Today, industries are advancing rapidly. They are embracing technological shifts to simplify their processes, strengthen customer trust, and elevate their business efficiency. One of the key technological shifts they are quickly embracing includes the adoption of advanced product identification measures. In this blog, we will explore the most popular barcode types in 2025, adopted by businesses, to streamline, standardise, and simplify their supply chains. 

What Are Barcode Types?

A barcode, in its simplest definition, is a data carrier applied to products to foster unique identification in the market. Mainly, it is of two types, 1D and 2D. GS1 is the body that governs and manages the standards of data capture (barcode) globally. Currently, it has 120 member organisations across 150 countries, and GS1 India is one of them. These member organisations are responsible for assigning unique product identities or GTINs to products and other key supply chain objects, as per the requirements of businesses.

1D barcodes are composed of black and white parallel lines with varying widths and spaces in between. They have ‘quiet zones’ at each end so that scanners can efficiently interpret the information encoded. EANs and UPCs are the most widely used forms of 1D barcodes; others include GS1-128 barcode and ITF-14 barcode. 

2D barcodes are composed of black and white grids composed of squares, dots, and lines. They are also called the next generation of barcodes because of their capability to encode dynamic data, rich product information, and company page URL. The two types of 2D barcodes include QR code and GS1 DataMatrix. 

Most Popular Barcode Types in 2025

In 2025, businesses are relying on a mix of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) barcode types, each serving unique roles across industries.

UPC (Universal Product Code)
UPCs are the standard on most products sold in the United States and Canada. They streamline checkout, pricing, and inventory management. There are two types of UPC barcodes – 

• UPC A – They are used on retail products and encode a 12-digit GTIN for their unique identification. 
• UPC-E – They are used on smaller retail products with limited space for a UPC-A barcode.

EAN (European Article Number)
Similar to UPCs, EAN codes are accepted and used for product identification at retail levels. However, unlike UPCs, they are provided and used globally. They enable seamless product identification across borders, making them essential for global trade and retail operations. There are two types of EAN barcodes – 

• EAN-13 – They are applied to retail products and encode a 13-digit GTIN. 
• EAN-8 – They are similar to UPC-E barcodes, applied to smaller retail items and have 8 digits.

GS1-128
GS1-128 is a high-density barcode that can encode alphanumeric characters and is widely used for shipping, logistics, and inventory tracking. It is preferred in higher-level packaging because of its ability to encode more than just SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). It can also include other product attributes, including the package’s manufacturing details, batch number, expiry date, and more.

ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5)

Designed for bulk packaging and distribution, ITF-14 barcodes are commonly seen on cartons and pallets. They allow businesses to track entire shipments rather than individual items. ITF-14 barcode, similar to GS1-128 barcode, is applied to higher-level packaging units; however, it can only encode a 14-digit GTIN.

Two-Dimensional (2D) Barcode Types

2D barcodes store information both horizontally and vertically, enabling them to hold far more data than traditional 1D codes. They can include details like product specifications, URLs, or authentication data.

• QR Code (Quick Response Code)
  Now ubiquitous, QR codes are used for mobile payments, marketing campaigns, digital menus, and product authentication. Their ability to be scanned directly from smartphones has made them an essential tool for engaging consumers. They are being widely used across industries, from healthcare to retail, because of their advanced data encoding capabilities and compact size.
  
• GS1 DataMatrix
  Preferred for its compact size and high data capacity, the DataMatrix is the preferred choice of the healthcare industry. Its accuracy makes it especially valuable for tracking medical devices and pharmaceutical products.

Conclusion 

As the demand for authentic, transparent, and detailed data continues to rise, there will be a subsequent rise in the adoption of 2D barcodes. The industry has already set a date for retailers to make their systems compatible with both 1D and 2D barcode scanning by the end of 2027, also termed as Sunrise 2027. In the years ahead, this shift will be more visible with 2D barcodes existing alongside 1D in almost every product, across every industry.