Every Product in Europe May Soon Have Its Own Digital ID

The future of retail and supply chain in Europe is about to change.

GS1, the global organization behind the EAN barcode system, has announced that by 2027, European retailers are expected to adopt 2D barcodes or RFID on all consumer products. This means every item — not just product types — will have a unique, scannable digital identity.

Why Is the Traditional EAN Barcode No Longer Enough?

The EAN (European Article Number) barcode has served retail since the 1970s. But in today’s data-driven world, it has major limitations:

What Is Changing in Europe?

GS1 Europe and major retailers are rolling out the GS1 Digital Link standard — a smarter barcode that turns product codes into web URLs. When scanned by a smartphone or RFID reader, this link can:

1. Show product info, expiration dates, certifications

2. Verify authenticity and origin

3. Help with product recalls

4. Support recycling and sustainability instructions

5. Track supply chain movement in real time

Retailers like Carrefour, Coop, and Migros have already started pilot projects using QR codes and RFID.

By 2027, all EAN barcodes will be replaced or supported by 2D barcodes (like QR or DataMatrix) — and many brands are going further by embedding NFC/RFID tags for seamless, contactless management.

Who Benefits from This Shift?

Retailers get faster inventory counts, reduced theft, and real-time analytics

Brands gain better product traceability, channel control, and anti-counterfeit tools

Consumers get transparency, confidence, and value-added services

Regulators can better monitor sustainability and product recalls

Getting Started: You Don’t Need Complex Tech to Join the Future

While some brands are using embedded RFID chips or printed electronics, most companies start simple:

Stick NFC/RFID labels on packaging or install/embed an RFID tag on the product

Add a unique serial number or digital link

Connect it to a cloud platform or landing page

We offer affordable, customizable RFID/NFC tags, perfect for brands entering the next generation of smart packaging.

Final Thoughts

This transition isn’t just a trend—it’s part of a global shift toward transparency, automation, and product-level intelligence. For European companies especially, now is the time to explore how RFID and NFC can future-proof their packaging and operations.

Want to try smart RFID tags for your products?
We help brands of all sizes implement cost-effective, ready-to-use NFC and RFID solutions.

Click here to explore our RFID/NFC products