Product batch codes are essential for traceability, but traditional methods don’t always keep up with the fast pace of modern supply chains. QR Codes modernize batch tracking by turning static codes into dynamic, scannable tools that help businesses reduce errors, streamline recalls, and build trust through transparency.
With Bitly’s Dynamic QR Codes, you can link each batch to real-time data, update destinations without reprinting, and track scan activity to see where and when customers or partners engage. It’s a smarter, more scalable way to manage inventory and improve product visibility—from manufacturing to customer use.
In this guide, we’ll explore how QR Codes simplify traceability, support compliance, and give both teams and consumers the information they need instantly.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
What is a batch code?
A batch code, also called a lot code or lot number, is a unique identifier assigned to a group of products during production. It typically includes a combination of letters and numbers and may be printed on product packaging or embedded in a barcode, 2D Barcode, or QR Code for manufacturing.
More brands now use QR Codes to store batch data because they’re easier to scan and can hold more product details. Unlike traditional barcodes, QR Codes allow access to real-time data like batch authenticity, inventory status, and supporting documentation.
Batch codes benefit both manufacturers and consumers.
They help manufacturers:
- Track products across the supply chain.
- Improve inventory accuracy.
- Identify issues for faster recalls.
- Meet regulatory requirements in industries like food and pharma.
For consumers, they:
- Verify product authenticity.
- Confirm whether an item is part of a recall.
- Track expiration dates for safety.
What does a batch code look like?
Batch codes are a string of serial numbers and letters, and their format can vary significantly based on a company’s preferences. Some follow the Julian date format, others use a standard date format, and many are alphanumeric.
Examples include:
- X24078: A Julian code for products made on March 19, 2024. “X” is the product ID, “24” is the year, and “078” is the day of the year.
- X240319: A standard date format, representing the year (2024), month (March), and day (19th) of manufacture.
- B2403A1: An alphanumeric format that might represent a product line, year, month, plant code, and shift.
More complex formats often require insider knowledge to decode and are typically tracked in an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file for internal use.
Embedding batch information into a QR Code simplifies this process. With a smartphone camera or an app for QR Code scanning, anyone can instantly view batch details—no manual decoding required.
Bitly’s Dynamic QR Codes make it easy to update batch info without needing to reprint, and codes can be exported in PNG, JPG, or SVG for seamless packaging integration.
How does a product batch code work?
A batch code contains key details like the product’s manufacturing date, location, ingredients, and expiration. Manufacturers assign a new code with each production run and log it in a central database along with additional data, such as raw materials used, personnel, and equipment.
These codes are printed on packaging or embedded in digital formats like QR Codes, creating a scannable link to batch-specific information. Once products are distributed, that batch code becomes a traceable marker across the supply chain. If issues arise, manufacturers can quickly identify the affected batch and alert distributors, retailers, and customers for a targeted, efficient recall.
QR Codes take this further by enabling real-time access to that information. Anyone in the supply chain can scan the code and retrieve up-to-date details on demand via an online database.
With Bitly Codes, manufacturers can instantly update or correct linked info without reprinting packaging, making it easier to respond to issues, meet changing requirements, and streamline cross-team communications.
QR Codes in supply chain management help businesses track product movement at every stage, from production and storage to distribution. And when problems occur, QR Codes for product recalls make it easier to isolate batches, confirm eligibility, and guide users to the next steps—reducing confusion and improving safety.
Examples of where product batch codes are located
Batch codes are a regulatory requirement in certain industries. For example, manufacturers of children’s products must include identifying details like batch or run numbers to comply with U.S. safety laws. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines.
But many brands use batch codes not just to meet regulations, but to improve traceability and recall readiness. That’s why you’ll see them on everything from food and cosmetics to home goods.
When embedded in QR Codes, batch data is usually in visible, scannable areas on packaging to make access easy. Common placements include:
- Product labels (near expiration dates or barcodes): Consumers can scan these unique QR Codes using a smartphone camera to view batch details like production date, ingredients, or safety info, often linked via a website URL.
- Packaging boxes (side panels or bottom flaps): Ideal for warehouse staff and shoppers to scan during stocking, shipping, or unboxing.
- Seals or crimped edges (especially on food and pharmaceuticals): Customers can scan the code before opening to check expiration or recall status and confirm authenticity.
Here’s where batch codes are typically found by industry:
Food products
Batch codes on food products are typically placed near the “best by” date. You might find them on the bottom of cans, the side of boxes, along bag seals, or on product labels.
