Product expiration dates are critical – for safety, inventory precision, and customer confidence. These days, warehouse teams don’t waste time squinting at codes or labels on packages. Instead, they grab a barcode scanner and get instant answers across healthcare, pharma, and food distribution sectors. It's faster, more accurate, and ties straight into your inventory system.
Absolutely—if the barcode includes the right data format and the scanner can decode it. This is particularly true for barcodes that are frequently used to embed expiration details, such as GS1 DataMatrix or Code 128 (with identifiers like AI 17).
However, standard 1D barcodes like UPC and EAN can’t handle expiry dates. They carry product ID only. Here are common barcode formats for expiration tracking：
Compact and packed with info, this 2D barcode is a staple in healthcare and pharma. It stores expiry dates, batch numbers, and serial IDs. For instance, in hospital pharmacies and vaccine logistics, staff often use handheld scanners to verify expiry details in real time.
QR codes can be customized to store expiry information, particularly in systems with mobile apps or smart packaging.
They're increasingly seen in cosmetics and chemical labeling, where consumers may scan the code to check shelf life, or manufacturers use them during packaging QA to prevent expired stock from shipping.
When GS1-formatted, Code 128 can carry multiple data points using Application Identifiers—(17) for expiration date, (10) for batch number, etc.
This format is widely adopted in food distribution, logistics, and warehouse management, where operators scan outer cases or pallet labels to automate FIFO processes and expiration checks.
An expiration date scanner doesn’t “guess” what's on the product label or packaging—it decodes structured data embedded within the barcode itself, just like it would scan a price or product ID at checkout.
Here's what happens under the hood:
Expiry: 2025-09-30, Batch: A104).In a warehouse, for example, staff might walk the aisles with a mobile scanner or wrist-mounted reader. As they scan cases or pallets, the system can flag items that are close to expiration or automatically sort inventory based on FIFO logic.
In retail or healthcare, expiration scanning happens during receiving, restocking, or at point-of-use—helping prevent expired goods from ever reaching customers or patients. Whether it’s food, medicine, or cosmetics, the scanner acts as both a gatekeeper and a timekeeper.
A high-performance, easy-to-use scanner can make all the difference in keeping your inventory fresh and compliant. Here are some of the best barcode scanners for expiration tracking.
The IDPRT HN-3578SR is a compact, rugged 2D scanner with a high-res imager and advanced decoding. It easily connects to PCs or tablets and is commonly used at fixed workstations or carts in warehouses, pharmacies, and food distribution centers. Ideal for spot checks, receiving goods, or verifying expiration dates during shelf audits.
Forget clunky scanners or switching between devices — this rugged Android PDA does it all. It combines 1D/2D barcode scanning with powerful real-time data-handling. It is perfect for on-the-go expiration tracking in warehouses, cold chains, and distribution hubs.
Scan expiration dates fast and accurately — perfect for food, pharma, and warehouse workflows.
