Preparing for Sunrise 2027 – Ensuring Compliance with GS1 Standards

Introduction

Sunrise 2027 marks a global shift in product identification, requiring businesses to adopt GS1-compliant 2D barcodes for enhanced traceability and supply chain efficiency.

This transition impacts industries such as retail, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and food & beverage, ensuring accurate product data and regulatory compliance.

Companies must update their product codes to meet these new standards or risk disruptions in global trade.

By preparing now, businesses can streamline operations, improve consumer safety, and future-proof their supply chains.
Understanding the impact of Sunrise 2027 is crucial for seamless compliance and long-term competitiveness in an evolving marketplace.

How to Check if Your Product Codes Are Registered

  • Search the GS1 GEPIR Database
    Enter your GTIN or company name in GS1’s GEPIR tool to check its registration. If valid, company ownership details will appear.
  • Check via Your GS1 Account
    Log in to your local GS1 portal to view your registered GTINs.
  • Validate with a Checksum Calculation
    GTINs (8, 12, 13, or 14 digits) can be checked using GS1’s free Check Digit Calculator.

If your codes are unregistered or fail validation, they may be internal SKUs or invalid GTINs, requiring updates.

Ensuring Your Codes Meet Sunrise 2027 Standards

Sunrise 2027 isn’t just about using GTINs—it’s about ensuring your product codes carry the right data for seamless retail and logistics integration.
Here’s what to verify:

  • Do your codes support serialization? (SGTIN format, if required)
  • Are batch/lot numbers and expiration dates included? (Essential for food, pharmaceuticals, and perishables)
  • Are your codes in a scannable format like GS1 Data Matrix or RFID?

How to Check This for Your Products:

  • If your GTINs lack serialization, consider adding serial numbers, especially for pharmaceuticals and electronics.
  • Products with expiration dates or batch numbers should use GS1-encoded barcodes or RFID tags.
  • Internal SKUs may need mapping to GS1-compliant codes to prevent future supply chain disruptions.

Updating Your Codes for Compliance

If your codes don’t meet compliance standards, take these steps:

  • Register with GS1 if you haven’t yet.
    This provides a company prefix, enabling you to generate valid GTINs.
  • Update your product database to include essential details like GTINs, batch numbers, and expiration dates.
  • Implement serialization if needed, such as SGTIN-96 for RFID or GS1 Data Matrix for barcodes.
  • Ensure system compatibility by verifying that your ERP, WMS, and traceability platforms can process the updated codes.

Tools to Help You Get Started

  • GS1 GEPIR – Check if your GTINs are officially registered.
  • GS1 Check Digit Calculator – Ensure your GTINs are correctly formatted.
  • ERP & WMS Integration Guides – Learn how to update your supply chain systems for GS1 compliance.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Preparing for Sunrise 2027 ensures a seamless transition to GS1-compliant product identification, preventing last-minute challenges.

Non-compliance can lead to supply chain disruptions, product rejections, and regulatory penalties, impacting operations and revenue.

By updating GTINs, implementing serialization, and integrating GS1 standards into your systems, your business stays ahead of industry changes.

Take proactive steps today to safeguard efficiency, traceability, and compliance. Assess your current codes, leverage GS1 tools, and collaborate with supply chain partners to ensure readiness.

Acting early not only mitigates risks, but also positions your business for long-term success in a rapidly evolving market.

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