複合バーコード: 1D と 2D を一つのシンボルに結合
How GS1 Composite Component barcodes pair a linear symbology with a 2D component to carry supplementary data on a single label.
Composite Barcodes: Linking 1D and 2D in One Symbol
gs1-composite-term/" class="glossary-term-link" data-term="GS1 Composite" data-definition="Linear barcode plus 2D composite for extra encoded data." data-category="2D & Matrix Symbologies">GS1 Composite Component barcodes pair a traditional linear barcode with a small 2D component stacked above it. This design lets existing 1D scanner infrastructure read the primary identifier while 2D-capable scanners capture additional data from the composite component.
Why Composite Barcodes Exist
Some applications require both backward compatibility with 1D scanners and additional data capacity:
- A retail scanner reads the EAN-13 at POS for product identification
- A 2D scanner in the supply chain reads the composite component for batch number and expiry date
This bridges the gap between legacy 1D infrastructure and modern 2D requirements without requiring two separate barcode labels.
Composite Component Types
Three types of 2D components can be paired with a linear barcode:
CC-A (Composite Component A)
- Based on a variant of MicroPDF417
- Smallest size, up to 56 characters
- Used with EAN-13, UPC-A, GS1 DataBar, and GS1-128 linear components
CC-B (Composite Component B)
- Based on MicroPDF417
- Medium capacity, up to 338 characters
- Used when CC-A capacity is insufficient
CC-C (Composite Component C)
- Based on full PDF417
- Largest capacity, up to 2,361 characters
- Used exclusively with GS1-128 linear component
Supported Linear Components
| Linear Barcode | CC-A | CC-B | CC-C |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 / UPC-A | Yes | Yes | No |
| space." data-category="1D Linear Symbologies">EAN-8 / UPC-E | Yes | Yes | No |
| GS1 DataBar (all variants) | Yes | Yes | No |
| GS1-128 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Data Encoded in the Composite
The linear component carries the primary identifier (GTIN). The composite component carries supplementary GS1 Application Identifier data:
- AI (10): Batch/lot number
- AI (17): Expiration date
- AI (21): Serial number
- AI (11): Production date
- AI (3103): Net weight
Scanning Behavior
- 1D-only scanner: Reads the linear component, ignores the composite (no data loss for the primary identifier)
- 2D-capable scanner: Reads both components and concatenates the data, providing the full GTIN plus supplementary information
Applications
- Healthcare: Drug packaging with EAN-13 for POS + composite for lot and expiry
- Fresh food: GS1 DataBar for GTIN + composite for weight and use-by date
- Supply chain: GS1-128 for SSCC + CC-C for detailed product information
Implementation Considerations
- The composite component must be directly above and physically connected to the linear barcode
- Quiet zone requirements of the linear component still apply
- Minimum X dimension matches the linear component's specification
- Verify that your printing and scanning infrastructure supports composite symbologies before deploying
- GS1 Composite barcodes are defined in ISO/IEC 24723 and ISO/IEC 24724