Ensure Compliance with GS1 2D Digital Link Testing

As the retail and other industries prepare for the upcoming Sunrise 2027 initiative, companies must adapt to the new GS1 2D Digital Link barcode standards. To support this transition, Identification Labs, a leader in barcode quality assurance, now offers 2D Digital Link Testing and Certification Services. This essential service ensures your barcodes are compliant, functional, and future-ready, allowing you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry and, more importantly, provide greater value to your customers.

What Is GS1 2D Digital Link?

The GS1 2D Digital Link standard marks a significant evolution in how products are identified. Unlike traditional UPC barcodes, these new QR codes encode much more than just a product’s identifier. Each 2D Digital Link barcode contains:

• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number): The product identifier already encoded within a UPC.
• Destination Web Address: A link to digital product details, marketing materials, or regulatory information. Server-side coding enables mobile scanning to directed brand controlled web content.
• Optional Traceability Data: Includes batch numbers, expiration dates, and other critical supply chain details.

This multi-functional design connects physical products to the digital world, providing enhanced consumer engagement, supply chain visibility, and operational efficiency. However, implementing these QR codes comes with technical challenges that demand careful evaluation and compliance testing.

Why 2D Digital Link Testing Is Essential

As businesses transition to GS1 2D Digital Link barcodes, adhering to compliance standards is critical. Until retailers’ scanners are fully upgraded to support these QR codes, products must display both a traditional UPC barcode and the new GS1 2D Digital Link barcode. To prevent scanning errors, GS1 has set guidelines that ensure:

• Correct Placement: The 2D QR code and UPC barcode must maintain a specific distance to avoid interference during scanning. The last thing any retailer would like to experience is a reduction in first read-rates for their point-of-sale scanners. GS1 did extensive testing to create guidelines for sizing and spacing so that barcode scanning at checkout will not be impacted by this new change.
• Accurate Syntax: The QR code’s data string must adhere to the GS1 Digital Link syntax requirements. The QR codes MUST be formatted to the GS1 Digital Link schema to function both at POS and on consumers’ mobile devices.
• Server-side Redirection: A critical component to the GS1 Digital Link is the website redirection function called a “resolver”. The domain included in the QR code data must have a resolver integrated so that a brand designated url can correctly be reached.
• Reliable Scannability: Barcodes must meet ISO/ANSI print quality standards to ensure first-read accuracy.

Neglecting these requirements can result in product rejections, checkout delays, and damaged customer trust. Unless the Digital Link QR Code is correctly formatted, there will be adverse impact on scanning and mobile scanning.

Our Comprehensive 2D Digital Link Testing Services

At Identification Labs, we are committed to helping businesses transition seamlessly to the GS1 2D Digital Link standard. Our new testing service offers a holistic evaluation to ensure your barcodes meet all technical and compliance requirements. Here’s what our service includes:

1. Data Validation

We verify that the encoded data in your 2D QR codes aligns with GS1 standards. This includes checking the GTIN, web address, and any optional traceability data.

2. Syntax Compliance

Our experts ensure your QR codes follow the precise GS1 Digital Link syntax, which is essential for compatibility with both current and future scanning systems.

3. Web Address Verification

We validate the destination web address encoded in your QR code, ensuring it is functional and correctly linked to the intended digital content.

4. ISO/ANSI Print Quality Testing

We perform detailed print quality evaluations of both the 2D Digital Link QR code and traditional UPC barcode to ensure they meet ISO/ANSI standards for scannability.

5. Placement and Distance Analysis

We assess the positioning of your QR codes and UPC barcodes to confirm they comply with GS1 spacing guidelines, minimizing any impact on first-read rates at retail checkouts.

Whether you’re introducing new products or transitioning existing ones, our service ensures your barcodes meet both current requirements and future expectations.

Who Needs This Service?

• Retailers: Validate suppliers’ barcodes to avoid disruptions during implementation.
• Manufacturers and Suppliers: Ensure your products meet GS1 compliance standards before distribution.
• Commercial Printers: Companies providing packaging and labels for retail suppliers.
• 3rd Party Software & EDI Companies: Solution providers need to be assured they can satisfying the new requirements.

Benefits of Choosing Identification Labs

1. Industry Expertise

With decades of experience in barcode quality assurance and GS1 compliance, we are trusted by leading U.S. retailers and manufacturers. Since the 1990’s, we have been the largest barcode testing center in North America.

2. Unbiased Testing Laboratory

Testing devices and software are all GS1 certified equipment and calibrated daily to NIST and ISO standards. Furthermore, Bar Code Graphics, Inc. and related divisions do not sell or promote barcode verification equipment.

3. Comprehensive Reporting

Every evaluation includes a detailed report covering data validation, syntax compliance, print quality, and placement analysis, giving you actionable feedback.

Start Your 2D Digital Link Testing Today

Don’t risk non-compliance or operational disruptions. With our 2D Digital Link Testing Service, you can ensure your barcodes meet GS1 standards and are ready for the future of retail.

Visit our product page to learn more about our service: 2D Barcode Digital Link Evaluation, or contact our team today to get started.

Stay compliant, enhance your supply chain, and prepare for the future with Identification Labs. Let us help you make the transition to GS1 2D Digital Link seamless and successful. Companies requiring additional information can call us at 800-662-0701 or email support@barcode.graphics. Retailers interested in establishing supplier onboarding and certification programs should email averb@barcode.graphics.