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A GS1 Composite barcode is two barcodes printed as one: a linear barcode that identifies the item, and a small 2D barcode above it that carries extra data, such as a batch number or expiry date. A scanner that only reads linear barcodes still gets the item number.

Decode one

Scan or paste a barcode and see every part of it.

Make one

Generate a valid barcode from fields.

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Where you’ll see it

  • Fresh food and healthcare items that need a batch or expiry date alongside the GTIN.
  • Less often on new labels. As 2D barcodes like GS1 DataMatrix and QR Code are accepted at retail, they’re increasingly used for the same data instead. See Sunrise 2027.

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Anatomy

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The linear component

The linear component is one of: It’s a complete barcode on its own, and it includes a flag that tells a scanner a composite component is there to read too.

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The composite component

There are three versions, which hold different amounts of data: An encoder picks the smallest one that fits. CC-A and CC-B are based on MicroPDF417, and CC-C on PDF417.

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Check digits

Each component has its own error checking, which the scanner verifies. The GTIN in the linear component also keeps its GS1 mod-10 check digit. See Check digits.
  • GS1 DataBar: the most common linear component, and Expanded can carry similar data on its own.
  • GS1 DataMatrix: carries the GTIN and the extra data in a single 2D barcode.

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Gotchas

  • Only half the data. A scanner that can’t read 2D barcodes, or has composite reading turned off, returns just the linear component. If your app needs the batch or expiry, check that it arrived.
  • One scan, two barcodes. Scanners that read both parts join them into one string of GS1 data. Parse it as GS1 data, not by position.

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Scanning it in your app

GS1 Composite is in the GS1 group.
See GS1 Application Identifiers for reading the fields out of a scan.

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Specification