If you look at any product in your local store, the number underneath the traditional EAN/UPC barcode is the product’s GTIN, and this same GTIN is what is encoded in QR codes powered by GS1.
During transition whilst there is likely to be a EAN/UPC barcodes as well as a QR codes powered by GS1, there are guidelines around whether the the GTIN should be written underneath the QR code powered by GS1 in human readable interpretation (HRI).
Typically, when an EAN/UPC barcode and QR code are next to each other on a general retail consumer trade item, HRI for the GTIN is only required for the linear barcode. If the EAN/UPC barcode and 2D barcode are unable to be adjacent, then the GTIN should accompany both.
In future, when QR codes powered by GS1 may be the only symbol on pack, they will require the GTIN written underneath.
HRI for any additional consumer engagement or additional data attributes is left to the discretion of the brand owner.
Human readabile interpretation (HRI) should always accompany GS1 barcodes just in case they don't scan.
Whilst QR codes powered by GS1 have built in error correction which helps them to scan even when damaged, there is still a chance that something may happen which means they wont work, and the cashier would not be able to enter the product identifier manually if the GTIN wasn't present in human readable form.
For further information on HRI, see section 4.14.2 of the GS1 General Specifications.
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