What makes it “GS1”
A GS1 DataMatrix uses the same symbol as any Data Matrix, but its data follows GS1 rules. It begins with the special FNC1 character, which tells the scanner that the content is structured as GS1 Application Identifiers, each a short number that says what the following value means.
Variable-length fields are ended with a group separator so the scanner knows where one field stops and the next begins. The parentheses shown in the human-readable text, such as (01), are not stored in the barcode itself.
- (01) GTIN, the 14-digit product identifier
- (17) expiry date in YYMMDD form
- (10) batch or lot number
- (21) serial number
Why healthcare uses it
GS1 DataMatrix is widely used on medicine packs and medical devices because it can carry a product code, a unique serial number and an expiry date in a very small space. That combination supports serialization, where each individual pack can be identified and verified.
Regulations in several regions build on this. In the United States, the Drug Supply Chain Security Act requires a product identifier in a 2D barcode on prescription drug packages, and in the European Union the Falsified Medicines Directive rules require a unique identifier in a Data Matrix on many prescription medicines. Check the current rules for your market, as details and deadlines differ.
An example payload
A pack might carry (01)09506000134352(17)271231(10)AB123(21)SN0001, which a scanner reads as the GTIN, an expiry date of December 31, 2027, batch AB123 and serial number SN0001. The human-readable text is usually printed next to the symbol.