanning. For consumer communication, however, the GS1 2D code should be placed in a location where it is easy to scan with a smartphone.