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GS1 Sunrise 2027: Is Your Barcode Scanning Software Ready?
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a retail industry initiative to ensure all point-of-sale systems can scan and process both 2D and traditional UPC/EAN barcodes by the end of 2027. GS1 US leads this effort domestically, while GS1 pursues the same goal globally under Ambition 2027. At a minimum, retail POS systems must transmit the GTIN from any GS1-compliant barcode.
GS1 defines retail POS to include self-checkout and mobile devices on the sales floor. As a result, Sunrise 2027 applies to camera-based and browser-based scanning software, not just dedicated scanners.
Key Takeaways
- GS1 Sunrise 2027 sets the industry goal for all retail POS systems to scan and process 2D barcodes, as well as UPC and EAN barcodes, by the end of 2027.
- GS1 Sunrise 2027 includes three 2D barcodes: GS1 DataMatrix, Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link URI syntax, and QR Code with GS1 Digital Link URI syntax.
- Mode 1, which transmits only the first GTIN found, is GS1’s minimum requirement for Ambition 2027. However, to be considered fully 2D-capable, scanners must allow retailers to select any of the three transmission modes.
- Browser-based scanning software can decode barcodes locally without uploading camera frames. Browsers only allow camera access over HTTPS.
What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a major industry milestone that requires retail POS systems to accept 2D barcodes by the end of 2027. According to GS1 US, the minimum requirement is to process the GTIN. GS1 states that adopting 2D barcodes is voluntary and that products must retain a linear barcode until 90% of POS systems can capture the GTIN from the 2D code.
Which 2D barcodes are in scope for Sunrise 2027?
The 2D barcodes in scope are GS1 DataMatrix, Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link URI syntax, and QR Code with GS1 Digital Link URI syntax (marketed as ‘QR Code powered by GS1’). GS1 Digital Link encodes the GTIN and additional data, such as batch or expiry date, as a URL.
Why are retailers moving from UPC to 2D barcodes?
EAN/UPC barcodes contain only the GTIN. GS1 notes that the extra data in 2D barcodes helps prevent sales of expired products and improves product recall targeting.
Why isn’t a basic QR or 1D scanner sufficient for Sunrise 2027?
A basic QR or 1D scanner is not sufficient because GS1 requires scanning software to recognize GS1 data syntax, not just decode the symbol. GS1 recommends scanners convert GS1 Digital Link URIs into GS1 element strings, as adding URI syntax to thousands of POS host systems is challenging.
What problems did GS1 US retailer testing find?
Early GS1 US retailer testing found issues with image scanners (2D setting off), 2D-enabled scanners needing GS1 Digital Link updates, and challenges processing data such as expiry dates. GS1 also notes that reversed-reflectance codes may require a reverse video setting and that duplicate GTINs should be processed only once.
What does GS1 require of 2D-ready scanning software?
Mode 1 is the minimum requirement for Ambition 2027. To meet GS1’s 2D-capable readiness criteria, POS scanning software must decode all GS1 retail barcodes, convert GS1 Digital Link URIs to GS1 element strings, support all three transmission modes, and respond within GS1’s time limits: under 300 ms for high-speed bioptic scanners and under 500 ms for presentation and activated handheld devices.
Which barcodes must 2D-ready software read?
The software must read EAN/UPC, GS1 DataBar, and all three retail 2D barcodes in both dark-on-light and light-on-dark formats, and be configurable to ignore non-GS1 codes.
What are GS1 transmission modes 1, 2, and 3?
Mode 1 transmits the first GTIN found with a single beep or visual signal. Mode 2 prioritizes the 2D barcode and transmits the GTIN plus additional data as a GS1 element string. Mode 3 transmits all GS1 barcodes on the package with a common 8-digit label ID. These timing limits apply to every mode, Results must be delivered within 300 ms on bioptic scanners and 500 ms on handheld devices, and retailers must be able to select what is transmitted.
How should you assess barcode scanning software for Sunrise 2027?
Assess barcode scanning software for Sunrise 2027 by reviewing GS1 symbology coverage, data handling, real-world decoding, platform compatibility, and security. Run GS1’s 35-test 2D Barcodes in Retail test suite on every device, since scanner capabilities may differ within the same store.
What security and licensing questions should you ask?
For security, select software that decodes camera frames locally, operates over HTTPS, and supports self-hosting. Confirm licensing terms and whether it requires a network connection.
How does Dynamsoft Barcode Reader support GS1 Sunrise 2027?
Dynamsoft Barcode Reader provides decoding and GS1 parsing capabilities for camera-based scanning applications. Your application must implement the GS1 transmission modes.
Which barcode symbologies does Dynamsoft Barcode Reader support?
- Dynamsoft Barcode Reader supports EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, GS1 DataBar, QR Code, and Data Matrix, covering all barcode types within the GS1 retail POS scope.
Real-world decoding: Reversed reflectance
- Inverted decoding is disabled by default. Enable it by adding GTM_INVERTED to GrayscaleTransformationModes.
GS1 data
Dynamsoft Code Parser supports GS1 Application Identifier definitions version 24.0. The documentation does not list a GS1 Digital Link parser, so you will need to use a library such as GS1’s open-source Barcode Syntax Resource to convert Digital Link URIs.
Platforms
- SDKs are available for web (Chrome 78+, Firefox 68+, Edge 79+, Safari 14.5+), native iOS and Android (with React Native, Flutter, and .NET MAUI samples), as well as C, C++, .NET, Python, and Java for desktop and server applications.
Security
- The JavaScript edition runs entirely client-side via WebAssembly. The SDK requires HTTPS, supports self-hosting, and offers both offline licensing and an online license server. Dynamsoft is ISO 27001 certified and holds a self-assessed O-TTPS certification.
You can scan GS1’s printed test barcodes using Dynamsoft’s GS1 read-and-parse demo or download the 30-day free trial to test on your devices.
Summary: what Sunrise 2027-ready scanning software must do
Barcode scanning software can support GS1 Sunrise 2027 by decoding all three GS1 retail 2D barcodes in both standard and reversed reflectance, converting GS1 Digital Link URIs to element strings, and transmitting at least the GTIN within GS1’s time limits. If you are planning a checkout, scan-and-go, or store associate application, please contact a Dynamsoft barcode expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GS1 Sunrise 2027 mandatory?
GS1 does not mandate Sunrise 2027. The move to 2D barcodes is voluntary. GS1 US states that trading partner requirements will determine when dual marking (with a linear barcode) will no longer be required.
Will UPC barcodes be retired in 2027?
UPC barcodes will not be retired in 2027. GS1 has stated that linear barcodes will continue to be used alongside 2D barcodes as long as needed.
Are camera-based scanning apps covered by Sunrise 2027?
GS1 includes camera-based scanning apps in its definition of retail POS, and its test suite includes consumer scan-and-go apps. These apps should be tested to the same criteria.
Does browser-based barcode scanning upload images to the cloud?
Browser-based barcode scanning does not necessarily send images to the cloud. Dynamsoft states that its JavaScript edition decodes entirely on the client side via WebAssembly.
Does the Dynamsoft Barcode Reader automatically convert GS1 Digital Link URIs?
Dynamsoft’s documentation doesn’t list automatic GS1 Digital Link conversion. The SDK returns the full URI, and it’s up to your application to convert that to a GS1 element string.