The introduction of the GS1 DataBar on consumer items is scheduled for 1 January 2010

The GS1 DataBar was officially included among international GS1 standards in June 2006 by the companies member of the GS1 board. Its implementation is part of an international initiative which requires participating retailers to introduce DataBar-ready equipment by 1 January 2010. This does not mean that the barcodes used at present (EAN/UPC) must be replaced by GS1 DataBar on this date, however: just that those manufacturers who wish to do so may mark individual (consumer) items with a GS1 DataBar instead of a EAN/UPC code.

The main advantage of the DataBar is its size (smaller, with no margin), which means it can be used on products currently unable to receive a barcode, and also frees up space for product information.

In the future, GS1 DataBar will open the way for new applications, as it can encode not just the GTIN but additional information too (such as price, batch number, expiry date etc.). Implementation of these applications will only come at a later stage, however — once retailers are capable of processing the additional information at the checkout. Carrefour is working with its suppliers and with other retailers to define these new applications (variable-weight products, traceability etc.).

For more information on DataBar, visit:

Link DataBar Presentation