Glossary

GS1 Digital Link & 2D Barcode Glossary

Ten terms that come up in every 2D barcode and Digital Product Passport conversation. Each one linked to a deeper explainer.

GS1 Digital Link Web URI syntax that wraps a GTIN inside a real URL
The published GS1 specification that lets a 2D barcode on pack carry both retail point-of-sale identity and a real consumer-facing URL. Format: https://<host>/01/<gtin>
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GTIN Global Trade Item Number
The universal product identifier GS1 allocates so retailers can scan items at point-of-sale anywhere in the world. Comes in four lengths: GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14.
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Mod-10 check digit Self-validation digit at the end of a GTIN
Algorithm that protects GTINs from single-digit transcription errors. Sum weighted digits, modulo 10, subtract from 10. Last digit must equal that value.
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Sunrise 2027 Industry-wide goal that retail point-of-sale reads 2D barcodes by end of 2027
GS1 working group alignment, not a regulation. Most large grocery, drug and CPG channels are running pilots in 2025 and 2026 and scaling through 2027.
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ESPR EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
Framework regulation that introduces Digital Product Passports for in-scope categories sold in the EU. Specific obligations roll out per-category through delegated acts.
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Digital Product Passport Public, structured product page addressable by a 2D barcode
EU framework deliverable under ESPR. Carries identity, materials, durability, repair, recycling, supply chain and end-of-life data. Addressable by GS1 Digital Link URL.
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FSMA 204 FDA Food Traceability Final Rule
US regulation requiring brands handling foods on the FTL to maintain Key Data Elements at six Critical Tracking Events. Compliance date 20 January 2026.
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EUDR EU Deforestation Regulation
Requires origin and tier-1 supplier evidence for forest-risk commodities like coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soy, beef, rubber and wood imported into the EU.
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Application Identifier (AI) GS1 prefix that defines what a number means
Two- to four-digit prefixes that label data inside a barcode or Digital Link URL. AI 01 is GTIN, AI 10 is batch, AI 21 is serial number.
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Resolver Service that resolves a GS1 Digital Link URL to its target page
When a phone scans a Digital Link URL, the resolver decides what to show: the public passport, a recall page, batch-specific data, or a regional redirect.
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Keep going

Standards hubGS1 Digital Link, GTIN, Sunrise 2027, EU ESPR.Read more BlogPlain-English explainers.Read more How it worksFrom GTIN to first scan in five clear steps.Read more Free toolsReal working in-browser tools.Read more