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Do I need to show the website or GTIN under a QR code powered by GS1?
In most cases, the GTIN should be shown in human‑readable form — but how it’s displayed depends on the layout.
Human Readable Interpretation (HRI) is the information encoded in a barcode, shown in a format people can read. Just like the number printed under an EAN/UPC barcode, a QR code powered by GS1 also encodes the GTIN.
During the transition period, where both an EAN/UPC barcode and a QR code powered by GS1 appear on pack:
- If the two barcodes are next to each other, the GTIN only needs to appear under the EAN/UPC barcode
- If they can’t be placed together, the GTIN should accompany both barcodes
In the future, if a QR code powered by GS1 is the only barcode on pack, the GTIN will need to be shown underneath it.
Including HRI ensures the product can still be identified manually if a barcode can’t be scanned — helping checkouts continue to work smoothly.
QR codes powered by GS1 include built‑in error correction to help them scan even if they’re damaged. However, if a barcode can’t be scanned at checkout, the GTIN must be available in human‑readable form so it can be entered manually. Including the GTIN helps ensure sales can continue smoothly, even in rare scan‑failure situations.