WASHINGTON — Based on feedback regarding the industry’s readiness to scan the GS1 DataBar on coupons, the Grocery Manufacturers Association here, through the Joint Industry Coupon Committee (JICC), has recommended that the UPC-A barcode not be removed from coupons beginning Jan. 1, 2010.
The JICC recommends a deferred implementation date of Jan. 1, 2011, to help ensure that the industry has enough time to prepare for proper implementation of the GS1 DataBar. Many coupons now contain both the UPC-A and DataBar bar codes.
The response to a DataBar readiness survey conducted in March “suggests that removal of the UPC-A barcode beginning Jan. 1, 2010, will create a significant hardship for many retailers who may not be equipped to scan the new GS1 DataBar by this date,” said GMA in a statement. However, the JICC recommendation to defer implementation “should not dissuade ready retailers that are eager to capitalize on the additional capabilities of the DataBar from beginning to scan the new symbol on or before Jan. 1, 2010,” GMA said.
The JICC is soliciting comment from industry stakeholders on the deferred GS1 DataBar implementation date. The review period runs through July 17, 2009. Stakeholders are encouraged to contact Logan Kastner at lkastner@gmaonline.org or (202) 637-8065 to share additional feedback.
The JICC includes representatives from GMA, Food Marketing Institute, National Grocers Association and National Association of Chain Drug Stores, as well as individuals from retailers and manufacturers who oversee coupon programs.
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