Is GS1 DataBar a new name for RSS?

Yes! The barcode formerly referred to as Reduced Space Symbology, or RSS, adopted its official new name GS1 DataBar on February 12, 2007.

What did the GS1 Board endorse as it relates to GS1 DataBar?

The GS1 Board endorsed a GS1 DataBar adoption proposal from a Board appointed task force that can be summarized as “GS1 DataBar symbols and GS1 Application Identifiers shall be available in all trade item scanning systems beginning Jan 1, 2010.”

Will EAN/UPC bar codes be replaced by GS1 DataBar?

Not always, as it will be left to the brand owner (party responsible for specifying package design) to decide. If no new data is required and the package has adequate space for a full EAN/UPC symbol, then there is no need to change unless the brand owner wants to recover package space for consumer communication. I f the package is large enough to print a full size EAN/UPC symbol and all that is required in the bar code is GTIN-12 or 13 then EAN/UPC remains an appropriate solution. This allows the brand owner to switch when graphics are being revised for other reasons and therefore can be made with little or no increased cost

When will GS1 DataBar be used?

GS1 DataBar is already used today in the healthcare industry but the adoption date allows its use on any trade item beginning Jan 1, 2010 and this includes retail Point-of-Sale (wherever trade items are scanned). With the decision announced, GS1 Work Groups will form to develop, test, and standardize the best way to use it by "use case" or application.

Do I have to wait until Jan 1, 2010 to use GS1 DataBar?

Not always. Where GS1 DataBar is being used today (healthcare or other items not scanned at retail POS), it remains appropriate for use today. There is no need to delay current implementation of current global application standards that exist.