Using GS1 QR Code for Transportation Safety Compliance

Using GS1 QR Code for Transportation Safety Compliance

The use of the GS1 QR code for transportation safety compliance allows businesses to consistently meet safety regulations and significantly optimize supply chain operations. It’s because a GS1 code contains all critical information regarding a product in a scannable format.

Product specifications, batch numbers, expiration dates—all information about a product are embedded in a single code for businesses. This allows businesses to track items in real-time and ensure they meet safety regulations, leading to smoother and more successful operations. 

Let’s explore how GS1 barcodes enhance transportation processes in detail!

Table of Contents

    1. Common transportation & logistics challenges faced by businesses
    2. Integrating GS1 Barcode: How will it help?
    3. How to integrate GS1 QR code for transportation safety compliance?
    4. Start using the customized GS1 QR code generator today.
    5. Frequently asked questions

Common transportation & logistics challenges faced by businesses

The transportation and logistics industry deals with a multitude of day-to-day challenges. Some of the recurring issues include:

  • Mishandling of goods causes spoilage, contamination, or accidents.
  • Delay or disruption in operations due to loss of goods to theft or tampering.
  • Failure to ensure consistent adherence to safety protocols across the supply chain.
  • Facing hefty fines due to non-compliance with safety regulations.
  • Compromised business integrity due to disrupted operations.

If any of these issues sound familiar, you must consider integrating the GS1 2D barcodes for transportation safety compliance in your business. In addition to minimizing transportation challenges, a GS1 code will help you enhance your business productivity by improving supply chain visibility.

Integrating GS1 Barcode: How will it help?

GS1 barcode helps identify and manage problems in transportation safety compliance.  The GS1 digital QR code is a type of 2D barcode that follows GS1 standards. Contrary to a traditional barcode, the GS1 label provides a more detailed product information.

Scanning this label reveals instructions for product handling, delivery deadline, safety guidelines, and complete transportation data, including carrier and shipment details. 

Instant access to critical information about the good for all individuals streamlines business and ensures compliance with transportation safety regulations.

Role of GS1 QR code for transportation safety compliance

GS1 QR code on display

From efficient data sharing to counterfeit prevention, the GS1 code serves as a powerful tool for the transportation industry. Following is a deeper insight into its key benefits:

End-to-end traceability with GS1 2D barcode

The GS1 traceability system works in more than 100 countries. As all individuals get access to the same information about a product, it promotes trust among retailers and consumers worldwide. The GS1 code allows you to verify the safety, quality, and authenticity of the goods simply by doing a single scan from your mobile phone.

Additionally, the GS1 QR code for tracking makes it possible to monitor the complete supply chain of your goods—from the manufacturer to the consumer. In case of any accident or delay, you can identify affected items and take immediate action to minimize disruption in operations. 

GS1 2D barcode prevents counterfeiting

Most counterfeit products travel through international borders and pose major threats to the reputation of businesses. The annual sales losses due to counterfeiting in the clothing industry amounted to 26.3 billion euros, as per a 2020 survey. 

But guess what? The 2D GS1 barcodes also work well in this situation. Customs officers can track the GS1 Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) in the barcode to compare the product information to a legitimate database. 

This standardized practice minimizes the risk of counterfeit products traveling through international borders, promoting consumer safety and reducing loss. It also helps companies maintain their integrity and fight counterfeiting across global supply chains.  


Real-time tracking of goods

With a GS1 digital QR code, you can monitor the goods in real-time as they move through the supply chain.

Real-time monitoring provides extensive information regarding the current location and condition of the product. 

As the GS1 barcode contains information like expiry dates and batch numbers, scanning the code can send alerts to a connected system in case a product expires.

By monitoring the product status, you can take immediate action and inform relevant individuals in case of any unforeseen circumstances during transit. 

Allows efficient data sharing

A GS1 2D barcode is embedded with complete product details. This allows quick and easy data sharing among managers, suppliers, carriers, retailers, etc. 

The availability of all information in a single code improves data sharing accuracy, while the automated retrieval of data from the code also eliminates any data entry errors. 

