GS1 Sunrise 2027: What Estonian Retailers Need to Know About the 2D Barcode Transition

GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a global initiative to move retail from traditional 1D barcodes (EAN/UPC) to modern 2D codes such as QR codes and DataMatrix. The deadline is clear: 31 December 2027. By then, point-of-sale systems must be able to read 2D codes as smoothly as they read today's barcodes.

What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?

Created by the GS1 standards organisation, the initiative means products will carry 2D barcodes that hold far more information than today's 1D codes.

A 2D code can store, for example:

• Best-before dates
• Batch or serial numbers
• Origin information
• Promotion and pricing data

This lets retailers improve traceability, reduce food waste and offer a better customer experience.

What changes for retail in Estonia?

Estonia is no exception — every retailer must follow the same global transition.

Key changes:

• POS systems must read both 1D and 2D codes
• Manufacturers will gradually adopt 2D labelling
• New capabilities, such as expiry-date checks at the till, will become standard

Deadline: 31.12.2027

Although 1D codes will not disappear overnight, the ability to read 2D codes becomes mandatory.

Which POS scanner do you need?

The single most important requirement: a 2D-capable scanner.

Older laser and CCD scanners read only 1D codes and usually cannot be upgraded, so many businesses will need to replace their hardware.

Recommended models:

• Zebra DS3678 — a rugged industrial 2D scanner
• Honeywell Xenon 1950g — a popular 2D scanner for retail
• Zebra DS2208 — an affordable 2D scanner for smaller shops

These devices already read 2D codes today and are ready for the Sunrise 2027 requirements.

How to check whether your devices are Sunrise-ready

A quick checklist:

1. Test a QR code

• If your scanner cannot read a QR code, it is not 2D-capable

2. Check the model

• Look for "2D imager" or "area imager" in the manufacturer's documentation

3. Software and POS system

• Make sure your POS system can process 2D data

4. Ask your supplier

• If in doubt, request an assessment from a specialist

Why act now?

The deadline is 2027, but starting early pays off:

• You avoid last-minute investments
• You spread the cost over a longer period
• You are ready to work with suppliers already using 2D codes
• You improve operational efficiency today

FAQ

Will 1D barcodes disappear completely?
Not immediately. Both will be used during the transition, but 2D becomes the standard.

Do all scanners need to be replaced?
If a device does not support 2D codes, then yes.

Does software need updating?
In most cases, yes — the POS system must be able to process the 2D data structure.

How expensive is the transition?
It depends on your current hardware, but for smaller shops replacing a few scanners may be enough.

Summary

GS1 Sunrise 2027 is not just a technical update — it is an inevitable shift across the entire retail sector. For Estonian retailers it primarily means upgrading POS scanners and preparing for next-generation product labelling.

The earlier you start, the smoother the transition.