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GS1 Barcode Scanning and Parsing Made Simple
Integrate fast, accurate GS1 barcode recognition into your applications with just a few lines of code.
GS1 barcodes power traceability and supply chain visibility across industries — from healthcare and pharma to retail and logistics. With Dynamsoft’s GS1-ready barcode SDK, you can scan and parse GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix, GS1 QR Code, and more — accurately and at scale. The Dynamsoft Code Parser extracts Application Identifiers (AIs) so you can directly access the encoded data, such as product ID, batch number, and expiration date.
Supported Formats
GS1-128
Linear barcode used widely in logistics and healthcare to encode shipping information, batch numbers, and expiry dates.
GS1 DataMatrix
2D barcode ideal for small medical devices and pharmaceuticals, storing large amounts of data in limited space — even on curved or metal surfaces.
GS1 QR Code
Common in retail packaging, it combines product traceability with consumer engagement.
GS1 DataBar
Compact barcodes optimized for fresh food and retail items, encoding additional data like weight, expiration, or lot number.
Composite Barcodes
Combine a linear and 2D component to encode both supply chain and traceability data in a single symbol.
Scanning GS1 Barcodes with Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK
About Dynamsoft Barcode Reader
Dynamsoft Barcode Reader is a cross-platform barcode SDK available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, and Web. It delivers high-speed, enterprise-grade barcode scanning with AI-powered localization and image enhancement.
Dynamsoft Barcode Reader excels in real-world conditions — such as motion blur, glare, uneven lighting, curved or at distant— making it ideal for healthcare and industrial applications.
Parse GS1 Application Identifiers with Ease
The Dynamsoft Code Parser works hand-in-hand with DBR to support version 23.0 of the GS1 Application Identifier definitions standard. It automatically detects AIs and outputs structured, human-readable data so your application can directly access:
- (01) Product ID (GTIN)
- (10) Batch/Lot number
- (17) Expiration date
- (21) Serial number
- (414) GLN (location code
Streamline Inventory with Batch Barcode Scanning
For operations that handle high volumes of items — from warehouse inventory and manufacturing lines to pharmaceutical packaging — efficiency and accuracy are essential. Dynamsoft Batch Barcode Scanner enables users to capture and decode hundreds of GS1 barcodes in a single scan, dramatically reducing manual effort while increasing accuracy. By automatically reading and parsing GS1 data, it helps ensure traceability, compliance, and data integrity across your supply chain. This makes it ideal for organizations looking to streamline inspection, labeling, and tracking workflows at scale.
Why Choose Dynamsoft Barcode Reader?
Boost Performance with Customized Scan Templates
Security a Top Priority
ISO 27001 and O-TTPS certified to keep your data secure.
Fully Supported Free Trial
No obligation pre-sales support to help you determine feasibility for your business scenario.
FAQ
1, What is a GS1 barcode?
A GS1 barcode is a standardized barcode format defined by the global non-profit organization GS1, designed to encode product, batch, expiry, or other supply-chain data in a consistent way.
2, What types of GS1 barcodes are there?
There are several GS1 barcode types, including:
- GS1-128: A linear barcode commonly used for logistics units, shipping cartons, batch numbers and expiry dates.
- GS1 DataMatrix: A 2D code ideal for small items or curved surfaces, often used in pharmaceutical or medical device packaging.
- GS1 QR Code: A variant of QR Code that conforms to GS1 specifications. It was designed specifically for sharing extended packaging information that enables traceability while supporting consumer-facing features and digital links.
- GS1 DataBar: A family of compact linear and stacked barcodes (including Omnidirectional, Stacked, Expanded, etc.) optimized for labeling small items and retail packaging.
- Composite Barcodes: Combine a linear GS1 barcode with a 2D component to encode primary ID plus supplementary data in one symbol.
3, What’s the difference between a GS1 barcode and a "regular" barcode?
A "regular" barcode typically encodes just a single piece of data such as a product number. In contrast, a GS1 barcode follows the GS1 standard and can include multiple data elements such as GTIN, batch/lot number, expiry date via Application Identifiers (AIs). These barcodes facilitate traceability, supply-chain interoperability, and smarter data capture when used with a mobile scanning SDK or document capture SDK.
4, Where do I get a GS1 barcode?
To generate a GS1 barcode, you first obtain a company prefix from your local GS1 Member Organization. Once registered, you can use certified label creation software or a suitable document capture / barcode SDK platform to generate GS1-compliant barcodes that include your GTIN plus any required batch or expiry data.
5, How are GS1 barcodes unique to each company?
Each company prefix issued by GS1 ensures that the combination of prefix + item code (GTIN) is globally unique. That means no two companies can issue the same GTIN under different identities. When those barcodes are scanned with a barcode reader, the data elements become instantly accessible and trusted across systems and supply chains.
6, Where are GS1 barcodes typically used?
GS1 barcodes are used widely across industries:
- Healthcare & Pharma: For packaging, traceability of vials, devices and medications where GS1 DataMatrix and GS1-128 dominate.
- Retail & Consumer Goods: At point of sale, inventory, and promotional items using GS1 DataBar, GS1 QR Code and GS1 DataMatrix.
- Logistics & Warehousing: For pallets, shipments and returnable containers using GS1-128 or SSCC encoded in GS1 barcodes.
- Manufacturing & Parts: For serialized items, components, packaging with batch/lot/expiry encoded into GS1 codes.