Producers exporting goods from Azerbaijan to Europe will soon have to comply with a new technological labeling standard.
According to GS1 Azerbaijan, the organization that provides barcodes for locally produced goods, the European retail sector will begin adopting Digital Link codes starting in 2027.
Some Azerbaijani wine producers have already encountered difficulties exporting to European markets due to packaging that does not meet the updated requirements.
“European countries now expect not only traditional barcodes but also Digital Link QR codes, which give consumers access to extended product information online,” GS1 Azerbaijan said.
During the transition period, both the traditional barcode and the 2D Digital Link code will appear on product packaging.
“The new technology will allow consumers to instantly view details such as product origin, production date, certificates, ingredients, and usage instructions via mobile devices,” the organization added.
GS1 Azerbaijan emphasized that Digital Link will bring major advantages for manufacturers as well.
“In the coming years, the Digital Link standard will become one of the key requirements for entering international markets – especially in Europe,” the statement said.
