Updated 04 November 2025

GS1 Web Vocabulary pilot participation

Terms and conditions for members participating in the pilot.

Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:

Term Definition
GS1 Conformant Resolver A licensed, GS1-approved partner resolver that includes GS1 Digital Link functionality and complies with GS1 global standards.
Quick Response (QR) Code powered by GS1 A 2D barcode encoded using the GS1 Digital Link syntax, scannable via a mobile device’s camera, and capable of connecting consumers to trusted, structured product data.
GS1 Digital Link A global GS1 standard that extends the power of GS1 identifiers, such as GTINs, to the web by making them actionable links that connect to brand-authorised digital content.
Web Vocabulary File A structured data file (in JSON-LD format) that uses the GS1 Web Vocabulary to describe a product in a consistent, machine-readable way for use by digital applications.
Structured Product Data Product information formatted according to GS1 Web Vocabulary and Digital Link standards, enabling accurate, interoperable, and trusted data exchange across digital platforms.
AI Application The GS1 UK-provided demonstration chatbot used during the pilot to test how structured, brand-authorised data can answer consumer product questions.
Partner Solution Provider A GS1 UK-approved technology partner supporting pilot deployment, including resolver setup and AI chatbot integration
Pilot The GS1 UK Web Vocabulary Pilot (5 January 2026 – 27 February 2026), providing early access to an AI application minimum viable product (MVP) for participating GS1 UK members.
Pilot Member A GS1 UK member expressly invited and approved to participate in the Web Vocabulary Pilot.

Background

The GS1 Web Vocabulary Pilot is an initiative led by GS1 UK to help SMEs create structured, discoverable, and trusted product data on the web. Built on GS1 and web standards, it enables brands to link accurate, GS1-structured data directly to their products through a QR code. The pilot will involve over up to 50 SMEs testing an AI chatbot that answers real consumer questions using this structured data. It will also build a catalogue of trusted member product data to support a future hackathon and assess the value of self-service tools for creating GS1-standard data.

By participating, members can strengthen consumer trust, reduce service costs, gain valuable shopper insights, and future-proof their digital presence. Consumers benefit too, as scanning a QR code gives them instant, personalised answers about verified product facts, helping them make confident, informed purchasing decisions. Together, the pilot demonstrates how transparent, standardised product data can improve engagement, accuracy, and brand visibility in an AI-driven retail world.
 

Terms of use for the GS1 Web Vocabulary pilot

Participation in the GS1 Web Vocabulary Pilot is voluntary and provided on a test-and-learn basis. The GS1 UK AI application and related tools are offered “as is”, without any warranties or guarantees of performance. GS1 UK is not liable for any direct or indirect impact on business operations arising from the use, defective performance, or non-performance of the pilot solution.

We do not warrant that use of the GS1 UK AI application will be uninterrupted or error-free. GS1 UK is not responsible for delays, delivery failures, or any other loss or damage caused by data transfer over communication networks, including the internet. Participants acknowledge that pilot testing may be subject to limitations, delays, or disruptions inherent in such technologies.

To participate, members must use a GS1-conformant resolver provided by one of GS1 UK’s approved partner organisations. These partners have agreed to provide resolver access at no cost for the duration of the pilot. The resolver is essential for linking each product’s QR code to the GS1 UK AI application and defining the location of the Web Vocabulary file used by the AI system.

For security and controlled access, only approved and registered pilot users will onboarded with access to the GS1 UK AI application. Participants agree to follow any reasonable instructions or guidelines provided by GS1 UK throughout the pilot and must not introduce any viruses, malware, or other harmful software into the system.
By joining the pilot, members confirm that they understand these terms and accept that the pilot environment is exploratory and not intended for business-critical use.
 

Member participation expectations

As a participant in the GS1 Web Vocabulary Pilot, each member plays an essential role in testing, validating, and improving how structured, GS1-standard product data supports consumer engagement. To ensure meaningful results and shared learning, we ask that all participating members:

  • Confirm product data accuracy and promptly notify GS1 UK of any updates or corrections to ensure the information used in the pilot remains current and reliable.
  • Generate and apply GS1 Digital Links (QR codes) on at least one product pack, linking directly to the AI-powered consumer experience provided through the pilot.
  • Encourage consumer participation by promoting QR scanning through on-pack messaging, social media, or other marketing channels.
  • Provide feedback and insights through short surveys, review sessions, and pilot meetings, helping GS1 UK evaluate value, usability, and consumer response.
  • Share input on FAQs and product claims to refine the AI chatbot’s responses and improve the overall customer experience.
  • Support promotional storytelling, including optional participation in GS1 UK case studies, events, or communications that showcase pilot learnings (with your prior consent).
  • Allow pilot data reuse (optional) for a GS1 UK-led hackathon to explore new innovation opportunities using the structured product data created during the pilot.

Participation requires a spirit of openness, collaboration, and willingness to experiment. Members’ contributions will directly shape the development of future GS1 tools and guidance that help SMEs manage and share trusted product information more effectively.

After the pilot

At the end of the GS1 Web Vocabulary Pilot, participating members will have several options to ensure their QR codes continue to function smoothly. GS1 UK will work with each member to decide the most appropriate next step before the pilot concludes. Members may choose to maintain the existing QR link through their selected GS1-conformant resolver, redirect it to an alternative destination such as a brand web page for FAQs. In all cases, GS1 UK will provide guidance and technical support to ensure that no consumer-facing QR code becomes inactive or misleading after the pilot. The goal is to provide a seamless transition, maintaining continuity for both brands and their customers.

Data protection

GS1 UK will handle all member and pilot data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, and in line with the GS1 UK Privacy Statement. Any information shared during the pilot will be used solely for the purposes of managing participation, analysing pilot outcomes, and improving GS1 UK services.

Limitation of liability

Participation in the GS1 Web Vocabulary Pilot is voluntary and provided on a test-and-learn basis. Members acknowledge that participation is at their own risk and that GS1 UK shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental loss or damage arising from the use or performance of the pilot solution. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of business, revenue, data, or goodwill. Nothing in these terms limits or excludes GS1 UK’s liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or for any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable law.

Duration and termination

These terms take effect upon acceptance and remain valid for the duration of the GS1 Web Vocabulary Pilot. GS1 UK reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the pilot at any time, with reasonable notice provided to participating members. Participants may withdraw from the pilot at any point by providing notice to GS1 UK. Upon termination or withdrawal, GS1 UK will work with members to ensure an orderly closure of pilot activities, including any necessary redirection or deactivation of QR codes and data links, to maintain a consistent and accurate consumer experience.

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