What is GS1 Digital Link?
GS1 Digital Link is a global standard that transforms traditional barcodes into web-enabled identifiers. Instead of just encoding a product number, QR codes following this standard resolve to URLs containing rich product information.
Think of it as upgrading your product's barcode from a static number to a living web address.
Why It Matters
EU Regulatory Requirement
The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) mandates that data carriers follow GS1 Digital Link standards. Non-compliant QR codes won't satisfy regulatory requirements.
Dual-Purpose Scanning
A GS1 Digital Link QR code works for both:
- Point-of-sale systems: Extract the GTIN for price lookup
- Consumer smartphones: Open a web page with product information
One code serves multiple purposes.
Future-Proof
As an international standard managed by GS1 (the organization behind barcodes), Digital Link ensures your product identifiers remain compatible with global supply chain systems.
URL Structure
A GS1 Digital Link URL follows a specific format:
Basic structure: `https://example.com/01/{GTIN}`
With serial number: `https://example.com/01/{GTIN}/21/{serial}`
Application Identifiers
- 01 = GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
- 10 = Batch/Lot number
- 21 = Serial number
- 17 = Expiration date
Granularity Levels
Class Level (GTIN)
Identifies the product type. All units of the same SKU share the same GTIN.
Use case: Basic product information, ingredients, care instructions.
Batch Level (LGTIN)
Adds a batch or lot number to the GTIN.
Use case: Recalls, production tracking, expiration dates.
Item Level (SGTIN)
Adds a unique serial number. Every individual unit has a different identifier.
Use case: Authentication, ownership tracking, EU DPP compliance.
Implementation
Getting a GTIN
GTINs are issued by GS1 member organizations. If you don't have one:
- Join GS1 in your country
- Receive a company prefix
- Assign GTINs to your products
Generating QR Codes
The QR code encodes the full URL. Scanning reveals the product information page.
Setting Up a Resolver
A resolver handles incoming requests to your Digital Link URLs and returns appropriate content based on the request context.
Provinium and GS1 Digital Link
Provinium generates GS1 Digital Link compliant URLs automatically:
- Correct structure: URLs follow the v1.1.0 specification
- Item-level serialization: Every product gets a unique SGTIN
- Resolver included: Built-in handling for consumer and machine requests
- Shopify integration: GTINs pulled from your product catalog
Common Questions
Do I need a GS1 membership?
For full compliance, yes. Provinium can work with your existing GTINs or help you structure identifiers if you're just getting started.
Can I use my existing barcodes?
If you already have GTINs, yes. Provinium uses your existing product identifiers and adds serialization on top.
What about NFC?
GS1 Digital Link works with any data carrier: QR codes, NFC tags, RFID. The URL standard is carrier-agnostic.
Conclusion
GS1 Digital Link is the foundation of modern product identification. For EU DPP compliance, it's mandatory. For smart brands, it's an opportunity to connect physical products to digital experiences.
Understanding the standard now prepares you for the regulatory requirements ahead.