GS1 Hong Kong: Providing Solutions Across Industries
Businesses today rely on standardized identification and data-driven solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and consumer trust. GS1 standards in Hong Kong play a key role in this transformation by providing global standards and smart supply chain solutions.
GS1 helps industries streamline operations, improve market competitiveness, and ensure product authenticity. With a commitment to sustainability and digitalization, GS1 standards continue to shape the future of commerce through innovative technologies and collaborative partnerships.
In this article, we’ll learn how the GS1 member organization helps businesses across industries.
Table of Contents
What is GS1 Hong Kong?
GS1 Hong Kong is the local chapter of GS1, a not-for-profit, standards organization that develops and drives the adoption of easy-to-implement global standards for business.
It helps businesses to uniquely identify, accurately capture and automatically share vital information about products, locations, and assets. It is the only authorized provider to assign EAN, UPC, GTINs, and GS1 barcodes in Hong Kong.
It was founded by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in 1989. Its mission is to empower businesses to grow and to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability across multiple sectors.
This local GS1 chapter assigns GS1 barcode numbers to companies. These numbers begin with the prefix 489. Only GS1 HK is authorized to provide GS1 barcode numbers with this prefix.
Introduced initiatives and collaborated campaigns
GS1 HK works with businesses and organizations to improve product tracking, supply chains, and industry transparency. Through various programs and partnerships, it helps companies adopt smart solutions and global standards for better efficiency.
GS1 HK 1QR
Built on the GS1 Digital Link standard, the GS1 HK’s “1QR” is a one-stop QR code platform. It is a tailored solution based on Sunrise 2027.
It comprises rich information such as product details, discount offers, sustainability info like eco-product packaging, traceability and authentication information, recycling locations, and methods to recycle.
GS1 HK QR enables merchants to connect directly with consumers and helps build consumer confidence by providing diverse product information.
After scanning “1QR”, consumers can get trusted product information simpler & faster from one platform. All product information is provided by a single trusted source that helps brands ensure consumer trust.
Products listed on the platform can be identified with unique “Product IDs” (i.e. barcodes starting with the prefix “489”, which means the product is operated by a HK registered company).
By using the GS1 QR code generator, businesses can create QR codes for improved product tracking and consumer engagement.
Real Visibility Solution/ Real Barcode
The REAL Visibility solution can help brand owners protect their brands and combat counterfeit products with the most secure anti-counterfeit technology, i.e., patented anti-forgery micro-printing technology.
Consumers can easily perform product verification with a simple scan through a web browser or app, while brand owners can gain real-time visibility on scan activities to recognize fake products.
DBS Bank & GS1 HK Partner for SME Trade Financing
GS1 HK and DBS Bank launched an innovative digital trade financing solution to support SMEs in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and food & beverage (F&B) sectors. The partnership leverages GS1 HK’s ezTRADE platform, enabling SMEs to access same-day financing without manually submitting hundreds of invoices.
This solution integrates DBS’ predictive analytics capabilities with GS1 HK’s trade transaction data, facilitating an efficient credit assessment process. This paperless approach decreases administrative burdens and improves financial flexibility, enabling SMEs to scale operations efficiently.
Cyberport Drives Digital Transformation
GS1 HK partnered with Cyberport to launch the “Driving digital transformation by making use of data intelligence” program. The program is aimed at helping startups leverage GS1 standards for trade finance and smart operations.
The initiative connects Cyberport startups with GS1 HK’s ezTRADE B2B eCommerce platform, helping businesses harness data for enhanced efficiency and competitiveness.
How GS1 Hong Kong supports ESG and Sustainability
The HKTDC ESG Index 2025 reveals that Hong Kong is globally recognized for its sustainable business development, with an overall ESG rating of 64.3. This rating indicates strong adoption of environmental, social, and governance principles.
In the context of GS1, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is the organization's efforts to drive sustainability, transparency, and ethical business practices across global supply chains. It uses GS1-compliant QR codes that enhance warehouse operations by enabling accurate product identification, real-time inventory tracking, and efficient data sharing.
GS1 HK supports industries in addressing emerging ESG and sustainability challenges by leveraging global standards.
GS1 HK adopts the following approaches to support ESG and sustainability.
1) Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) - Product Package Recycling Programme
ECF promotes community recycling and the reuse of packaging materials to reduce waste and increase the quantity of recyclables. The program also aims to enhance the information transparency of eco-friendly product packaging and boost consumers' awareness of recycling activities.
It encourages the participation of individuals in different recycling and environmental activities.
ECF adopts the following labeling schemes:
ESG Product Packaging Label: The ESG Product Packaging Label indicates that the packaging materials of a product are recyclable to minimize the impacts on the environment.
Naked Shopping Label: The objective of the Naked Shopping Label is to help consumers identify products that are sold in minimal packaging or without packaging easily. It promotes eco-friendly shopping habits.
It encourages consumers to develop the habit of "Bring Your Own" containers to ensure waste-free shopping.
2) ESG Supply Chain Community Solution
The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol provides the most widely recognized accounting standards for greenhouse gas emissions. GHG emissions are categorized into 3 Scopes:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (e.g., company vehicles, equipment, manufacturing processes)
Scope 2: Indirect emissions (owned) from the generation of purchased energy (e.g., electricity used in company buildings)
Scope 3: Indirect emissions (not owned) arise across the company's value chain, both upstream & downstream (e.g., purchased goods)
Scope 3 emissions involve indirect sources such as supply chains, waste, business travel, and more, which involve multiple stakeholders and data sources, creating complexities as mentioned below.
- Inconsistent data from global suppliers
- Challenges in ensuring data accuracy and effectively engaging suppliers hinder the collection of reliable information.
- Traditional approaches and manual calculations are resource-intensive and error-prone.
- Non-compliance may lead to investor loss, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties.
With HKEX mandates ESG Scope 3 disclosures in January 2026, Hong Kong businesses are facing challenges in measuring and managing indirect emissions (Scope 3), which are critical for compliance, investor confidence, and customer expectations.
The following solution is proposed to tackle these challenges.
GS1 HK ESG Supply Chain Community Solution
This solution empowers Hong Kong enterprises to measure, monitor, and report Scope 3 carbon emissions.
It adopts the “Carbon Management Community Platform”, an innovative solution supported by a SaaS platform for buyers & suppliers to track, monitor & report measurable carbon emissions.
3) Digital Product Passport
The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) is an electronic record required under the EU Green Deal legislation to improve product sustainability.
It develops a digital product passport that electronically registers, processes, and shares product-related information among supply chain businesses, authorities, and consumers, ensuring clear, organized, and accessible insights into product sustainability and its environmental impact.
The DPP supports a circular economy by ensuring transparency and traceability throughout a product’s lifecycle.
Each product gets a unique identity linked to standardized data sources, covering details like:
- Product data such as category, origin, etc.
- Material composition
- Supply chain data
- Compliance and certification
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data
- End-of-life information (like repairability, recycling, and disassembly instructions)
DPP uses GS1 2D barcodes to let product information be stored online and accessed by scanning a single barcode –whether at checkout, by consumers using a smartphone, or by stakeholders throughout the supply chain.
Using the GS1 QR code for detailed product information, consumers can get insights on product ingredients, origins, and certifications. These codes keep all stakeholders (manufacturers, suppliers, consumers, etc.) updated about detailed product information and thus ensure supply chain transparency.
4) Quality Food Scheme
GS1 HK launched the "Quality Food Scheme ESG" to provide consumers with safer, healthier, and more sustainable food choices. It promotes the sustainable development of the entire food supply chain and industry.
It works on the following aspects:- Optimizes supply chain management
- Enhances food safety and traceability
- Drives sustainable development
- Strengthens consumer trust
- Uplifts brand reputation
- Maintains regulatory compliance
Benefits of Using GS1 Standards in Hong Kong
Over 35 billion barcode scans occur annually in Hong Kong. This suggests the usefulness and effectiveness of all GS1 barcodes in the Hong Kong supply chain.
Supports e-commerce growth
GS1 standards facilitate product listing on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Alibaba, and eBay. Products with correct Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) receive up to 40% more user clicks and 20% higher conversion rates in Google Shopping Ads, improving online visibility and sales.
The standards use the barcode tracking system to monitor retail products, secure records, and prevent errors while ensuring an improved customer experience.
Digital Coupon improves consumer engagement
GS1 HK Digital Coupon solution, built on the Global Coupon Number (GCN) standard, helps businesses connect with consumers in new ways. It allows fast distribution of e-coupons across multiple channels, ensures secure redemption, and prevents fraud.
