Product Identifier Technologies

Product identification technologies enable products to be uniquely identified, tracked, and verified throughout the supply chain. Key technologies include barcodes, QR codes, RFID, NFC, and digital watermarks.

Barcodes

Linear barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, ITF-14) are the most widely used product identification technology. They encode GTINs and other data in a machine-readable format. Barcodes are printed on product labels and packaging and scanned at point of sale and throughout the supply chain.

QR Codes

QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can encode more data than linear barcodes, including URLs linking to product information. GS1 Digital Link enables QR codes to encode GTINs and link to product registries, DPPs, and other product information systems. The EU Digital Product Passport will use QR codes or other data carriers to link physical products to their digital records.

RFID and NFC

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Near Field Communication (NFC) enable contactless product identification. RFID is widely used in retail inventory management and supply chain tracking. NFC chips embedded in products enable consumers to access product information using smartphones.