GS1 Paid Counterfeit products and warranty fraud are two sides of the same problem—one hurts consumers, and the other hurts manufacturers and retailers.
Fake products flood the market, tricking buyers into spending money on something worthless, sometimes even dangerous.
Meanwhile, companies lose millions dealing with fraudulent warranty claims, often from people trying to get a free repair or replacement for something they never actually bought from an authorized source.
Authentication and warranties go hand in hand. A warranty only matters if the product is genuine.
Manufacturers won’t honor claims on fakes, and customers don’t want to fight to prove they weren’t scammed. Linking authentication to warranties protects both sides—buyers get what they paid for, and businesses cut down on fraud.
Using a GS1 QR code for product authentication and warranties makes handling these issues effective. Let’s discuss this further.
What is product authentication?
Product authentication is the process of verifying whether an item is genuine. It ensures that what a customer buys is the real deal—not a cheap knockoff disguised as the original. This protects buyers from scams and helps businesses maintain brand integrity.
There are several ways to authenticate products:
- Holograms and security labels add a layer of visual authentication, often featuring unique patterns, color shifts, or microtext. While they make forgery harder, skilled fraudsters can still produce convincing imitations.
- Tamper-proof packaging—Seals, breakable caps, or protective films help prevent tampering before the product reaches the customer. However, bootleggers can mimic these features, making it difficult to rely on packaging alone for authenticity.
2D barcodes can store unique serial numbers or batch information, adding an extra layer of security.
When set up correctly, customers and businesses can instantly verify product originality with a simple scan. It’s a cost-effective solution that enhances trust and transparency in the supply chain.
There are two key types of 2D barcodes to be aware of: DataMatrix is the regulated standard for healthcare, pharmaceutical products, and medical devices.
Meanwhile, GS1 QR codes are expected to become the most common for consumer products. They will complement—and eventually replace—traditional UPC barcodes in retail.
Understanding product warranties
A product warranty is a commitment from the manufacturer to repair or replace an item within a specified period.
It gives customers peace of mind, knowing they’re covered if something goes wrong. But for warranties to work smoothly, there has to be a reliable way to track and verify them.
Current challenges in warranty management
- Lost or fake receipts – Customers misplace receipts or, worse, knockoff producers/bootleggers create fake ones to make false claims.
- Difficulty in verifying legitimate warranty requests – Without clear proof of purchase or product authenticity, disputes arise.
- Undocumented reports or no video evidence of the issue – Some claims get rejected simply because there’s no solid documentation of the problem.
- Fraudulent claims from fake products – Manufacturers get flooded with warranty requests for fake items they never sold.
This is where the GS1 Digital Link in QR codes makes a difference. They can store multiple links, including one for warranty registration or a claim platform.
Customers can scan it using their smartphones, register their product, and even submit timestamped video evidence—ensuring faster and more reliable warranty validation.
Use cases: Simplified authentication and warranty management
Here’s a sample use case to help you better understand how using the GS1 QR code for product authentication and warranties works.
From verifying authenticity before purchase to registering a warranty and submitting a claim, a single QR code simplifies the entire process.
Let’s see how it helps a buyer make a secure purchase and easily handle warranty issues.
Verifying product authenticity before purchase
Jake is shopping for a new pair of wireless earbuds. With so many replicas in the market, he wants to make sure he’s getting the real deal. He notices a GS1 QR code on the packaging and scans it with his smartphone.
A menu appears with an option to “Verify Authenticity.” He taps it and is directed to the brand’s official verification page. The system confirms the earbuds are genuine, displaying details like the serial number, batch, and warranty eligibility. Confident in his purchase, Jake buys the product.
Registering the warranty
Once home, Jake scans again and selects “Register Warranty.” The system asks for his purchase date and lets him upload a photo of the receipt if required.
After successful registration, the system advises him to save a picture of the QR code. That way, he won’t have to hunt for the packaging if he ever needs to claim the warranty.
Submitting a warranty claim with video proof
A few months later, Jake’s earbuds stopped charging. Since he saved the GS1 QR code on his phone, he doesn’t need to dig through old receipts or find the box—he just opens the image, scans it, and selects “Report an Issue.”
The platform asks him to describe the problem and lets him record a timestamped video proving the defect. He submits the claim, and because everything is properly documented, the process moves forward quickly.
What was needed?
- GS1 digital link QR code
- Smartphone
- Internet connection
One scan, two solutions with a GS1 QR code for product authentication and warranties
Using GS1-powered 2D barcodes like QR codes eliminates the guesswork for both businesses and customers.
A single scan verifies product authenticity before the purchase, registers the warranty after, and simplifies issue reporting—all without extra apps or paperwork.
This isn’t just a convenience. A GS1 QR code for product authentication and warranties cuts down warranty scams, protects brands from knockoffs, and makes warranty requests faster and more transparent. Instead of juggling receipts and serial numbers, customers get a direct, verifiable link to the brand’s support system.
One scan, two solutions—no hassle.
