GS1 Digital Link is the open, web-native standard for connecting any physical product to its digital identity. It is the recommended QR code format for EU ESPR Digital Product Passports and is supported natively by major retailers, brands, and regulators.
GS1 Digital Link (GS1 DL) is a standard developed by GS1 — the global non-profit behind the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) and barcode systems. Released in 2018 and now at version 1.3, it defines a web-native URL format that uniquely identifies any physical product.
A single GS1 Digital Link URL replaces the legacy 1D barcode and can be encoded inside a standard QR code (ISO/IEC 18004). Unlike proprietary QR codes, GS1 DL URLs are interpretable by any system that follows the GS1 standard, making them ideal for cross-border, multi-stakeholder applications like ESPR DPPs.
A GS1 Digital Link URL combines a base domain with structured path segments. Each segment uses an Application Identifier (AI) to indicate what kind of data follows:
https://id.gs1.org/01/09506000134352/10/ABC123/21/SN456
The European Commission and ESPR delegated acts have indicated GS1 Digital Link as the recommended QR encoding standard for DPPs. The reasons are practical:
DPPskop integrates a GS1-certified QR code generator into the DPP creation workflow:
To use the official id.gs1.org resolver, your company must be a GS1 member with valid GTINs. DPPskop also supports your own custom domain (e.g., dpp.yourbrand.com) if you prefer self-hosted resolvers.
Visually yes — it's a standard QR code (ISO/IEC 18004). The difference is the content: GS1 DL encodes a structured GS1-compliant URL, not a free-form text or proprietary identifier.
EPC (Electronic Product Code) is for RFID tags and uses different encoding. GS1 Digital Link is for QR codes / 2D barcodes and uses URL-based encoding. Both can carry the same GTIN.
Theoretically yes, but GS1 Digital Link is officially recommended by the EU. Using non-GS1 formats may complicate audits and cross-border interoperability.
Unlimited. DPPskop supports bulk QR generation for catalogues with 100,000+ SKUs via REST API or CSV upload.
Yes. GS1 Digital Link supports content negotiation — the resolver returns different content based on the requester (consumer app → simple page, recycler → repair guide, customs → declaration).
DPPskop exports vector SVG or PDF files. For woven/printed labels, request 8mm or larger size. For care labels, 6mm with high error-correction is sufficient.
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