GS1 China: Driving Local Business Growth and Policy Success
China, home to one of the world's most complex and fast-moving supply chains, is facing an increasing demand for accurate product information.
Whether it's food safety, pharmaceutical traceability, or e-commerce authenticity, consumers and businesses expect more transparency than ever.
With millions of products circulating worldwide, ensuring accuracy, safety, and compliance isn't just a regulatory necessity—it's a fundamental need.
GS1 China helps businesses implement standardized product identification and traceability solutions.
From agricultural safety platforms to pharmaceutical tracking systems and customs compliance, its work supports multiple national and local initiatives to strengthen monitoring, improve efficiency, and enhance consumer trust.
Table of Contents
What is GS1 China?
GS1 China is the country's local chapter of GS1, the global organization that created the barcode and standardized product identification.
With over 500,000 member companies, it enables them to track their products, exchange accurate data, and operate smoothly in domestic and international markets.
As a local GS1 chapter, it doesn't just copy global standards—it adapts them to fit China's specific regulations, industry needs, and technological advancements.
It operates under the Article Numbering Center of China (ANCC), which oversees nationwide barcode management and product identification.
This means it collaborates with businesses, regulators, and trade organizations to enhance traceability, improve supply chain efficiency, and ensure product safety.
Its impact stretches across multiple industries, from retail and e-commerce to healthcare, agriculture, and logistics.
Whether making sure pharmaceutical products meet traceability laws or helping e-commerce platforms manage product data. This local GS1 chapter is critical in keeping China's markets efficient, transparent, and globally connected.
The GS1 chapter is connected to the numerous branch offices of ANCC located throughout the country. For detailed information on how to reach these offices, please visit the official ANCC website.
Supported local programs, initiatives, and regulations
The local GS1 chapter is key in aligning businesses with China’s regulations and initiatives. Integrating GS1 standards ensures compliance, enhances traceability, and drives efficiency across industries like agriculture, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Strengthening agricultural traceability
China's agriculture sector demands tight control over food safety.
In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), GS1 supports the National Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Traceability Platform.
This system tracks agricultural goods from farm to consumer, ensuring food safety compliance and rapid response to quality concerns.
This initiative enhances transparency and consumer trust by applying GS1 standards, such as barcodes while enabling efficient oversight across the supply chain.
Securing pharmaceuticals and medical devices
Counterfeit drugs and untraceable medical devices are serious risks. China tackles these issues through strict regulations.
The 2019 Drug Administration Law requires full traceability for pharmaceuticals, while the Provisions for Supervision and Administration of Medical Device Distribution mandate GS1-compliant Unique Device Identification (UDI).
The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) oversees these efforts, ensuring that GS1 standards improve product safety, distribution efficiency, and patient confidence.
Boosting E-commerce and global trade
China's booming e-commerce sector and cross-border trade rely on Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) and standardized data exchange to keep things running smoothly.
GS1 China, in partnership with the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), works to improve product identification and customs efficiency by applying GS1 standards. This contributes to broader data services utilized within China's trade ecosystem.
These efforts help businesses globally expand while ensuring consumers get accurate, trustworthy product information.
Advancing IoT and RFID integration
GS1 is pushing supply chains into the future by integrating RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) with GS1 standards.
This technology enhances real-time product visibility, reduces errors, and improves logistics efficiency. The chapter also works closely with IOTE (IoT Exhibition) to showcase how GS1 standards align with IoT-driven supply chain solutions, reinforcing China's leadership in smart logistics.
China's traceability and supply chain initiatives are already making a significant impact, improving product safety, transparency, and efficiency across industries. But a larger transformation is on the horizon.
Sunrise 2027: The shift to 2D barcodes
The Sunrise 2027 initiative is a global effort to transition retail and supply chain systems to 2D barcodes, ensuring that point-of-sale (POS) scanners can read them.
This shift is driven by the need for richer product data, better traceability, and more efficient supply chain management—things traditional 1D barcodes simply can't provide.
What are 2D barcodes?
Unlike traditional 1D barcodes (such as UPC or EAN), which store only a numeric identifier, 2D barcodes encode data in both horizontal and vertical dimensions—hence the name "2D."
This allows them to store significantly more information in a smaller space while being scannable from any angle.
Key advantages include:
Higher Storage Capacity: While 1D barcodes typically store fewer than 100 characters, 2D barcodes can encode 2,000 to over 7,000 characters. They can include numeric, alphanumeric, and even multilingual text (including accents), mathematical symbols, and special punctuation if needed.
Flexible Scanning: Readable from any angle, improving speed and accuracy.
Space Efficiency: Fits more data in a smaller area, making them ideal for compact packaging.
Data Connectivity: Links to databases for real-time product details, recalls, and sustainability info.
Smarter data
The shift to 2D barcodes isn't just about storing extra information—it's about embedding structured, standardized data that can be universally understood. This enables:
Instant Product Insights – A single scan provides essential details:
- Key Qualifiers: Like serial numbers and batch/lot numbers for precise tracking.
