Barcode celebrates its 50th birthday today

50 years ago, on April 3, 1973, the GS1 barcode was created, changing the way we shop forever and strengthening the reliability and transparency of the supply chain.

Representatives of the world's largest retail leaders agreed on a single standard for product identification-the barcode. From that moment on, it became part of everyday life around the world without us even realizing it. A simple beep at checkout linked the physical product to its digital identity and ensured product information was shared across brick-and-mortar stores and the supply chain. For 50 years, GS1 standards have helped businesses grow and strengthened the reliability and transparency of the supply chain despite all industries.

Our future has never looked brighter. New multi-purpose 2D codes based on GS1 standards transform simple scanning and open the gateway for additional product information. Scanned in-store at checkout or by mobile phone, 2D codes offer new opportunities to improve business processes or customer experience, enhance patient safety and kick-start sustainability initiatives.

See the barcode story