Articles on: E-Labels

GS1 Digital Link

You can use Bottlebooks E-Labels to add GS1 digital link to your products. In 2027, GS1, the EU body controlling bar codes in Europe, is going to transition products from using the bar code to scan products to using the QR code at the cash register.

The content in this article is not legal advice. Please consult a lawyer or regulator for clarity.

GS1 Digital Link and Your QR Code

When you are creating a Bottlebooks E-Label, you first create the QR code (the boxy image that is printed on your product) and then you create the E-Label (the mobile ready webpage that contains the required regulatory information).

The QR code you create is a visual representation of a website URL. In order to comply with GS1 digital link, your product's GTIN and CPV (vintage/variant) must be in this URL, thus in the QR code image itself.

When you create the QR code you must include the GS1 digital link from the start. You are able to create a QR with a random code, however, once you have printed the QR code, you will not be able to add or edit it later.

QR Codes that follow this format can be scanned by cash registers and other barcode scanners and retailers and systems that support the standard can access extra information, such as production or logistics data.

Adding the GS1 Digital Link to your QR Code (and E-Label) in Bottlebooks

When you're creating an E-Label, you will be asked to enter your product's GTIN and a variant/vintage.

By doing that, you will automatically be creating a GS1 Digital Link.

The Vintage/Variant field can be filled with the vintage, variant, CPV, lot number, or any other unique identifier chosen by yourself.

The best practice is to ensure you have a unique E-label/QR code for every product, vintage and size.

For more information about GS1 digital link, click here.

Updated on: 01/07/2025

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