GS1 QR Code For Authenticating Products And Counterfeit Prevention
In today's market, counterfeit products are everywhere, from local shops to online platforms, deceiving customers and damaging the reputation of original manufacturers.
Significant developments in QR codes have a good application in preventing counterfeiting. If you are an online retailer, GS1 QR codes can be a powerful tool to authenticate products and avoid counterfeiting.
This blog will explain the GS1 QR code for authenticating products and counterfeit prevention.
Table of Contents
- What is a GS1 QR Code?
- Importance of Product Authentication in E-commerce
- How to Use GS1 QR Code for Authenticating Products and Counterfeit Prevention?
- Best Practices to Implement GS1 QR Code for Authenticating Products and Counterfeit Prevention
- Creating GS1 QR Code -Step By Step
- Key Benefits of Using a GS1 QR Code For E-Commerce
- Use GS1 QR Code Generator To Create Code For Product Authentication and Counterfeit Prevention
What is a GS1 QR Code?
GS1 QR code is another popular variant that strictly adheres to the rules or specifications of global standard one, short as GS1. For those who don’t know, GS1 is a globally recognized organization that helps firms track their supply chains worldwide, following a uniform set of rules. How?
GS1 officially produces unique universal barcodes and product identifiers that help distinguish goods from each other. Every successful e-commerce site leverages and accepts GS1 barcodes, with Amazon being one fine epitome.
A GS1 QR code is a GS1 2D barcode designed according to the GS1 rules and acts as a one-stop for all the details of a product/service. Appearance-wise, these QR codes are similar to regular barcodes, i.e., a square grid of black-and-white modules, but their key differences lie in their data formatting and structuration.
GS1 has been working on these codes to store limitless information, as traditional barcodes are insufficient to cope with the growing need.
Importance of Product Authentication in E-commerce
Product authentication in e-commerce is important because of the following reasons:
Customer trust
Do you know why Amazon is the most successful e-commerce company today? The business strategy is there, but it is also fully dedicated to complying with Earth’s most customer-centric company approach.
This is the sole reason why Amazon adheres to strict authentication laws today. If an e-commerce platform sells authentic products, it will qualify for long-run stability because authentic products mean authentic customers.
Fraud prevention
Fraud reports have prevailed like never before, and the need of the hour is to control them.
Product authentication confirms the entry of authorized products into the supply chain and encourages the delivery of original items to customers. When a customer paying for an original product receives a duplicate one, it is a straightforward fraud.
How to Use GS1 QR Code for Authenticating Products and Counterfeit Prevention?
GS1 QR code for authenticating products and counterfeit prevention has a lot of potential in preventing counterfeits. Here we have the breakdown:
Unique product identifiers provide distinction
GS1 QR codes for e-commerce retailers serve the optimal purpose with unique product identifiers. Every product QR code has a unique identifier assigned, such as a UPC, GTIN, etc., which is not necessary for traditional QR codes.
Every GS1 QR code with a unique identifier helps distinguish and identify whether a product belongs to the actual manufacturer. This QR code is scanned and verified against the GS1 database.
The uniqueness of each product makes it harder for counterfeit products to enter the market. It is hardly possible to replicate GTINS; if it is, it doesn't necessarily pass the verification against the database.
Integration with anti-counterfeiting systems boosts security
A GS1 barcode can be integrated with other external systems, so companies can combine them with their anti-counterfeiting software to add an extra layer of security.
Moreover, merchants can use GS1 QR codes alongside safety measures like holographic labels and special inks, as Holographic GS1 QR codes are nearly impossible to replicate.
Detailed information storage strengthens authentication
Unlike standard barcodes, which can store simple information like URLs, contacts, and text, GS1 2D barcodes can store a large amount of data with complex structures. Their character capacity is more significant than 1D barcodes, making GS1 codes a one-stop shop for all the details.
Customers and merchants can scan to learn the basics of a product and pinpoint any mismatch if there’s a counterfeit. The availability of in-depth information about a product implies strong authentication and weaker counterfeiting.
Real-time verification at the consumer’s end
A consumer can self-scan the product QR code and access all the information about the product without being dependent on intermediaries like retailers or a listing.
GS1 QR codes can contain digital links to a web page with a to z product detail, or they can be integrated with a mobile app so customers can cross-check the product's authenticity and refrain from buying a counterfeit one.
Best Practices to Implement GS1 QR Code for Authenticating Products and Counterfeit Prevention
Below are some best practices e-commerce merchants can implement to achieve optimal results with the GS1 QR code for authenticating products and counterfeit prevention.
