Direct comparison
Data Matrix vs QR Code on Medical Supplies
Data Matrix vs QR Code: GS1 allows only GS1 DataMatrix on regulated healthcare items, a QR Code can link online. See FDA UDI rules and when to pick each.
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How do GS1 DataMatrix, QR Code (GS1 Digital Link) compare side by side?
The table below compares GS1 DataMatrix, QR Code (GS1 Digital Link) across 10 procurement-relevant dimensions, from what it is through source.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | GS1 DataMatrix | QR Code (GS1 Digital Link) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A two-dimensional barcode. GS1 DataMatrix is the variant of Data Matrix that uses GS1 element string syntax, the same data format as GS1-128. | A two-dimensional barcode. In the GS1 system it carries data in the GS1 Digital Link URI syntax, a web-compatible format. |
| Data format inside the GS1 system | GS1 element string syntax, with Application Identifiers such as GTIN, batch/lot number and expiration date. | GS1 Digital Link URI syntax, which can hold the same Application Identifiers and also connects to the web. |
| Web connectivity | GS1 DataMatrix does not offer the web connectivity of a QR Code or of Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link. | GS1 calls it the current preference for consumer engagement, because the default camera app on a mobile device can scan it and open the website or resource. |
| Regulated healthcare trade items | Approved. GS1 states healthcare products only use GS1 DataMatrix symbols. | GS1 QR Code is not approved for use on regulated healthcare trade items, including for the Extended Packaging URL application. |
| Role on healthcare packs | The product-identification barcode (GS1 recommends using the GS1 barcode already on the pack, such as EAN/UPC, GS1-128 or GS1 DataMatrix). | May be added as a secondary barcode alongside the GS1 DataMatrix or linear barcode to reach online information, encoded in GS1 Digital Link syntax with the same information as the GS1 barcode. |
| Where GS1 US says it is used | Fresh foods, electronics, automotive, aerospace and healthcare; GS1 US says healthcare professionals use it most often, for example on vaccines and medical device packaging. | GS1 US describes QR Codes powered by GS1 Digital Link as linking to a web experience such as consumer information, reviews, coupons or allergen information; partners can also use them to track inventory. |
| Retail point of sale | GS1 notes that not all retail systems can scan and process 2D barcodes yet. | The same GS1 note applies: on a retail POS product a 1D barcode is needed until the transition period is complete. |
| FDA device labeling (UDI) | FDA requires the UDI in plain text and in machine-readable AIDC form. FDA's UDI Basics page names no specific symbology, so it does not by itself say a Data Matrix is required. | Same FDA position: AIDC is any technology that conveys the UDI or device identifier, and no symbology is named on that page. |
| When to pick each | Pick GS1 DataMatrix when the code identifies a regulated healthcare trade item or a supply-chain unit and must carry GS1 element strings. | Pick a QR Code with GS1 Digital Link when the purpose is to send a phone camera to online information, and on healthcare packs only as a secondary code next to the GS1 DataMatrix or linear barcode. |
| Source | GS1 US, The World of 2D Barcodes (gs1us.org/upcs-barcodes-prefixes/2d-barcodes), read 2026-11-01. GS1 support articles on 2D barcode options (modified 15 May 2025) and on QR Codes versus GS1 barcodes on healthcare products (modified 20 Jan 2025), read 2026-11-01. | GS1 support article on regulated healthcare items (support.gs1.org, modified 28 Aug 2024), read 2026-11-01. FDA, UDI Basics (fda.gov/medical-devices/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system/udi-basics), read 2026-11-01. |
Common questions
Common questions about GS1 DataMatrix vs QR Code (GS1 Digital Link)
Is a QR Code approved for use on regulated healthcare trade items?
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Not within the GS1 system. GS1 states that GS1 QR Code is not approved for regulated healthcare trade items, even for the Extended Packaging URL application, and that healthcare products only use GS1 DataMatrix symbols (GS1 support article modified 28 Aug 2024, read 2026-11-01).
Can a QR Code be used on a healthcare product to reach online information?
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GS1 recommends using the GS1 barcode already on the pack for product identification. Because that needs a specialised app to reach online information, a QR Code may be added as a secondary barcode next to the GS1 DataMatrix or linear barcode, encoded with GS1 Digital Link syntax holding the same information (GS1 support article modified 20 Jan 2025, read 2026-11-01).
Does the FDA require a Data Matrix on medical devices?
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FDA's UDI Basics page says the UDI must be provided in plain text and in a machine-readable form that uses automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology. The page does not name a specific barcode symbology (read 2026-11-01).
Which one can open a web page from a phone camera?
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GS1 says QR Code is the current preference for consumer engagement because the default camera app on any mobile device can scan it and connect to a website. Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link can also connect to the web, but not all phone cameras process it automatically yet.
Going deeper
