Today marks exactly 52 years since the first barcode was scanned at a supermarket in Ohio, USA; a watershed moment that changed the way we shop, move goods, and trust the products we bring into our homes.

GS1 Australia is celebrating World Barcode Day by calling on Australian businesses to prepare for the next leap forward: ensuring their POS systems can read 2D barcodes such as QR codes alongside existing barcodes to capture the GTIN, the global standard for product identification.

“Fifty‑two years ago today, the barcode reshaped the world and now we stand at another turning point,” said GS1 Australia CEO Maria Palazzolo.

“2D barcodes will soon redefine how organisations operate, how brands communicate, and how consumers make decisions.”

2D evolution

While the original linear barcode ushered in a new era of speed and accuracy, the world has changed. Consumers now expect instant information, digital transparency, and confidence that what they’re buying is safe, authentic, and responsibly produced. Legacy barcodes simply weren’t built for this level of detail.

2D barcodes carry far more information, from batch and expiry dates to sustainability credentials and links to rich digital content. They enable better product safety, stronger traceability, and more personalised consumer experiences.

To unlock these benefits, businesses must ensure their POS systems can read both traditional and 2D barcodes. Many older systems will not meet future operational requirements as expectations and technology continue to evolve.

“This is not just a technology upgrade – it is a transformation of trust, transparency, and efficiency across the entire value chain and Australian retailers who act now will lead the next era of modern commerce,” said Ms Palazzolo.

2D barcodes are already being adopted by major global retailers, and the shift is accelerating. Businesses that prepare now will be best placed to meet rising expectations and deliver the transparency consumers increasingly demand. As the world marks more than half a century since the very first scan, GS1 Australia is urging businesses, brands, and technology providers to use today’s milestone to assess their systems and prepare for what is right around the corner.