When it comes to coupons, according to this news release, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) believes that the …removal of the UPC-A barcode beginning January 1, 2010 will create a significant hardship for many retailers who may not be equipped to scan the new GS1 DataBar by this date.
A one year delay is being urged. Actually, they use the softer term ‘deferred implementation:’
…the Joint Industry Coupon Committee (JICC) recommends that the UPC-A barcode not be removed from coupons beginning January 1, 2010. The JICC recommends a deferred implementation date of January 1, 2011…
I haven’t as yet seen any response to this from the folks associated with GS1 US. To date it has been my impression everyone was pushing full steam ahead on all fronts toward the 2010 date. Of course, the GMA /JICC suggestion of a deferred implementation doesn’t prevent or slow any retailer that’s ready for the GS1 DataBar to start scanning it anytime.
