GS1 DataBar (RSS) - Overview

What is GS1 DataBar?

Download GS1 DataBar Revolution Brochure

GS1 DataBar (formerly Reduced Space Symbols or RSS) symbols can identify small items and carry more information than the current EAN/UPC bar code. GS1 DataBar enables GTIN identification for hard-to-mark products like fresh foods, jewelry and do-it-yourself hardware products and can carry GS1 Application Identifiers such as serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates. This creates the opportunity for solutions supporting product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, variable measure product identification, and couponing. Recommendations for these application fileds are bring developed or will be developed in the near future.

January 1, 2010 is the global sunrise date for all trade item bar code scanning systems to achieve the capability to read GS1 DataBar bar codes and the GS1 Application Identifier System.

• GS1 DataBar Family of bar codes
  View all GS1 DataBar bar codes
• Intro to GS1 DataBar
  Learn more about the basics of GS1 DataBar in the 20-minute online presentation
• GS1 DataBar FAQs

Key Concepts

• GS1 DataBar symbols were endorsed and adopted by GS1 after a compelling business case review by a global task force comprising retailers, fast moving consumer goods manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, GS1 Member Organizations (MOs), and trade associations. Read about the full background to GS1 DataBar.
• GS1 DataBar symbols and GS1 Application Identifiers will be available in all trade item scanning systems beginning January 1, 2010.
• GS1 DataBar symbols will not necessarily replace EAN/UCC bar codes, as it will be left to the brand owner (the party responsible for specifying package design) to decide.
• GS1 DataBar and EPC make a new horizon of product information visible in the supply chain for increased collaboration between trading partners. GS1 DataBar provides a good migration path to EPC in the near future. The two technologies complement each other.

Already know the basics? Find out more about implementing GS1 DataBar.