According to Grande Consumo, GS1 Portugal has opened a discussion on the impending phase-out of traditional linear barcodes in favor of two-dimensional (2D) codes such as QR codes. The organization, which oversees global supply chain standards, argues that 2D codes can hold significantly more information — including batch numbers, expiration dates, and product URLs — enabling greater transparency and efficiency from manufacturer to checkout.
The transition is part of a broader industry movement toward the GS1 Digital Link standard, which allows a single 2D barcode to act as a gateway to online product information. For retailers, this means faster scanning, reduced errors, and the ability to verify authenticity and recall products more quickly. For consumers, scanning a 2D code with a smartphone could provide instant access to nutritional data, sourcing details, or promotional content.
While linear barcodes have been a retail staple for over 50 years, GS1 Portugal emphasizes that the change is inevitable as global supply chains demand richer data. The organization is working with industry partners to ensure a smooth migration, noting that many point-of-sale systems already support 2D scanning. No fixed deadline has been set, but the discussion signals a clear trajectory toward a post-barcode retail environment.