What data is required in the 2D barcode for Sunrise 2027?

The GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), carried in Application Identifier (01), is the only mandatory data element required in the 2D barcode for Sunrise 2027. Additional data such as batch/lot number (AI 10), pack date (AI 13), and serial number (AI 21) may be requested by trading partners in the future.

Will the 2D barcode replace the PLU code?

No. The human-readable PLU code remains on the sticker as a backup. The 2D barcode enables scanning at point of sale, while the PLU code allows manual entry if the scan fails and accommodates retailers who have not yet transitioned to reading 2D barcodes.

What are the minimum barcode size requirements for 2D barcodes on produce?

The minimum X-dimension for loose produce is 0.396 mm (0.0150 inch), the target X-dimension is 0.495 mm (0.0195 inch), and the maximum is 0.990 mm (0.0390 inch). A minimum quiet zone of 4x the X-dimension is required on all four sides. The smallest label a 2D barcode typically fits on is an oval 21 x 17 mm (0.83 x 0.67 inches), and the minimum ISO symbol grade is 1.5.

What is the difference between GS1 DataMatrix and a QR Code with GS1 Digital Link?

GS1 DataMatrix can be scanned at point of sale but cannot be scanned by consumer smartphones. It uses GS1 element string syntax and does not require a web URL, which can result in a smaller barcode. A QR Code with GS1 Digital Link supports both point-of-sale scanning and consumer smartphone scanning, delivering a web-enabled consumer experience, but requires a resolvable URL.

How many GTINs do I need to create?

Assign GTINs at the same granularity used for your PLU codes: commodity, variety, and size group. This creates a one-to-one relationship of PLU codes to GTINs for each brand. If you currently use four PLU codes, you will create four GTINs.

Can I use the generic company prefix 033383 from IFPA for my GTIN?

No. The prefix 033383, used in both the U.S. and Canada, is for pre-packed items only, not for loose or bulk items. It is not a company-specific prefix. A company-specific GS1 Company Prefix is needed to establish a link between the brand owner and the item.

2D Barcodes on Fresh Produce PLU Stickers

What is Sunrise 2027?

The EAN/UPC barcode has served the industry for decades, but it can no longer keep up with growing demands for greater product information transparency, traceability, and authentication.

The retail industry has set a deadline — by the end of 2027, retailers' POS systems must be capable of reading both traditional 1D barcodes and 2D barcodes. This milestone is called Sunrise 2027.

Scope Note: This guide addresses item-level produce sold loose or bulk/variable weight only — not prepackaged consumer items.

Evolution of Labeling

Then

Brand +PLU
Numeric PLU only (e.g., 4055)

Transition

GS1 DataBar + PLU
GTIN + PLU (e.g., 94053)

Sunrise 2027

2D Barcode + PLU
GS1 DataMatrix or QR with Digital Link

2D Barcode Options for Sunrise 2027

Abstract icon of solar panels

GS1 Data Matrix

A compact 2D matrix format. Scannable at POS but not by consumer smartphones. Uses GS1 Element String syntax — no web URL required.

Retail POS scanning (2027)
Supply chain data
Potentially smaller barcode
Not consumer-scannable

Abstract icon of Floor Plan

QR Code with GS1 Digital Link

A web-enabled format that delivers a consumer experience online, in addition to supporting POS scanning. Requires a resolvable URL.

Retail POS scanning (2027)
Consumer smartphone scanning
Web-enabled brand experience
Slightly larger barcode

Benefits of 2D Barcode Adoption

⚡

Faster Checkout

Cuts transaction time from ~4 seconds (manual PLU entry) to 1 second to scan at POS

🎯

Accurate Pricing

GTIN eliminates keying errors — distinguishes conventional vs. organic items automatically.

🔍

Enhanced Traceability

GTIN adoption sets the foundation for traceability back to the brand owner, enabling faster, narrower recall investigations.

📊

Category Management

Product movement data by grower/shipper enables buyers to track sales and facilitate category management by supplier.

️🛡️

Error Correction

Built-in Reed–Solomon coding lets scanners recover data even if a barcode is partially damaged, wrinkled, or dirty.

📱

Consumer Engagement

QR codes can link to product origin stories, recipes, sustainability data, and more — directly from the sticker.

Label Requirements at a Glance

Mandatory on Every PLU Label

1

PLU Number
Human-readable, printed on label

2

GTIN
Encoded in the 2D barcode — the only required AI for Sunrise 2027

Measurement

Size

Minimum X-dimension

0.396 mm (0.0150 in)

Target X-dimension

0.495 mm (0.0195 in)

Maximum X-dimension

0.990 mm (0.0390 in)

Min. label size (oval)

21 × 17 mm (0.83 × 0.67 in)

Min. quiet zone

4× the X-dimension on all sides

Min. ISO grade

Grade 1.5

Next Steps

For Marketers / Growers / Shippers

Speak to trading partners to determine their 2D barcode implementation strategy and timeline.
Work with label manufacturers to agree on QR or DataMatrix symbology.
Ensure printed barcodes are verified per GS1 General Specifications.
If using QR, confirm your URL is resolvable via GS1 Digital Link.
If no web engagement is needed, use GS1 DataMatrix with element string syntax.

For Buyers / Retailer Organizations

Ensure POS systems can scan and process both 1D and 2D barcodes by end of 2027.
Test and validate that 2D barcodes scan correctly in your environment.
Update supplier requirements documentation to reflect your 2D barcode specifications.
Communicate timelines, expectations, and resources to trading partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunrise 2027 is the industry milestone by which retailers' POS systems should be capable of reading both traditional 1D barcodes and 2D barcodes. The shift is already being tested in 48 countries representing 88% of the world's GDP.

No — this guidance ONLY addresses item-level produce sold loose or bulk/variable weight. It does NOT cover prepackaged consumer items or packaged produce.

Currently, the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the only mandatory data element for Sunrise 2027. Additional data such as batch/lot, pack date, and serial number may be added in the future.

No. The human-readable PLU code stays on the label as a backup. The 2D barcode enables scanning at POS while the PLU allows manual entry if the scan fails.

The minimum X-dimension for loose produce is 0.396 mm (0.0150 inch), with a target of 0.495 mm (0.0195 inch). The smallest label a 2D barcode fits on is typically an oval shape 21 × 17 mm.

More FAQs — including GTIN assignment, GS1 Company Prefix, and label printing — are available in the full guide.

Download the Complete Guide

The full 27-page PDF includes detailed GS1 Application Identifier tables, optional label data fields, a complete FAQ, a DataBar vs. 2D Barcode comparison, and a comprehensive resources list.

Download Full PDF Guide

Questions?

Erik Larsen

Director, Supply Chain

International Fresh Produce Association

+1(302)607-2118 Email Erik Larsen

Wendy Logan

Manager

Supply Chain and Sustainability

+1(302)607-2134 Email Wendy Logan

Global Implementation Guidance for 2D Barcodes on Fresh Produce PLU Stickers

Supporting the industry's transition to Sunrise 2027 — helping growers, packers, shippers, and retailers adopt 2D barcodes at point of sale.

What is Sunrise 2027?