New generation barcodes to go live from 2027: GS1

GS1 introduces next-gen QR codes in 2027 for transparency, traceability, and consumer protection, with India's rollout dependent on manufacturers.

The next-generation QR Codes will be introduced by GS1, a global standards organisation, from 2027 to bring in more transparency, traceability and to protect consumer interest.

Currently being tested in three countries, including in Australia, the QR codes will be rolled out in India depending on the preparedness of manufacturers who have to incorporate the new generation barcodes in their products, said top GS1 executives.

S. Swaminathan, CEO, GS1 India said, “As far as India is concerned, 2027 is an ambition and we invite both retailers and manufacturers to reach that. That’s their decision at the end.”

“What we do is for retail, we will have a period where you will find on the package both the traditional lineal barcode and the QR code. So, it will ensure that for a certain period of time, even if the retailer hasn’t upgraded the point of sale, you can sell but you will also get the benefit of the QR code with more information at the same time,” he said.

“And then later on, when in a given country, the vast majority of the retailers will have the capability to scan the QR code, then manufacturers will be able to put only one. But it will depend from one country to the other on how advanced the retailers are,” he added.

Considering the level of digitisation in India and the country’s economic stature as it would soon be the world’s third largest economy, this is for the first time GS1 is holding its General Assembly in India which will have participation from all member countries.

Renaud de Barbuat, President and CEO, GS1 said, “For GS1 India is one of the most important countries for us. And the fact that India will become the third-largest economy pretty soon in the world is an indication of how important it is. And I would say that the GS1 India is one of the fastest growing local organizations.”