Utilize your brand domain in the digital link of the GS1 QR code
If you have your brand domain, use it to build the GS1 digital link QR code URL for your code while creating a GS1 2D barcode. This promotes both brand identity and customer trust.
Keep URLs short
Short URLs are easily managed and visually appealing. They also minimize the 2D barcode size. Moreover, consider using uppercase letters over lowercase letters in the GS1 digital link to help in successful encoding.
Add encryption
Before creating the GS1 QR code for authenticating products and counterfeit prevention, consider adding multi-layer security, such as two-factor authentication and encryption standards, to protect sensitive data.
Use high-quality printing
High-quality printing provides a high-resolution GS1 QR code image and adds security. Quality printing material would allow holographic and special ink printing, which is one of the security measures merchants use to prevent the replication of codes.
Maintain compliance and updates
Before finalizing the GS1 QR code, it is crucial to cross-check its content to ensure it aligns with global standards and is up to date with recent guidelines.
Creating GS1 QR Code -Step By Step
Here are four steps to create a GS1 barcode:
Obtain a unique identifier
To obtain a unique identifier, visit the GS1 official website for your country and get the company prefix first and then a GTIN. It will cost a bit more if you have multiple product lines to buy GTINS from GS1, but make sure you only purchase unique identifiers from the GS1 organization.
Sort out the additional information
Besides GTIN, list the information you want to add to the QR code, such as the product details, discounts, certifications, etc.
Choose a GS1 QR code generator and embed the data
After sorting out the information, it is time to generate the QR code. Make sure you choose a GS1 QR code generator. A regular QR code won’t do the job. You need a specific QR code generator that adheres to Global standards. Embed the data in the GS1 QR generator appropriately. Always cross-check to make sure the data is accurate and aligned with GS1.
Create the QR code and test
Create the GS1 QR code and test it. Scan it multiple times using different devices and check its functionality, whether it is easily readable and displays proper information before printing it in the desired places.
Key Benefits of Using a GS1 QR Code For E-Commerce
GS1 QR codes are beneficial in many aspects of modern e-commerce, but here are a few of them:
Global compatibility
GS1 QR codes for ecommerce are globally accepted because they are based on global standards. They are usable and accessible anywhere, ensuring the consistent interpretation of encoded data across different countries worldwide.
Unlike traditional barcodes restricted to geographic borders, these GS1 QR codes are independent of location constraints and bypass industry specifications and local technology variations.
They are not limited to e-commerce but extend to multiple sectors, such as health, barcode tracking system for retail, and logistics, without modification.
GS1 QR codes can seamlessly integrate with international systems, fostering smooth global data sharing.
Enhanced traceability
GS1 QR codes for authenticating products and counterfeit prevention are designed for detailed encoding. They can store multiple pieces of information, such as unique identifiers, batch numbers, expiration dates, and product manufacturing details.
It ultimately allows these barcodes to provide rich and enhanced traceability as all the needed information is accessible in one go. It can also be integrated with information systems, giving end-to-end visibility of a product’s movement at each stage of its journey from supplier to retailer.
Quick product recalls
When a product is returned or replaced following a manufacturing or supply chain defect, it is called a product recall. A GS1 product identification barcode, followed by enhanced traceability, helps detect product recalls by effectively identifying the defect point.
Suppose a company receives one of its product recalls. Since every product has a GS1 QR code containing the batch number and manufacturer details, the company can quickly scan the code to know which batch has been affected and where it is presently in its supply chain journey.
Increased data accuracy
GS1 QR codes for authenticating products and counterfeit prevention encode data using specific standards, such as Application Identifiers (AI) and have a consistent data structure.
Standardized formats and consistent data structures reduce common errors and increase data accuracy. Additionally, because these QR codes are GS1-powered, they ensure they follow high protocols and authentication standards.
Consumer engagement
Appropriately created GS1 codes help in customer engagement. E-commerce retailers can embed plentiful information, such as discounts, special offers, visually appealing texts, and videos, to enhance the customer experience.
Moreover, user guides and warranty documentation embedded in the QR code make it easier for consumers to learn everything in only one scan.
Use GS1 QR Code Generator To Create Code For Product Authentication and Counterfeit Prevention
As demand for secure and authentic products grows, GS1 QR codes have become essential in the fight against counterfeits. The need for GS1 QR Codes for authenticating products and counterfeit prevention is rising.
Incorporating GS1 QR codes into your e-commerce strategy can enhance product traceability, protect your brand reputation, and build lasting trust with your customers.
So, start using GS1 QR codes today. Use our GS1 QR code generator, which aligns with the GS1 standards and is trusted by world-recognized brands.
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.
