GS1 DataBar : Barcodes compacts pour produits frais et coupons
The GS1 DataBar family explained: Omnidirectional, Stacked, Expanded, Limited — encoding AI data in small-footprint barcodes for produce and coupons.
GS1 DataBar: Compact Barcodes for Fresh Produce & Coupons
gs1-databar-term/" class="glossary-term-link" data-term="GS1 DataBar" data-definition="Compact barcode family for produce, coupons, and small items." data-category="1D Linear Symbologies">GS1 DataBar (formerly RSS, Reduced Space Symbology) is a family of compact barcode symbologies designed to encode GS1 identification numbers in less space than traditional EAN-13 barcodes. Defined by ISO/IEC 24723, they are used for fresh produce, variable-weight items, and coupons at retail POS.
The GS1 DataBar Family
GS1 DataBar includes seven variants in two groups:
Point-of-sale variants (scanned at checkout): - Omnidirectional: Encodes a 14-digit GTIN, scannable in any orientation - Stacked Omnidirectional: Same data in a two-row stacked format - Truncated: Reduced height for small items - Stacked: Two-row version of Truncated
Extended variants (encode additional data): - Expanded: Encodes GTIN plus AI data (weight, expiry, lot) - Expanded Stacked: Multi-row version of Expanded - Limited: Encodes GTIN with indicator digit 0 or 1
Why GS1 DataBar Exists
Traditional EAN-13 barcodes require a minimum width of about 30mm at 80% magnification. Fresh produce items like individual apples and bulk nuts need smaller labels. GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional encodes the same GTIN in about 50% less space.
Additionally, loose produce traditionally used PLU codes (4-5 digit numbers) that carry no price or weight data. GS1 DataBar Expanded can encode the GTIN plus variable weight and price, enabling automated checkout without scale lookup.
GS1 DataBar Expanded
The Expanded variant is particularly powerful because it can encode GS1-128 barcodes." data-category="GS1 Standards & Identifiers">Application Identifier data similar to GS1-128:
- GTIN + weight:
(01)09506000134352(3103)001500(1.5 kg) - GTIN + price:
(01)09506000134352(3922)000299($2.99) - GTIN + expiry:
(01)09506000134352(17)260315
This makes it suitable for variable-measure items at POS.
Coupon Applications
In North America, GS1 DataBar Expanded is the standard for digital and paper coupons. The barcode encodes the offer details (qualifying product, discount value, and retailer) in a single compact symbol, replacing the older GS1-128 coupon format.
Scanning Requirements
GS1 DataBar symbols require imaging-based POS scanners (not laser-only). Since 2014, GS1 has required all retail POS scanners to support GS1 DataBar. However, adoption varies and some legacy systems still cannot read them.
Implementation Guidelines
- Minimum X dimension: 0.33mm at POS, 0.25mm for marking
- DataBar Omnidirectional height: minimum 33 modules
- DataBar Expanded width varies with data content
- Always verify with retail partner scanning systems before deployment
- Include human-readable GTIN below the symbol