What a GS1 Digital Link looks like
A GS1 Digital Link is an ordinary https web address with GS1 identifiers arranged in its path. The numbers in the path are GS1 Application Identifiers followed by their values, so a scanner that understands the standard can pull out the GTIN, batch or serial number without asking a server.
For example, https://id.gs1.org/01/09506000134352/10/ABC123 means GTIN 09506000134352, batch ABC123. A brand can also use its own domain, such as https://example.com/01/09506000134352, as long as the path follows the standard.
- /01/ followed by the GTIN (the primary key)
- /10/ batch or lot, /21/ serial number (qualifiers in the path)
- Other attributes, such as ?17=271231 for an expiry date, in the query string
One code for checkout and consumers
The main benefit is that one QR code can do two jobs. A point-of-sale scanner reads the GTIN from the address and rings up the item, while a shopper’s phone opens the address as a web page with product details, instructions or recycling information.
A resolver behind the domain can send different requests to different destinations, for example product information, a recall notice or a manual, based on the link type requested. This is why GS1 Digital Link is central to GS1 Sunrise 2027 and to many Digital Product Passport plans.