Guides
Guides & how-tos
Everything you need to understand GS1 Digital Link, QR codes on packaging, and the Digital Product Passport.
49 items
Oct 20, 2026
GPSR importer obligations: traceability, contact details and recalls under Regulation (EU) 2023/988
GPSR importer obligations: what Regulation (EU) 2023/988 requires on the product, in listings, after an accident and in a recall, and where a QR code helps.
Oct 19, 2026
The EU Toy Safety Regulation and the digital product passport for toys
The EU Toy Safety Regulation, (EU) 2025/2509, requires a digital product passport for every toy from 1 August 2030: what it demands and what applies now.
Oct 16, 2026
Digital Product Passport data requirements: what a passport must carry
Digital Product Passport data requirements, element by element: what ESPR Annex III lists, what every passport already needs, and who sees which data.
Oct 15, 2026
Who is responsible for the Digital Product Passport: manufacturer, importer or own-brand seller
Who is responsible for the Digital Product Passport? Under the ESPR, whoever places the product on the EU market: manufacturer, importer or own-brand seller.
Oct 14, 2026
Directive (EU) 2024/825: green claims on packaging, and where a QR code fits
The EU rules on green claims have applied since 27 September 2026. What Directive 2024/825 bans on the pack, why a QR code cannot rescue a vague claim, and where it is the right tool.
Oct 7, 2026
Why isn't my GS1 Digital Link resolving? Causes and fixes
A GS1 Digital Link that won't open usually fails in one of four places: the printed code, the URL, the domain or the resolver. How to find and fix it.
Sep 14, 2026
Regulation (EU) 2024/1781: the legal framework behind the Digital Product Passport
What Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 actually requires: the ESPR articles that create the Digital Product Passport, the data carrier rule and who must do what.
Sep 4, 2026
Dual barcode placement: where to put the linear and 2D codes on your packaging
During the 2D transition many packs carry both the linear barcode and a 2D code. Where to place each one, the quiet zones to respect and the mistakes to avoid.
Sep 3, 2026
What is quishing? How QR code scams work, and why a brand's code is not the risk
Quishing is phishing through QR codes. The risk is anonymous stickers anyone can print, not a brand's GS1 Digital Link code, which resolves to a known address.
Sep 2, 2026
Do 2D barcodes work offline? What happens at the checkout when the internet is down
Yes, 2D barcodes work offline. The checkout reads the product identity locally from the code, with no internet needed to ring up a sale. Here is how it works.
Aug 21, 2026
Sunrise 2027 vs GS1 Digital Link: what's mandatory and what's optional
Sunrise 2027 does not require URLs on products. Here is what the 2D transition actually asks for, and what GS1 Digital Link adds on top when you choose it.
Aug 21, 2026
What is Sunrise 2027? The plain-English guide for brands
Sunrise 2027 is GS1's initiative for retail checkouts to read 2D barcodes (QR, Data Matrix) by end of 2027. Key dates and what brands should do now.
Aug 20, 2026
Are QR codes on products safe? Honest answers to the internet's 7 biggest doubts about the 2D barcode transition
The move to 2D barcodes has sparked many questions. We answer the 7 biggest fears about QR codes on products honestly: scams, privacy and what brands should do.
Aug 19, 2026
How much does a Digital Product Passport cost? A full breakdown
A clear breakdown of Digital Product Passport costs: GS1 identification, the technology layer, supply chain data, and a first-year budget example for a small brand.
Aug 18, 2026
QR code vs Data Matrix vs 2D barcode: what's the difference?
QR code, Data Matrix and 2D barcode are not rival codes: 2D barcode is the umbrella, QR and Data Matrix are two types. The difference, and when to use each.
Aug 14, 2026
The six CEN DPP standards (EN 18216 to 18223), explained
The CEN/CENELEC Digital Product Passport standards, EN 18216 to 18223, in plain language: what each one covers and why they matter for your DPP.
Aug 14, 2026
EU central DPP registry: what it is and how to be ready
The EU DPP registry must be set up by 19 July 2026. Learn what the registry is, who it affects first, and how to prepare before your sector's deadline.
Aug 10, 2026
PPWR QR codes: what the EU Packaging Regulation requires now, and what arrives in 2028
PPWR QR codes explained: what the EU Packaging Regulation actually requires from 12 August 2026, and what the digital marking wave brings in 2028.
Mar 30, 2026
EU Detergents Regulation Digital Product Passport
Regulation (EU) 2026/405 introduces a Digital Product Passport for detergents. Learn what it requires, how it works, and what readiness looks like.
Feb 16, 2026
EU Construction Products Regulation 2024/3110
Understand EU Construction Products Regulation 2024/3110 and how the Digital Product Passport reshapes compliance for construction products.
Oct 29, 2025
How to build a high-performing product page with Digital Link
Learn how a smart product page turns ecommerce best practices into real results with optimized visuals, descriptions, and customer engagement.
Oct 16, 2025
How to answer customer questions using AI on your packaging
Learn how to answer customer questions using AI. Build trust with precise answers and AI-powered assistants that speak your user’s language.
Oct 15, 2025
How to prepare your packaging for AI interaction today
Learn how to prepare your packaging for AI interaction using smart design ideas, AI tools, and generators that save time and boost creativity.
