Why QR Codes Matter for DPP
The Digital Product Passport needs a physical link between the product and its digital record. In the EU framework, this link is a data carrier—typically a QR code—that connects a physical product to its online passport page.
But not just any QR code will do. The EU's DPP framework is expected to align with GS1 Digital Link standards, the global system for product identification that powers barcodes worldwide.
What Is GS1 Digital Link?
GS1 Digital Link is a standard that encodes product identification into a web URI (URL). Instead of scanning a barcode that reveals just a number, scanning a GS1 Digital Link QR code opens a web page with structured product information.
A typical GS1 Digital Link URI looks like:
https://dpp.epassportify.com/01/05060789123456/21/12
This URI contains:
- /01/ — Application Identifier for GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
- 05060789123456 — The actual GTIN identifying the product model
- /21/ — Application Identifier for Serial Number
- 12 — The serial number identifying this specific item
Understanding GTIN for Textiles
The GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the foundation of product identification:
- GTIN-13 — the most common format (13 digits), identical to EAN barcodes used globally
- GTIN-14 — used for trade units and cases (14 digits)
- GTIN-8 — for small products with limited space
If you already use barcode systems for your textile products, you likely already have GTINs. These same identifiers become the basis of your DPP QR codes.
What If You Don't Have GTINs?
You can obtain GTINs by registering with your local GS1 Member Organisation. This gives you a company prefix that you use to create unique product numbers.
Item-Level Serialization
DPP requirements are expected to go beyond product-model identification. Each individual item (or batch) needs its own unique identity. This is achieved through serial numbers.
There are two common approaches:
Batch Serialization
One serial number per production batch. Suitable for products with identical composition within a batch. Simpler to manage but less granular.
Item-Level Serialization
Every individual product gets its own serial number. More granular tracking but requires more sophisticated label management.
Your choice depends on your products, volumes, and how detailed you need traceability to be.
Implementation Steps
- Ensure you have GTINs — register with GS1 if needed, or verify your existing barcodes
- Plan your serialization — decide between batch and item-level serials
- Choose a DPP platform — select a platform that generates GS1 Digital Link URIs and QR codes (epassportify supports this natively)
- Generate QR codes — create QR codes for each SKU or serial in printable formats
- Integrate with labels — add QR codes to product labels, hang tags, or packaging
- Test scanning — verify that scanning resolves to the correct DPP page
QR Code Best Practices
- Minimum size — QR codes should be at least 15mm × 15mm for reliable scanning
- Contrast — use dark modules on a light background; ensure sufficient contrast
- Error correction — use at least Level M (15%) error correction for textile labels
- Placement — place QR codes where they survive the product lifecycle (care label area is ideal)
- Test with multiple devices — verify scanning with different smartphones and lighting conditions
How epassportify Handles QR Codes
With epassportify, you can:
- Generate GS1 Digital Link QR codes for each product variant or batch
- Download label-ready PDF files with QR codes in production layout
- Export QR codes as ZIP image files for integration with your label design software
- Preview how the DPP page looks when scanned — view a live example ↗
Ready to start your DPP journey?
Talk to our team about preparing your textile products for EU Digital Product Passport requirements.