01
Clean up product and variant data
Check that every sellable Shopify variant has a distinct internal SKU. Review the barcode field separately: a SKU is your internal code, while a GTIN is an externally recognized product identifier.
Readiness Library
2D Barcode Readiness for Shopify Brands
A practical 2027 readiness checklist for small DTC brands reviewing product identifiers, packaging, scanners, label printers, and retail plans before buying new hardware.
Last reviewed: July 9, 2026
Short answer
Most Shopify-only brands do not need an immediate hardware replacement.
If you sell only through your own Shopify storefront, have a manageable catalog, do not supply physical retailers, and do not need lot or expiry data on the product label, the practical starting point is a catalog and workflow audit rather than a rushed packaging change.
GS1's retail guidance describes an industry goal for point-of-sale systems to read and process GTINs from both existing linear and GS1-compliant 2D barcodes by the end of 2027. It also says linear barcodes will continue to be used and may coexist with 2D barcodes during transition.
Your next step depends on where products are scanned, which identifiers your channels require, what data the label must carry, and whether your existing scanner, printer, and software can support a controlled test.
Shopify brand readiness decision table
Start from the business situation that creates the barcode requirement. A 2027 headline alone is not a hardware specification.
| Situation | What to check first | Likely planning path | Useful next guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify-only, low SKU count | Variant SKUs, barcode fields, picking labels, packaging timeline | Wait and monitor | UPC vs GTIN vs SKU vs FNSKU |
| Google Shopping or product feeds | Valid GTIN data where the product has an assigned GTIN | Audit catalog data | UPC vs GTIN vs SKU vs FNSKU |
| Entering wholesale or retail | Retailer requirements, packaging artwork, UPC/EAN, 2D pilot timing | Pilot selected SKUs | GS1 2027 readiness checklist |
| Adding lot, batch, or expiry | Data source, label software, printer workflow, scan destination | Pilot variable-data labels | Lot, batch, and expiry guide |
| Older warehouse scanner | Scanner model, imaging capability, firmware, output data | Audit hardware first | Scanner and printer starter kit |
| Packaging redesign planned | Available space, dual marking, print quality, partner testing | Add a controlled pilot | UPC after 2027 guide |
Map your current Shopify setup before changing labels
Use your channels, SKU count, current scanner and printer, lot or expiry needs, budget, and timeline to identify a general readiness path.
Five-part audit
What a Shopify brand should check first
02
Map every sales channel
Separate Shopify-only sales from Google Shopping, marketplaces, wholesale, and physical retail. The barcode decision changes when another channel, retailer, or fulfillment partner needs to identify the product.
03
Define the data the label must carry
Decide whether the label only needs a product identifier or also needs lot, batch, expiry, serial, or web-linked information. Additional variable data changes the printing and software workflow.
04
Test the scanner and printer you already own
Print a controlled sample and scan it with the actual devices used for receiving, picking, packing, or retail testing. Confirm what data reaches the software, not only whether the scanner beeps.
05
Choose wait, audit, or pilot
A small Shopify-only brand may only need to monitor requirements. A brand entering retail or adding variable data may benefit from a limited label pilot before changing packaging or buying hardware.
Catalog foundation
Keep Shopify SKUs and external identifiers separate
Shopify describes a SKU as an optional code that identifies a product within your business. Its barcode field is used for identifiers such as a UPC, EAN, or other GTIN. A clean catalog gives each sellable variant a usable SKU and avoids copying one identifier across variants that should be distinct.
Before planning 2D labels, export or review your product variants and mark missing SKUs, duplicated SKUs, uncertain barcode values, and products that will be sent to a new external channel. Read the GTIN vs SKU workflow guide to map each variation, then use the full identifier comparison when other barcode fields are still unclear.
Scanner check
A beep is not the complete test
An older 1D laser scanner generally cannot read Data Matrix or QR Code symbols. A camera-based imager may read them, but hardware capability alone does not confirm that firmware, configuration, data syntax, and connected software will process the intended information.
Test the exact symbol and data you plan to use. Confirm the decoded output in the receiving, inventory, or packing system. Use the 2D barcode scanner checklist to record the model, configuration, decoded output, and workflow result.
Printer check
Test print quality before replacing equipment
A thermal printer may be able to produce a 2D barcode, but the result depends on resolution, label size, printhead condition, speed, media, ribbon, software, and the amount of encoded data. A symbol that looks square is not automatically suitable for an operational scan.
If lot, batch, expiry, or serial values change between units or production runs, review the variable-data labeling workflow before choosing a printer.
Example readiness paths
Choose the smallest next step that answers a real question
Wait and monitor
Who this usually fits
Shopify-only, low SKU count, no retail checkout exposure, no lot or expiry data, and no packaging change planned.
What to check next
Keep product and variant data clean. Recheck when a new channel or packaging project creates a real requirement.
See if this fits my businessAudit current setup
Who this usually fits
You use a scanner or label printer but cannot confirm whether it supports the 2D format and data syntax you may need.
What to check next
Record model numbers, print resolution, label size, software, and sample-scan results before requesting new equipment.
See if this fits my businessPilot 2D labels
Who this usually fits
You are entering retail, refreshing packaging, or adding batch, expiry, serial, or consumer-facing product information.
What to check next
Choose one controlled SKU group, create sample labels, and test print quality, scanning, and downstream data handling.
See if this fits my businessSources and review basis
Official references used for this guide
This independent guide summarizes operational planning points from current public documentation. Final requirements should still be confirmed with the relevant platform, retailer, GS1 Member Organisation, equipment provider, or qualified adviser.
Shopify 2D barcode readiness FAQ
Do Shopify brands need 2D barcodes by 2027? +
Not automatically. The GS1 retail goal is broader point-of-sale capability for both existing linear and GS1-compliant 2D barcodes by the end of 2027. A Shopify-only brand should act when its retail partners, product data needs, packaging plan, or operating workflow creates a practical reason.
Should I remove my current UPC barcode? +
No. Do not remove an existing UPC or EAN barcode based only on a general 2027 headline. GS1 guidance says linear barcodes will continue to be used and can coexist with 2D barcodes during transition. Confirm the final packaging plan with the relevant retailer or trading partner.
Is a Shopify SKU the same as a GTIN? +
No. A Shopify SKU is an internal code used by your business. A GTIN is an internationally recognized product identifier used across external systems. Keep the SKU and barcode fields separate in your catalog workflow.
Can my current barcode scanner read 2D codes? +
A camera-based imager may be able to read common 2D symbols, while an older 1D laser scanner generally cannot. Device capability, firmware, configuration, data syntax, and connected software still need to be tested with the intended label.
Can my current thermal label printer print a 2D barcode? +
Possibly. Print resolution, label size, printhead condition, ribbon or media, software, encoded data length, and verification requirements all affect the result. Test a representative label before replacing the printer.
When is a 2D barcode pilot worth considering? +
A pilot may be useful when you are entering physical retail, redesigning packaging, adding lot or expiry data, launching a new product, or responding to a specific retail partner request. Start with a limited SKU group and a documented test.
What should I prepare before requesting a recommendation? +
Prepare your sales channels, SKU count, current barcode type, scanner and printer model, inventory or label software, lot or expiry needs, budget, timeline, and the specific workflow you are trying to improve.
Not sure whether your Shopify setup should wait, audit, or pilot?
Tell us your channels, SKU count, barcode setup, scanner, printer, budget, and timeline. We'll map the operation into a general readiness path.
Disclaimer
This site is independent and not affiliated with GS1. It provides educational readiness guidance only, not legal, compliance, marketplace, retailer, or GS1 approval advice.