GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a global retail deadline requiring point of sale systems to read 2D barcodes, such as QR codes and GS1 DataMatrix, alongside standard 1D barcodes by December 2027.
It isn’t a government law. It is a coordinated commitment from major retailers worldwide, including in Australia, and it directly affects the barcode scanners businesses rely on.
If your point of sale or warehouse scanners can only read 1D barcodes, now is the time to check whether they support 2D barcode scanning.
What Is GS1 Sunrise 2027?
GS1 Sunrise 2027 was formalised by GS1 US in 2022, working with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Carrefour and Tesco. It set a shared timeline for the retail industry to move toward 2D barcodes.
The initiative has rolled out in phases, starting with education and pilot programs between 2023 and 2025, building up to the full deadline at the end of 2027.
It’s already active in 48 countries, including Australia, since GS1 standards apply globally rather than to a single market.
If you’re not familiar with the difference between the formats involved, our guide to every barcode type explained is a good place to start.
Why Is the Retail Industry Moving to 2D Barcodes?
A 2D barcode such as a QR code or GS1 DataMatrix can hold around 200 times more data than a standard 1D barcode like a UPC or EAN code.
That extra data can include a batch number, expiry date, serial number or a link to detailed product information, not just a price lookup.
This supports better traceability, faster product recalls and richer customer information, all from the one code already printed on the packaging.
For a fuller breakdown of what each format can and can’t do, see our comparison of 1D and 2D barcodes.
Does This Mean 1D Barcodes Are Being Phased Out?
Not immediately. There is no fixed global date for 1D barcodes to disappear from shelves. Most brands are expected to run both formats side by side for some time.
From 2028 onward, manufacturers get to choose whether to print a 1D barcode, a 2D barcode or both, depending on what their retail partners can scan.
In practice, this means the safest position for any business is being able to scan both formats reliably, well before the December 2027 deadline arrives.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
If your scanners can only read 1D barcodes, they will not be able to process 2D codes appearing on more products as suppliers update their packaging.
This affects checkouts, warehouses and stocktaking alike. A scanner that can’t read a 2D code simply won’t register the item at all.
The straightforward fix is upgrading to imaging scanners that read both formats, so you’re covered regardless of which barcode a supplier uses.
How to Prepare for the Sunrise 2027 Deadline
A few practical steps now will save a scramble closer to the deadline, especially once supplier demand for compatible hardware picks up.
- Check whether your current point of sale and warehouse scanners can read 2D barcodes, not just 1D
- Test a sample of 2D coded products through your existing system before the deadline arrives
- Plan hardware upgrades early, since 2027 is a shared industry deadline and demand for scanners will increase closer to it
- Talk to your point of sale or inventory software provider about 2D barcode support
- Train staff on any workflow changes if new scanning hardware is introduced
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a global retail industry deadline for point of sale systems to scan 2D barcodes, such as QR codes and GS1 DataMatrix, alongside standard 1D barcodes by December 2027.
Is GS1 Sunrise 2027 a legal requirement?
No. It is an industry commitment led by GS1 and major retailers, not a government law. There is no fine for non-compliance, though retailers who can’t scan 2D barcodes risk losing product information at checkout.
Will 1D barcodes stop working after 2027?
No. There is no fixed date for 1D barcodes to disappear. From 2028, manufacturers can choose to print 1D, 2D or both, and most products are expected to carry both formats for some time.
What scanners do I need for GS1 Sunrise 2027?
You need an imaging scanner capable of reading 2D formats such as QR codes and GS1 DataMatrix, in addition to standard 1D barcodes like UPC and EAN.
Does GS1 Sunrise 2027 affect businesses in Australia?
Yes. GS1 Sunrise 2027 is active in 48 countries, including Australia, since it follows the same global GS1 barcode standards used here.
Why does 2D barcode data matter for my business?
A 2D barcode can hold around 200 times more data than a 1D barcode, supporting uses such as batch tracking, expiry dates and faster product recalls, not just a price lookup.
Ready to check whether your scanners can handle the shift to 2D barcodes?
Call 1800 431 539 or visit the ASP Microcomputers homepage to talk through your options before the deadline arrives.