Consistent data sharing among all stakeholders improves coordination and ensures adherence to safety protocols.

Supports compliance with regulatory requirements

The GS1 digital QR code for transportation safety compliance makes information easily accessible and verifiable to increase product safety. It includes all critical safety and regulatory information, including safety standards and legal documents. 

By a quick code scan, you can ensure that the goods meet all the latest regulatory requirements at any point in the supply chain and save yourself from potential fines or penalties. 

Inventory management

GS1 digital code is capable of automating stock-related processes. Since it stores extensive product information, such as item number, batch number, and expiry date, scanning a GS1 code also offers monitoring of stock levels. 

Using a GS1 digital QR code for transportation safety compliance in combination with the right software, companies can automate the stock reordering process and enjoy seamless inventory management.

You can also use the barcodes to issue alerts within a connected system when the stock is low, or products have expired.

Improves supply chain efficiency

Seamless data sharing, real-time monitoring, traceability, digital data keeping, inventory management, and instant verification all contribute to one big advantage. And that is—supply chain efficiency.

Using GS1 QR codes for supply chain distribution allows prompt response to disruptions, inventory updates, adherence to safety regulations, improved record accuracy, and better handling of goods.

All this ultimately contributes to smooth operations and improved supply chain management.

How to integrate GS1 QR code for transportation safety compliance?

Following are the key steps to incorporate GS1 digital QR code in transportation: 

Identify the safety requirements of the industry

Each industry has different transportation safety standards and requirements. Find out the safety regulations that apply to your industry, and then generate a GS1 QR code for transportation safety compliance.

Generate GS1 barcode

GS1 QR code generator

Create a barcode using a generator, like the GS1 QR code maker. You can use the available templates or customize your GS1 QR digital QR code as per the requirements.

Make sure to include files with all critical details, such as the expiry date, batch number, product data, shipment details, safety guidelines, etc.

Use the GS1 QR code in packaging & documentation

Once generated, you can use the GS1 barcodes in packaging, shipping labels, and documentation to manage and track all relevant information regarding the goods.

By using necessary scanning tools and tracking systems, all individuals across the supply chain can interpret the data from the code and address issues, if any.

Update GS1 QR codes regularly

Keep a regular check to make sure your GS1 codes are functioning as they should. Monitor the transportation safety requirements to ensure your GS1 codes meet the latest compliance protocols. 

Remember, unlike traditional barcodes, you can edit and update your GS1 codes per the latest compliance requirements anytime. 


Start using the customized GS1 digital QR code generator today

Wondering if you can generate custom GS1 digital QR codes? The GS1 Digital QR Code Generator is just the right tool to start. This user-friendly tool lets you generate GS1 QR codes effortlessly.

You can choose from a wide range of available QR code templates or customize your code according to your industry's particular requirements. So don't wait around! Start using the GS1 QR code for transportation safety compliance.

Apart from improving transportation safety and supply chain efficiency, you'll also save yourself from financial losses and the endless challenges that come with traditional barcodes. 

Frequently asked questions

How do I create a GS1 QR code?

Generating a GS1 digital link code is easy, provided you have your hands on the right tool. To create a working QR Code:

  • Find a reliable QR code generator that meets the GS1 standards. 
  • Enter the relevant information in the GS1 QR generator tool to create a scannable code.
  • After creating the GS1 QR code, test it to avoid any difficulties in the future.
  • Once tested, you can distribute it to your team or add it to the product packaging. 

Are all QR codes GS1 compliant?

No, all QR codes are not GS1 compliant. A GS1 compliant QR code adheres to specific standards set by the GS1 organization. It ensures the data it contains is structured and formatted in a way that is globally recognized. So only the QR codes that meet the GS1 standards are GS1 compliant.

Is a GS1 barcode mandatory by law?

No, a GS1 barcode is not mandatory by law. However, major retailers like Amazon and Walmart require products to have a GS1 QR code to ensure consistent product information across all stores in the world. 

Using it as a business owner will allow you to operate efficiently, meet industry standards, and enhance the supply chain visibility to a significant extent.


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.