Two major traceability initiatives are shaping the future of retail point-of-purchase packaging: Sunrise 2027 and FSMA 204. Both regulations are driving significant changes in product identification, traceability, and supply chain transparency, making it essential for manufacturers to begin preparing now.

What Is Sunrise 2027?

Sunrise 2027 represents a major transformation in retail barcode technology. Led by GS1, the initiative is transitioning the industry from traditional UPC barcodes to GS1 Digital Link-enabled 2D barcodes, including standardized QR Codes and DataMatrix codes.

These next-generation barcodes can store significantly more information than traditional UPCs, enabling:

• Enhanced product traceability
• Improved consumer engagement
• Greater supply chain visibility
• More efficient inventory and recall management

Sunrise 2027 also supports retailers in upgrading point-of-sale (POS) systems so they can scan and process these data-rich 2D codes. At the same time, brands gain the ability to share expanded product information directly with consumers.

By the end of 2027, retail point-of-purchase products that currently carry a UPC barcode are expected to include a 2D barcode alongside the UPC. Any product packaging that currently prints a UPC barcode should begin planning for this transition now.

What Is FSMA Section 204?

FSMA 204 is part of the FDA’s Food Traceability Final Rule under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act. The regulation requires companies that manufacture, process, pack, or hold certain high-risk foods to maintain and share detailed electronic traceability records throughout the supply chain.

The primary objective of FSMA 204 is to improve food safety by enabling faster identification and removal of contaminated products from the marketplace.

The regulation requires the use of traceability lot codes for specific food categories included on the FDA Food Traceability List. One accepted method for encoding traceability information is the GS1-128 barcode standard.

Helpful resources:

• FDA Food Traceability List
• GS1-128 Barcode Information
• FDA Traceability Lot Code Guidance

The compliance deadline for FSMA 204 has been extended to 2028, giving manufacturers additional time to implement compliant traceability systems.

Squid Ink’s CoPilot Printing Systems?

Squid Ink is prepared to help manufacturers navigate the evolving requirements of both Sunrise 2027 and FSMA 204 with advanced coding and marking solutions designed to support traceability, compliance, and operational efficiency. Our CoPilot family of printing systems is fully equipped to print accurate, reliable 2D barcodes used throughout the supply chain, helping partners stay ahead of the evolving retail landscape with confidence.