Businesses can create marketing campaigns with traceable, globally recognized Digital Coupons. The campaigns created this way benefit businesses in the following ways:
- Faster checkout with in-store coupon redemption
- Distribute coupons via social media, SMS, messaging apps, websites, email, or printed QR codes
- No printing or admin costs, making coupons eco-friendly
- Track campaign performance in real-time and understand consumer purchasing trends
Enhances trust and accessibility
Products with GS1 barcodes starting with the Hong Kong prefix (489) are known for their high quality and safety, boosting consumer trust and brand reputation. This makes it simpler for businesses to reach top retailers and e-commerce platforms.
Accessing product information online has become easier with the help of the GS1 product identification. This is because the GS1 barcodes contain all the necessary information, such as the product's key identifiers and attributes.
Success stories from GS1 HK
GS1 HK has helped businesses improve efficiency, traceability, and digitalization through its innovative solutions. These success stories demonstrate how companies have leveraged GS1 standards to streamline operations and enhance customer trust.
Eat East
Eat East specializes in chill and frozen ready meal. The company used 1QR, to facilitate check-out and product management.
The new packaging includes GS1 HK’s 2D barcode “1QR”, allowing consumers to access product details, offers, certifications, and more. Hence, the brand can boost consumer engagement, especially for the young, active smartphone users.
Manufacturers can set up the 1QR on product packaging to let consumers access different sales promotions at different times.
Elite Ta
Va Luen International founded Elite Tea to promote Chinese tea culture. The brand leveraged GS1 HK’s 1QR technology to enhance consumer engagement and trust.
By integrating the GS1 Digital Link QR code, the company allowed customers to scan and access detailed product information, including origin and ingredients. This transparency helped build confidence in the brand and encouraged purchases.
To further boost sales and customer loyalty, the brand adopted GS1 HK’s Digital Coupon system. This system allowed the distribution of discounts via social media and instant messaging apps. As a result, this strategy helped the brand effectively attract new customers while encouraging repeat purchases.
The brand uses GS1 HK’s 1QR and Digital Coupon to strengthen consumer’s right-to-know, enhancing consumer trust. These technologies help the brand boost sales and track sales results.
Leveraging these technologies help the brand facilitate improved shopping experience to consumers with a “scan-and-buy” approach. Also, these technologies allowed the brand to steer traffic to e-shop by connecting offline and online.
Ocean Empire
To promote transparency, Ocean Empire, a traditional Cantonese congee chain decided to adopt 1QR, a new generation of GS1 QR code that integrates product information, certifications, traceability, incentives, and authentication details in a single code, on the new products.
Additionally, the company utilized 1QR for dynamic promotions that helped it update offers in real time without changing packaging. As a result, it helped drive traffic to its online store and strengthened its takeaway business, now accounting for around 40% of total revenue.
With 1QR, the company connects offline to online and drives sales. 1QR helps the company provide a free marketing tool with offers and potential word-of-mouth effects.
Why Choose GS1 HK?
The following points justify the reasons for choosing the GS1 HK.
- They understand the unique needs of Hong Kong's local industries, businesses, market environment, and regulations.
- GS1 HK possesses expertise in supply chain practices, business processes, and operations.
- They hold an extensive global network & knowledge in the international industry & ESG practices.
- GS1 standards in Hong Kong are easy to integrate with your existing enterprise systems, such as ERP, through standard APIs.
- With a leading standard-based community platform, they connect nearly 2,000 corporations across industries.
Leverage GS1 HK for Business Success
GS1 Hong Kong has been influential in driving digital transformation and enhancing supply chain efficiency across industries. Their initiatives, such as BarcodePlus, 1QR smart QR codes, and digital trade financing solutions, have empowered companies to optimize operations and improve consumer engagement.
It also supports SMEs with digital trade financing. By joining the GS1 Chapter in Hong Kong, a business entity can enhance its workflow and maintain global compliance.
DISCLAIMER: We acknowledge that GS1, as well as the materials, proprietary items, and all related patents, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property (collectively, “intellectual property”) relating to its use, are the property of GS1 Global, and that our use of the same shall be in accordance with the conditions provided by GS1 Global.
