What is a GS1 QR code?
A GS1 QR code holds product information in the format set by GS1, the organisation behind retail barcodes. Instead of free text, it carries structured data such as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), batch or lot number, serial number and expiry date. Retail, logistics, healthcare and manufacturing systems can read it the same way all over the world.
We offer two kinds of GS1 code:
- GS1 QR code (static): the product data is written straight into the code. Free, no account needed, and it never changes.
- GS1 Digital Link (dynamic): the same product data written as a web address, so one code works as a barcode at the till and as a link on a shopper's phone. You can track it and change where it goes.
What is GS1 Digital Link?
GS1 Digital Link is the GS1 standard that puts product identifiers inside a URL, for example yourdomain.com/01/09506000134352/10/LOT42/21/SN001. In that address 01 is the GTIN, 10 the batch or lot, 21 the serial number and 17 the expiry date. Newer checkout scanners read the product data from it, and a phone camera simply opens the link. It is the code retailers are moving to as they replace one-dimensional barcodes with 2D codes on packaging.
Why choose a dynamic GS1 Digital Link code
- Change it after printing: send shoppers to a new product page, campaign or recall notice without reprinting a single box
- Every scan is counted: see when, where and on which device your packaging was scanned
- One code per batch or serial: point a recalled batch to a recall page while every other batch goes to the normal product page
- Smart redirects: route scans by country, language or device, and add UTM tags or retargeting pixels
- Your own domain: the printed address can use your brand's domain instead of ours
- Checked before you print: we validate the GTIN check digit so you never print a code with a typo
Real-life applications
- Retail: point-of-sale scanning plus a product page for shoppers from the same code
- Food & beverage: ingredients, allergens and origin, with batch-level recall pages
- Pharmaceuticals: batch and expiry tracking, leaflets and authenticity checks
- Cosmetics: usage instructions, ingredient lists and refill offers
- Electronics and manufacturing: manuals, warranty registration and serial-level support
- Logistics: shipping, receiving and warehouse operations
How to create a GS1 code
- Get your GTIN: you need a GS1 Company Prefix from your national GS1 organisation for commercial products
- Pick the type: GS1 for a free static code, or GS1 Digital Link in your dashboard for a dynamic, tracked code
- Enter the product data: GTIN, plus batch, serial number and expiry date if you use them, and for Digital Link the page shoppers should land on
- Style and download: export as SVG or PDF for sharp printing on packaging and labels
- Test it: scan it with a phone and, if you can, with your retail scanner before the print run
GS1 Digital Link is available on the Scale and Enterprise plans. Static GS1 codes are free.