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GS1 Composite Codes

Category: Composite Symbologies

A GS1 Composite code combines one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes into one cohesive symbology. This enables a high data capacity in a small space.

However, not all barcode scanners can decode GS1 Composite codes, which makes implementation more difficult. They require a specialist barcode scanning app, such as Scandit Express, or an app built using a library such as the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK.

GS1 Composite barcodes are used widely to store important information such as batch numbers and expiration dates on products and items used or distributed in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, supply chains, and warehousing.

The 1D part of a GS1 Composite code gives the barcode its name (for example, EAN-13 Composite barcode or GS1 Databar Composite barcode). This is taken from one of the following 1D barcodes:

  • Any EAN/UPC barcode (EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A and UPC-E)
  • The family of GS1 DataBar barcodes
  • GS1-128 barcodes

The 1D barcode encodes the item’s primary identification number (such as SKUs and GTINs) using the GS1 system. The 2D barcode – called the composite component (CC) – then sits above the 1D barcode and encodes secondary data such as expiration dates, batch numbers, or a manufacturer’s details.

Three types of GS1 Composite codes

There are three variants of the GS1 Composite barcode. Each has different encoding rules:

  • CC-A: The 2D component is a variant of MicroPDF417 barcode, and the 1D component is an EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, or GS1 DataBar barcode. CC-A barcodes can encode up to 56 alphanumeric characters and are used widely in retail environments.
  • CC-B: The 2D component is a MicroPDF417 barcode, and the 1D component is an EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E or GS1 DataBar barcode. CC-B barcodes can encode up to 338 alphanumeric characters and are commonly used in healthcare for pharmaceutical labeling.
  • CC-C: The 2D component is a PDF417 barcode, and the 1D component is a GS1-128 barcode. CC-C barcodes can encode up to 2,361 alphanumeric characters to track goods across complex logistics and manufacturing supply chains.

GS1 Composite Codes Variations:

  • GS1 Composite Code A (CC-A) Extends a linear GS1 barcode using an additional MicroPDF417 code.
  • GS1 Composite Code B (CC-B) Extends a linear GS1 barcode using an additional MicroPDF417 code.
  • GS1 Composite Code C (CC-C) Extends a GS1-128 (Code 128) barcode using an additional PDF417 code.

Characteristics of GS1 Composite codes:

  • Combine the simplicity of 1D linear barcodes with the advanced functionality of 2D barcodes, giving the flexibility to encode a rich source of information.
  • The 1D linear component of a GS1 barcode encodes primary identification data, while the 2D component holds other data, such as batch numbers and expiration dates.
  • Can be tailored to support variable length data content.
  • Can be read from top to bottom and left to right.
  • Standardized use through the ISO/IEC 24723:2010 international standard.

GS1 Composite code application areas

GS1 Composite barcodes are used in many industries, including:

  • Retail: To identify, track, and manage products sold by retailers in stores or online. For example, implementing this type of barcode reduces waste from perishable goods by enabling the easy encoding of expiration dates.
  • Healthcare: On devices and pharmaceutical packaging to store critical information such as batch numbers and expiration dates. This supports patient safety and compliance.
  • Logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and supply chains: To manage inventory and track goods and components.

GS1 Composite code compatibility 

A wide variety of devices, including mobile devices and dedicated barcode scanners, can read GS1 Composite codes. All scanners, however, rely on GS1 composite scanning software integrated within an app.

Scanning software performance varies widely and can sometimes be an issue with GS1 Composite code readers, particularly when free or open-source software is used.

Scandit’s fast, robust barcode scanning software supports all major barcode types, including GS1 Composite codes with exceptional performance.

Scandit’s software also supports all major operating systems, programming languages, frameworks, 3rd party systems and OEM devices including React Native, Native iOS, Native Android, JavaScript, Xamarin, Flutter, .NET (iOS and Android), Cordova, Capacitor, Titanium, IBM MobileFirst, SAP Fiori and Oracle Xstore.

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GS1 Composite Code FAQs

What is the GS1 symbol?

GS1 barcodes are used by organizations to encode information, including key identifiers (for example, product, shipment, and location) and key attributes (for example, serial and batch numbers).

GS1 has standards for different types of barcodes to satisfy different requirements, including 1D linear barcodes (EAN, UPC, GS1 DataBar, GS1-128, and ITF-14), and 2D barcodes (including the QR code (GS1 Digital Link URI), and GS1 DataMatrix barcodes).

What does the GS1 stand for?

GS1 stands for Global Standard 1. It is a not-for-profit international standards organization with member bodies in more than 100 countries worldwide – for example, GS1 US, GS1 France, GS1 UK etc. GS1 barcodes allow businesses and organizations to uniquely identify, capture, and share critical information about their products and items.

What is a GS1 Composite code?

A GS1 Composite code is a specialized type of barcode that integrates the features and functionality of 1D and 2D barcodes. This combination of barcodes allows a high data encoding capacity in a small space.

How do GS1 codes work?

Organizations wanting to use a globally unique barcode on their products have to register with GS1 to obtain a GS1 company prefix for their organization. Organizations can use this unique prefix and GS1 guidance to generate new globally unique barcodes for their products.

What is the difference between a GS1 barcode and normal barcode?

The main difference between a GS1 barcode and a non-GS1 barcode is that GS1 barcodes are recognized as a global standard. Non-GS1 barcodes are not issued by the GS1 organization. They are generated and used by individual companies and may have been used previously by other companies.