Placement varies by manufacturer, so consumers should inspect each product carefully. For example, Heinz prints batch numbers on the back of its sauce bottles, while Nestlé places them on the back of its chocolate bar packaging.
Pharmaceuticals
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can issue recalls for pharmaceutical products that lack batch numbers. As a result, lot codes are common on bottles, pill containers, blister packs, and boxes.
On blister packs, the batch code is usually located on the edge of the foil backing, near the expiration date. On ointment tubes, it’s typically printed on the crimped end.
Cosmetics
While batch codes aren’t legally required for cosmetics, many brands include them for quality assurance and to indicate product shelf life across the supply chain.
You’ll often find them on bottles, product labels, or boxes if the item is packaged. For example, lotion containers may have an embossed batch code on the bottom near the expiration date.
Batch codes also frequently appear near the barcode on external packaging. QR Batch Code tracking in cosmetics is becoming more common, allowing consumers to scan and verify authenticity, shelf life, and ingredients in seconds.
Benefits of using QR Codes as batch codes
Using QR Codes as batch codes offers the following key advantages:
- Real-time inventory tracking: Monitor batch movement instantly to avoid stockouts, overproduction, or shipping delays.
- Easy cloud syncing and updates: Keep batch records current across teams and systems without manual input.
- Improved recall management: Quickly identify and isolate affected batches to reduce risk and respond faster in high-stakes situations.
- Counterfeit prevention: Help customers verify product authenticity with QR Code-linked batch details.
- Integration with ERP and Google Sheets: Connect your batch code system with tools your teams already use for efficient workflows.
Use cases for QR Codes in batch tracking
From food safety to customer experience, QR Code batch tracking fits seamlessly into a wide range of industries:
- Pharmaceuticals tracking for expiry and compliance: Monitor shelf life, ensure regulatory alignment, and simplify audit readiness.
- Cosmetics authentication: Let customers scan to confirm origin and ingredients, reducing counterfeit risk.
- Retail smart packaging with customer engagement: Turn packaging into a digital touchpoint with batch-linked tips, rewards, or care instructions—ideal for marketing campaigns.
- Manufacturing lot tracking for quality control: Trace issues back to specific production runs to pinpoint root causes faster and improve error correction.
- Logistics real-time location updates: Scan QR Codes on batches to track their movement through warehouses, transport, and delivery via an online database.
Even agriculture can use QR Codes to track harvest dates, origin, and pesticide use, supporting greater transparency from farm to shelf.
How do you check product batch codes?
Checking batch details is simple with QR Codes:
- Open your smartphone’s camera or a QR Code reader app.
- Point it at the scannable code on the product.
- Tap the link that appears to view batch-specific details, such as manufacturing date, expiration, ingredients, usage tutorials, or authenticity info.
Some codes may redirect you to the manufacturer’s website, where you can verify the product directly.
If there’s no QR Code, check the packaging for a printed lot number. You can then:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website and input the batch code in its “product authentication” checker (if it has one).
- Contact the manufacturer’s customer support.
- Use third-party databases like CheckFresh, FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts, and Recalls.gov to look up product batch details and recall information.
Best practices for implementing QR Codes for batch tracking
To get the most out of QR Codes for batch management, it’s important to set them up thoughtfully from the start. Here are a few best practices to follow:
- Use Dynamic QR Codes for flexibility: Easily update linked batch info without re-printing QR Codes or product packaging.
- Ensure clear labeling and placement: Make QR Codes easy to find and scan on labels, boxes, or seals using formats like PNG or SVG.
- Train staff on scanning and updates: Make sure teams understand how to access and manage batch data, including how to use QR Code APIs.
- Integrate with inventory management systems: Sync QR Code scans with tools like ERPs or Google Sheets to enable real-time tracking and smarter decision-making.
- Test scans across devices and lighting conditions: Confirm codes work reliably in real-world environments.
- Enable real-time updates via cloud: Keep batch data accurate and accessible across the entire supply chain.
- Provide clear customer instructions: Let buyers know how and why they should scan your product verification QR Codes.
Take control of product tracking with Bitly’s suite of tools
Batch codes are essential for modern product tracking. They help improve inventory accuracy, enable faster recalls, and give consumers confidence in the products they use. But static codes can only go so far.
Bitly Codes offer a smarter, more scalable solution. With Dynamic QR Codes, you can link to batch-specific data, update details without reprinting codes or packaging, and track scan performance with Bitly Analytics—giving you real-time insights into consumer behavior, product movement, and supply chain operations.
Create a Bitly account today to start using QR Codes for batch tracking and take full control of your product visibility.
