Image: GS1 Switzerland

Despite the tempest in a teacup surrounding the alleged "abolition" of the EAN barcode (which will remain available), GS1 Switzerland is promoting the qualities of the 2D code, which is slated for widespread availability from 2027, as crucial for future supply chains. Coop recently signed a letter of intent.

 GS1-supported 2D codes, such as the GS1 DataMatrix, can contain information beyond the GS1 Trademark Number (GTIN) as well as details like expiration dates, batch numbers, or serial numbers. In contrast, EAN/UPC barcodes can only encode the GTIN. Thanks to GS1 Digital Link, it's also possible to provide consumers with internet links to ingredients and allergens, product images and videos, and other information that was previously often difficult to find in small print.

New 2D code

Another advantage: The 2D data carriers require only a third of the space occupied by the barcode. Emmi already supplies selected products to Coop that only bear the GS1 DataMatrix printed on them. The GS1 DataMatrix encodes the GS1 article number (GTIN), the net weight, the price, the best-before date, and the batch number. The EAN-13 barcode contains only the GS1 article number.

According to GS1 Switzerland, the companies Emmi, Feldschlösschen, Migros, Ospelt, Spar, Volg, and Wander have already committed to using the new options. GS1 Switzerland anticipates that the currently approved and proven symbologies EAN/UPC and GS1 DataBar will likely remain in use for a considerable time. For the use of additional data at the point of sale, the GS1 DataMatrix code is the obvious choice, as it supports the Application Identifier Standard (AI Standard) and thus enables, for example, the encryption of traceability data on a consumer unit. 

Previously standard EAN barcode

 Thanks to the migration from the EAN-13 barcode to the GS1 DataMatrix, the internal GS1 article numbers (Restricted Circulation Number, RCN) could be replaced by GTINs in the future. In practice, the RCN would still be used in the EAN-13 code, but the newly assigned GTIN would already be used in the GS1 DataMatrix.

The general approval of GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code as primary GS1 data carriers for consumer retail units, in addition to the already approved symbologies EAN/UPC and GS1 DataBar, is said to "likely take years".

GS1 Global has adopted and published a position paper on the processing of symbologies such as GS1 2D data carriers at the point of sale. The question is not whether GS1 2D data carriers will be approved for unrestricted use at retail point of sale, but when.

Comparison of the systems. All images: GS1 Switzerland

The GS1 Digital Link standard will enable further applications in the future that go beyond the traditional use of GS1 barcodes in the supply chain. Its structure follows valid and generally available web standards and should therefore be directly interpretable by web browsers without conversion.

Inevitably, various adjustments and bilateral agreements within the supply chain are necessary to ensure that the implementation runs as smoothly as possible.

This article uses explanations and details from the GS1 Switzerland application recommendation and a freely accessible GS1 webinar  on

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 www.gs1.ch