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# QR Code

> A two dimensional matrix barcode standardised as ISO/IEC 18004, widely used as the data carrier that links a physical product to its Digital Product Passport.

## Definition

A two dimensional matrix symbology defined by ISO/IEC 18004 that encodes data in a square grid of
modules, readable by standard camera devices and tolerant of partial damage through built in error
correction.

## Expanded Explanation

The QR code is the default passport carrier for consumer facing products because almost every mobile
device can read one without an application. It supports four levels of error correction, so a symbol
can still be decoded when part of it is obscured, and it can be printed, etched, woven or moulded.

Practical readability depends on the module size, the printing method, the substrate and the
contrast, not on the encoded content. Very long encoded strings force a denser symbol, which raises
the minimum printed size and the risk of failed scans on small items. Encoding a short resolvable
identifier is therefore both a durability and a governance decision.

Where the product is small, harsh in use, or scanned in bulk, other carriers may be more
appropriate: a GS1 DataMatrix for small marking areas, or radio frequency identification where line
of sight is impossible.

## Why It Matters

The QR code is the part of a passport that end users actually experience. A symbol that is too
small, poorly contrasted, placed on a label that is removed at first use, or pointing at a marketing
page rather than the passport, undermines the entire implementation regardless of the quality of the
underlying data.

## Common Misconceptions

#### Any QR code satisfies the requirement

The obligation concerns the passport and its accessibility, not the symbol. A QR code linking to a
brand website does not create a passport, and one that cannot survive the product's service life
does not provide the required access.

## Related Terms

* [Data Carrier](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/data-carrier)
* [GS1 Digital Link](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/gs1-digital-link)
* [Product Identifier](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/product-identifier)
* [GS1](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/gs1)
* [Resolver](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/resolver)

## Related Knowledge Base Articles

* [What Is a Digital Product Passport?](/docs/knowledge-base/digital-product-passports/what-is-a-digital-product-passport)
* [Who Needs a Digital Product Passport?](/docs/knowledge-base/digital-product-passports/who-needs-a-digital-product-passport)

## Related Articles

* [Data Carrier](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/data-carrier)
* [GS1 Digital Link](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/gs1-digital-link)
* [EPCIS](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/epcis)
* [GS1](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/gs1)
* [GTIN](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/gtin)
* [Harmonised Technical Specification](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/harmonised-technical-specification)
* [Resolver](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/resolver)
* [QR Codes vs GS1 Digital Link: What's the Difference?](/docs/knowledge-base/standards-and-technology/qr-codes-vs-gs1-digital-link)

## See Also

* [Standards & Technology](/docs/knowledge-base/standards-and-technology/overview)
* [Implementation](/docs/knowledge-base/implementation/overview)

## References

* ISO/IEC 18004, QR code bar code symbology specification: [https://www.iso.org/standard/83389.html](https://www.iso.org/standard/83389.html)
* GS1 General Specifications: [https://www.gs1.org/standards/barcodes-epcrfid-id-keys/gs1-general-specifications](https://www.gs1.org/standards/barcodes-epcrfid-id-keys/gs1-general-specifications)
* Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, Official Journal of the European Union:
  [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1781/oj](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1781/oj)

## About This Article

About This Article

<dl>
  <dt>
    Last Reviewed
  </dt>

  <dd>
    2026-08-07
  </dd>

  <dt>
    Next Scheduled Review
  </dt>

  <dd>
    2027-08-07
  </dd>

  <dt>
    Article Version
  </dt>

  <dd>
    1.0
  </dd>
</dl>

tieback Knowledge is a continuously maintained reference library covering Digital Product
Passports, product traceability, product compliance and related regulations. Articles are
reviewed regularly as legislation, standards and implementation guidance evolve.

## Related Docs

* [Standards & Technology](/docs/knowledge-base/standards-and-technology/overview)
* [Implementation](/docs/knowledge-base/implementation/overview)
* [Digital Product Passports](/docs/knowledge-base/digital-product-passports/overview)
* [Glossary](/docs/knowledge-base/glossary/overview)