- Data Attributes: Expiry/use-by dates, weight, dimensions, and other relevant product specifications.
Consumer Transparency: Shoppers can access detailed product information with a quick scan.
Regulatory Compliance: Essential in industries like healthcare and pharmaceuticals for precise traceability.
The most common 2D barcodes
As businesses upgrade their systems, these barcode formats will be the most widely used:
GS1 QR Code: Used for most consumer goods, allowing retailers and shoppers to access product details, promotions, and traceability data.
GS1 DataMatrix: The standard for healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, ensuring accurate UDI (Unique Device Identification) tracking. They are also the best choice for Direct Part Marking (DPM) due to their compact size and readability on engraved or etched surfaces.
Chinese companies poised to benefit from 2D barcodes
2D barcodes bring effective product tracking, better traceability, detailed product information, and direct consumer engagement—a game-changer for industries that rely on speed, accuracy, and transparency.
Whether verifying authenticity, improving logistics, or enhancing customer experience, businesses adopting GS1 2D barcodes will have a competitive edge.
Below is a list of major Chinese companies that stand to gain the most from this upgrade, along with the 2D barcode format they are most likely to use.
Retail and E-commerce
(GS1 qr code)
Alibaba Group: Known as China's e-commerce giant, Alibaba operates platforms like Taobao and Tmall, connecting millions of buyers and sellers globally.
JD.com: A leader in online retail and logistics, JD.com is renowned for its fast delivery and high-quality customer service.
Pinduoduo: Famous for its group-buying model, Pinduoduo has become one of China's fastest-growing e-commerce platforms, especially in rural areas.
Food and beverage
(GS1 QR code)
Kweichow Moutai: Known for its premium baijiu, Moutai is one of China’s most valuable brands and the world's most valuable spirits company.
Nongfu Spring: A leading bottled water and beverage company in China, offering products like Nongfu Spring mineral water, Tea π, and Oriental Leaf.
Yili Group: One of China’s largest dairy companies, producing liquid milk, yogurt, milk powder, and ice cream. Popular brands include Satine and Ambrosial.
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
(GS1 Datamatrix)
Sinopharm: China's largest pharmaceutical distributor, Sinopharm plays a critical role in the global supply of medicines and vaccines.
Hua Medicine: A biotech company focused on innovative diabetes treatments, gaining recognition for its R&D advancements.
Mindray Medical: A global leader in medical devices, Mindray is known for its high-quality healthcare solutions.
Logistics and supply chain
(GS1 Datamatrix/QR code)
SF Express: China's leading logistics company, SF Express is known for its reliable and efficient delivery services.
Cainiao Network: Alibaba's logistics arm, Cainiao is revolutionizing supply chain management with smart logistics solutions.
ZTO Express: A major courier service provider, ZTO is recognized for its extensive network and cost-effective services.
Manufacturing and electronics
(GS1 Datamatrix/QR code)
Huawei: A global leader in telecommunications and consumer electronics, Huawei is known for its cutting-edge technology.
Xiaomi: A tech giant famous for its affordable smartphones and smart home devices, Xiaomi has a strong global presence.
BYD: A leading electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD is at the forefront of China's green energy revolution.
Fashion and apparel
(GS1 QR code)
ANTA: One of China's largest sportswear brands and a leading global sportswear company. It owns international brands like FILA and Descente.
Bosideng: A major Chinese down jacket manufacturer with large-scale production and advanced facilities. It handles brand development, product design, raw material sourcing, outsourced production, marketing, and sales. Bosideng down jackets are sold in 72 countries, including the U.S., France, and Italy.
LI-NING: A well-known Chinese sportswear brand that has gained popularity with its "Guochao" (Chinese streetwear) style, blending sports and fashion. It has a strong influence in both domestic and international markets.
Agriculture and food safety
(GS1 QR code)
New Hope Group: A leading agricultural company, New Hope is known for its integrated farming and food production systems.
Bright Food Group: A major food producer, Bright Food is recognized for its diverse portfolio of consumer brands.
China Mengniu Dairy: A top dairy company, Mengniu is famous for its high-quality milk products and global partnerships.
Automotive
(GS1 Datamatrix/QR code)
SAIC Motor: China's largest automaker, SAIC is known for its joint ventures with global brands like Volkswagen and GM.
Geely: A leading automotive manufacturer, Geely is famous for acquiring Volvo and innovative vehicle designs.
NIO: A pioneer in electric vehicles, NIO is recognized for its premium EVs and battery-swapping technology.
Helping Chinese businesses to move forward
GS1 China helps businesses manage supply chains and meet rising consumer expectations by aligning with government programs, local initiatives, and regulations.
GS1 standards improve traceability, compliance, and efficiency across industries—from agriculture and pharmaceuticals to e-commerce and hazardous chemicals.
The 2027 shift to 2D barcodes is a major upgrade. It enables richer product data, better supply chain visibility, and compliance with evolving regulations. This chapter provides the expertise to ensure a smooth transition, helping businesses stay competitive locally and globally.
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.