Sep 24, 2025
Conversational packaging: The complete guide to Smart, AI labels
Conversational packaging transforms labels into AI-powered channels for communication, sales, and customer engagement. Discover how it works.
Aug 19, 2025
GS1 Digital Link testing: Why it matters for packaging, compliance, and brand trust
Discover why GS1 Digital Link testing is vital for packaging and compliance. Ensure QR codes work reliably and build brand trust.
Aug 8, 2025
Digital Link for product traceability: How next-gen QR codes are transforming supply chains
Learn how Digital Link for product traceability boosts transparency, compliance, and trust across the supply chain with a single scan.
Jun 13, 2025
Where should I place a QR code on my packaging?
Wondering where should I place a QR code on my packaging? Discover strategic spots to boost visibility, engagement, and scan rates.
Jun 5, 2025
How to authenticate products with a QR code, and how shoppers can check them
A QR code alone can be copied. How brands make it prove authenticity with serial numbers and scan checks, and how shoppers check a product from its code.
May 28, 2025
QR codes on cosmetics packaging: What beauty brands should know
See how QR codes on cosmetics packaging drive engagement, meet compliance, and connect beauty shoppers to personalized digital experiences.
May 21, 2025
How to create a Digital Product Passport for your brand: 7 steps
A step-by-step guide to creating an EU Digital Product Passport: identifiers, product data, access levels, hosting and the QR code on the pack.
May 19, 2025
GS1 digital link examples and use cases
In this guide you'll learn about some real-life GS1 digital link examples on how other companies are already implementing their digital links.
May 19, 2025
How to augment your smart packaging with digital links
How to use digital link QR codes to take smart packaging further: sharper item tracking, real traceability and richer shopper interaction.
May 19, 2025
QR codes on packaging design best practices for brands
Discover QR codes on packaging design best practices to improve scannability, compliance, and customer experience with every printed product.
May 13, 2025
How to add QR codes to food packaging for regulatory information
What a QR code on a food label may legally carry in the EU and the US, what must stay printed, and six steps to add one to your packaging.
May 7, 2025
How to use QR codes on packaging: Your complete guide
Learn how to use QR codes on packaging to boost engagement, update content anytime, meet compliance, and connect with consumers directly.
Apr 4, 2025
What are QR code packaging best practices? Discover them here in this expert guide!
Discover QR code packaging best practices to boost engagement, ensure scannability, and improve user experience across all devices.
Dec 9, 2024
GS1 Digital Link technology: the URI syntax, rule by rule, with examples
How a GS1 Digital Link URI is built: primary key, qualifiers, attributes, GTIN padding, percent-encoding, compression and link types, with examples.
Nov 15, 2024
GS1 Digital Link QR code legibility: size, quiet zone, contrast and testing
The print numbers for a GS1 Digital Link QR code or Data Matrix: module size, minimum size, quiet zone, colors, error correction and how to test.
Nov 14, 2024
ISO certifications: what Digital Link has been certified to
Digital Link has been certified to ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO/IEC 18004:2024. What each standard covers and what it means for your 2D barcodes.
Nov 14, 2024
How GS1 Digital Link improves supply chain traceability, recalls and inventory
Which GS1 identifiers to use, how batch and expiry in the code reach the warehouse and the till, how batch recalls work, and how event data is shared.
Oct 24, 2024
The Digital Product Passport for textiles and apparel: what's coming, and how to prepare
Textiles and apparel are next in line for the EU Digital Product Passport. Where the rules stand, the data to expect, related deadlines and how to prepare.
Sep 12, 2024
What is GS1 Digital Link, and how do you use it?
GS1 Digital Link turns a product's barcode number into a web address. What it is, how the URL works, where it's needed and how to put it on your pack.
Jul 24, 2024
Pharmaceutical packaging codes: what the EU and the US require, and where QR codes fit
Medicine packs in the EU and the US must carry a serialized 2D Data Matrix. What it holds, how the two rules differ, and where QR codes can be added.
Jul 5, 2024
QR codes for product compliance: which rules involve a code, and what each one requires
Eight rules that involve a QR code or data carrier, from EU wine e-labels to the Battery Passport: what each requires, what the code may carry, and when.
Jul 4, 2024
The GS1 Digital Link resolver: what it is, how it works, and how to set one up
A resolver turns a scanned GS1 Digital Link into the right destination. How it works, the three ways to query it, link metadata, HTTP behaviour and setup.
Jul 1, 2024
GS1 Digital Link basics: why brands adopt it, and the terms to know
Why brands move to GS1 Digital Link, what it changes for each team, the dates that matter, and a glossary of the terms you'll meet, from GTIN to resolver.
Jun 25, 2024
The EU Battery Passport: what it requires, from when, and how to prepare
From 18 February 2027, EV, LMT and industrial batteries over 2 kWh need a Battery Passport. What it must contain, who sees what, and how to get ready.
Jun 20, 2024
The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP): what it is, who needs it and when
What the EU Digital Product Passport is, what it must contain, which products need one and when, and how a code on the pack connects to it.
Jun 14, 2024
EU Regulation 2021/2117: what wine labels must show, and how e-labels work
Since 8 December 2023, EU wine labels must list ingredients and nutrition. What stays printed, what can move to an e-label, and how to set one up.