GS1 BarCodes Announces Adoption of Reduced Space Symbology

June 23, 2006

GS1 announced a global sunrise date of Jan. 1, 2010 for a new bar code called Reduced Space Symbology (RSS). This marks the first time since the European Article Number (EAN)/Universal Product Code (UPC) bar code was adopted that GS1 endorsed a bar code for global, open (unrestricted) trade item identification.

The announcement follows a business case review by a global task force comprising retailers, consumer goods manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, GS1 member organizations (MOs) and trade associations.

While EAN/UPC will remain useful for product identification, RSS enables expanded bar code implementation by meeting the objective of identifying small items and carrying more information than the current EAN/UPC bar code. With its smaller size, RSS will enable Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) identification for hard-to-mark products like fresh foods increasing shrink reduction and category management.

RSS's ability to carry GS1 Application Identifiers like serial numbers, lot numbers and expiration dates helps identify solutions that support product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, variable measure product identification, and couponing.

EAN/UPC will be used in the future as the decision to adopt RSS for existing applications will be made by brand owners. The adoption date of 2010 sets the goal for bar code systems to be capable of scanning RSS bar codes and processing GS1 Application Identifiers. Separate dates will be set for the use of the additional data for new application areas by global standards work groups.

Initial priorities were established for identification of fresh food, variable measure and pharmaceutical products sold at retail. In addition, research areas will be supported such as boosting GS1's variable bar code printing technology knowledge and network.

"RSS is a natural complement to the GS1 System and sends a clear signal for scanner implementation worldwide," said Miguel Lopera, president and CEO, GS1. "RSS, like EPC, can carry GS1 Application Identifiers and provide GS1 with options to deliver integrated benefits based on what is needed."

Source: GS1.