Frequently Asked Questions

GS1 Digital Link is a standard created by GS1 that embeds product identifiers (such as GTINs) into a QR code in URL format. When scanned, the QR code can direct users to product information, traceability data, marketing pages, or any web resource. It bridges the physical product with digital information, replacing traditional 1D barcodes while maintaining compatibility with existing GS1 systems.

GS1 Sunrise 2027 is the global initiative requiring all retail point-of-sale systems to accept GS1 2D barcodes (QR codes) alongside traditional 1D barcodes by January 2027. After this date, 2D barcodes will be the primary carrier of GS1 identifiers.

Major retailers including Walmart, Carrefour, Tesco, and Woolworths are already preparing for this transition. Products without GS1 2D barcodes may face rejection at point-of-sale in the near future.

Eventually, yes. While 1D barcodes will still be accepted during a transition period, new packaging should include GS1 2D barcodes. ElkQR generates a 1D barcode (EAN-13 or Code 128) below the QR code automatically, so both formats are available on the same label.

We recommend starting the transition now — updating packaging in phases gives your team time to adjust workflows without rushing before the deadline.

ElkQR supports 15 GS1 Application Identifier types including GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code), GLN (Global Location Number), GRAI, GIAI, GSRN, GDTI, GINC, GSIN, CPID, GMN, and more. All identifiers include built-in check digit validation.

Key Qualifiers make each GS1 Digital Link unique beyond the primary identifier. They include batch/lot number, serial number, CPV (Consumer Product Variant), and TPX. For example, two products with the same GTIN but different batch numbers would have different QR codes.

Data Attributes encode additional product information directly in the QR code, such as production date, expiry date, net weight, net volume, price, and count of items. This data is embedded in the GS1 Digital Link URL.

Yes. ElkQR automatically generates a 1D barcode (EAN-13 or Code 128) below the GS1 QR code. This is essential during the transition period when legacy barcode scanners may not yet support 2D codes. Both barcodes appear on the same label, making your packaging compliant with current and future standards.

Every ElkQR plan includes all 21 QR code types: GS1 Digital Link, URL, vCard Plus, Booking, Menu, PDF, Images, Video, Audio, Event, Feedback, Landing Page, Page Builder, Coupon, WiFi, App Store, Multi-link, Payment EPC, PayNow, Pet ID, and Business. One subscription covers everything your business needs.

Upload a CSV file with your product data (GTINs, qualifiers, data attributes) and ElkQR will generate GS1 Digital Link QR codes for all rows at once. Standard plans support up to 10,000 rows per upload, and Enterprise plans support up to 20,000 rows. Each GTIN is validated automatically.

ElkQR generates print-ready A4 PDF label sheets in multiple grid layouts: 2x3 (6 labels), 3x4 (12 labels), 4x4 (16 labels), and 4x5 (20 labels) per page. Each label includes the GS1 QR code and the 1D barcode. Simply download and print on your label printer.

Yes. Every QR code scan is tracked with location (city/country), device type, browser, operating system, and timestamp. Analytics are unlimited and stored indefinitely. You can also export analytics data in CSV format.

Yes. ElkQR provides a REST API with scoped API keys for programmatic GS1 QR code generation. Standard plans allow 120 requests/minute, Enterprise plans allow 300 requests/minute. Full API documentation is available in your account dashboard.

Yes. ElkQR offers a 14-day free trial with full access to all features, including GS1 Digital Link. No credit card is required to start. After the trial, choose the plan that fits your needs.

The Standard plan ($49/month, or $490/year with annual billing — 2 months free) includes: unlimited GS1 QR codes, unlimited scans, all 21 QR code types, 50GB storage, API access at 120 req/min, bulk CSV creation (10,000 rows), 2FA enforcement, GS1 Center Dashboard, scan analytics, custom domains, and team collaboration.

The Enterprise plan ($199/month, or $1,990/year with annual billing — 2 months free) includes everything in Standard plus: 100GB storage, 300 req/min API access, 20,000-row bulk CSV, priority support, DPA (Data Processing Agreement), 99.9% uptime SLA, dedicated support contact, and a personalized onboarding session.

Yes. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on your first paid subscription. Contact us within 30 days of your purchase for a full refund. You can cancel your subscription at any time.

We accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and PayPal. All payments are securely processed through Paddle.

Yes. ElkQR uses AES-256-GCM encryption for data at rest and TLS encryption for data in transit. All accounts support 2FA, with workspace-level enforcement available. Data is hosted in the European Union (Helsinki, Finland) with EU data residency.

Yes. ElkQR is fully GDPR compliant with EU data residency, consent management, data export capabilities, and the right to deletion. Enterprise plans include a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) for additional legal compliance.