GS1 Leading Global Shift to QR Codes Standards

Since 1974, GS1 has been instrumental in promoting collaboration between retailers and manufacturers, leading to the widespread adoption of barcodes. Today, barcodes are a universal standard for product identification, with over 1 billion items using them, scanned more than 10 billion times daily, improving supply chain efficiencies globally.

Now, the shift to QR Codes with GS1 standards is gaining momentum, offering consumers easy access to detailed product information like usage instructions, safety guidelines, and nutritional details. This transition is seen as a game-changer in retail, enhancing product traceability and revolutionizing the shopping experience.

Companies are encouraged to embrace QR Codes with GS1 standards to provide customers with comprehensive product information through a simple smartphone scan, empowering them to make informed purchasing decisions. This shift is expected to create new opportunities in retail and enhance traceability in the supply chain.

The adoption of QR Codes with GS1 standards is a collaborative effort to advance global standards for efficiency, safety, and sustainability in retail and consumer goods industries. By 2027, widespread implementation of QR Codes with GS1 standards is anticipated, requiring manufacturers to include these barcodes on product packaging and retailers to ensure compatibility with their POS scanners.

Supported by leading companies with a combined market value exceeding $1.5 trillion USD, operating in over 160 countries and reaching billions of consumers worldwide, the transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards is already underway in 48 countries, representing 88% of the world's GDP.

Industry giants like Alibaba.com, Carrefour, L'Oréal, and Nestlé have endorsed this initiative, aiming to drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability through QR Codes with GS1 standards, reshaping the retail landscape for the better.

GS1, a neutral, not-for-profit organization, is a global leader in providing standards for efficient business communication. With a presence in 118 countries and over 2 million user companies, GS1 standards play a vital role in enhancing supply chain visibility and efficiency across various sectors.

GS1 Hong Kong, the local chapter of GS1, supports nearly 8,000 corporate members across different industries, empowering businesses in their digital transformation journey. Through fostering collaboration among trading partners, industry organizations, and technology providers, GS1 aims to create a smarter business ecosystem for a brighter future.