Sunrise 2027 is the retail industry’s ambition for point-of-sale systems to read GS1-compliant 2D barcodes alongside existing linear barcodes by the end of 2027. For retailers and wholesalers, preparation means checking scanners, software and product data together before deciding what needs changing.

It is not a universal deadline to replace every barcode or scanner. A useful first step is to understand which codes your suppliers plan to use and whether your current setup can process them correctly.

Reviewed and updated on 28 October 2026.

What Sunrise 2027 means for your business

GS1 UK’s transition guidance confirms there is no single deadline requiring all members to replace traditional barcodes. Adoption will vary between sectors and trading partners, and products may carry both linear and 2D barcodes during the transition.

Keep existing EAN/UPC barcodes where customers or trading partners still need them. If you own a product range, agree packaging changes with your trading partners rather than removing the familiar barcode simply because 2027 is approaching.

Understand what the barcode contains

An EAN/UPC barcode normally carries a product identifier, the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). Your system uses that identifier to look up the product and its price. The price does not normally sit inside the barcode.

GS1-compliant 2D barcodes can carry the GTIN plus additional information, such as a batch number or expiry date. A QR code using GS1 Digital Link can also connect product identification with online information. That does not mean all product information is stored within the code itself.

A promotional QR code that opens a website is not automatically suitable for checkout. Confirm the barcode format, encoded data and intended use before adding it to packaging or enabling it in your scanning system.

Check existing scanners before replacing them

Record the scanner models used at tills, goods-in desks and picking stations. Include firmware versions, connection types and any settings that affect which codes the device reads or what it sends to your software.

A laser-only scanner cannot read a 2D symbol. An imaging scanner may support the required code, but compatibility still needs checking for the particular model, firmware and configuration. Avoid assuming that a device described as a 2D scanner supports every retail use case.

When comparing barcode scanners, test the products your team handles. Small labels, curved packaging, glossy surfaces and damaged printing can affect performance. A code that scans from a screen in an office is not a complete checkout test.

Check what happens after the scan

Reading the symbol is only part of Sunrise 2027 readiness. Your EPoS software must receive the correct product identifier and match it to the right item. Extra data also needs an agreed purpose and software that can interpret it.

For example, capturing an expiry date does not automatically prevent an expired product from being sold. That outcome needs a suitable software rule, reliable data and a process for handling exceptions. The same applies to batch tracking and recall support.

GS1’s retail point-of-sale implementation guideline covers scanner and host-system considerations. Include your software provider in the review, particularly where product information passes between an EPoS system, stock software and other applications.

Run a controlled test before a wider rollout

Choose a small product range and one task, such as normal checkout identification. Agree what success looks like, who will handle exceptions and how staff will report problems.

Test packs carrying both linear and 2D barcodes. Confirm that scanning identifies the correct item once, with the expected price and quantity. Check returns and other relevant transactions as well as a straightforward sale.

Record failed scans, manual entry and any extra time staff spend resolving issues. Use that evidence to decide whether you need new hardware, configuration changes, software work or better labels. Our guide to building a business case for retail technology can help you assess the wider investment.

Plan your Sunrise 2027 next step with RMS

RMS can help you review scanning requirements and compare suitable hardware. Compatibility with your existing software, including OpSuite, should be confirmed for your installation and the data you need to use.

Speak with RMS about your current scanner models, software and supplier plans. Call 0800 138 0050 or contact our team to discuss a practical route towards 2D barcode readiness.

Why choose RMS?

RMS has supported ambitious businesses since 2004, delivering tailored software solutions and EPoS hardware from the Shetland Islands to the Seychelles. We work across multiple retail and wholesale sectors. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.