Local retailers are being strongly urged to migrate from traditional black-and-white barcodes to GS1 2D barcodes to align with the global implementation of this new technology in 2027 to strengthen supply chain efficiency.
Roberto S. Claudio, president of GS1 Philippines and chairman of the Philippine Retailers Association, said in a letter to retail groups nationwide that while retailers already have significant investments and systems in place, adopting GS1 2D barcodes for supplier products remains the best option as the technology is being implemented globally.
โWe would like to inform and encourage your organization to adopt GS1 2D barcodes for supplier products,โ Claudio said.
Globally, the goal is for all retailers to be fully ready to scan GS1 2D barcodes at the point of sale by the end of 2027. This initiative supports a fully digital, interoperable, and data-driven supply chain ecosystem across industries.
The GS1 2D barcoding technology strengthens supply chain efficiency, traceability, and interoperability, he said.
Its use enhances traceability and data accuracy throughout the supply chain and improves operational efficiency at the point of sale and in inventory management.
The technology will also future-proof retail operations by aligning them with regional and global standards.
Claudio also assured local retailers that GS1 Philippines, together with industry partners, is committed to supporting companies throughout the transition. โWe are ready to provide guidance, share best practices, and connect you with solution providers capable of facilitating a smooth GS1 2D migration. We strongly encourage all retail partners to engage with their suppliers and explore opportunities to adopt GS1-compliant 2D barcodes, helping us collectively move toward the 2027 global readiness goal,โ he said.
He explained that this collaborative effort will not only benefit individual companies but will also elevate the Philippine supply chain as a whole.
Spearheaded by Claudio, GS1 Philippines is the countryโs official member organization of the global GS1 organization. It serves as the exclusive authorized body for issuing unique GS1 Company Prefixes and barcodes (GTINs) for local businesses. The non-profit entity enables Filipino products to be sold globally and in major retail chains by ensuring standardized identification, supply chain efficiency, and traceability.
