A new bar code system on the packaging of products to be mandated globally by 2025 is set to revolutionize the retail industry in the Philippines, according to Roberto Claudio, president of the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).
Claudio said the so-called 2D barcode contains a more detailed information of the product, its origin, ingredients and other value-added links.
“This is a big transition… it will make the whole retail industry more efficient in product distribution because the products are easy to track and in case of health or standards concerns, they are easy to trace for recall. (The bar code) will be more consumer-friendly as buyers can appreciate what products to buy, “ Claudio said.
He said some PRA members are starting their transition but trial towards migration is expected by the first quarter of 2024.
At present, the 1D or straight line barcode is being used. It contains information basic product information and origin.
With the 2D barcode, a product like canned sardines will have very detailed information in its packaging like the type of fish, where it was caught and links for recipes.
“The retail industry will spearhead the transition by mandating manufacturers and distributors to migrate to the QR matrix barcode for worldwide simultaneous implementation by 2025,” Claudio said. – Irma Isip
