What is a EAN-13 Composite barcode?
An EAN-13 Composite is a GS1 composite symbol: a normal EAN-13 barcode with a small 2D component printed above it. The EAN-13 identifies the product, and the 2D part carries extra GS1 data such as a batch number, expiry date or weight, using GS1 Application Identifiers.
Composite symbols are defined in the GS1 General Specifications and ISO/IEC 24723. They have been used for variable-measure fresh foods and items that need traceability data. Ordinary retail scanners can still read the EAN-13 part, while 2D-capable scanners read both parts together. The EAN-13 check digit is required and is added or verified automatically.
Check with your retail partners before using composites, as support varies. For new projects needing extra product data, GS1 DataMatrix or a GS1 Digital Link QR Code are increasingly common alternatives.
What data can EAN-13 Composite hold?
An EAN-13 number (12 digits, or 13 with the check digit), then a | separator, then GS1 data with Application Identifiers in parentheses, for example 2112345678900|(99)1234-abcd. The EAN-13 check digit is handled automatically.
Recommended size
Follow GS1 EAN-13 sizing for the linear part and keep its quiet zones clear. The 2D component sits directly above it, so leave enough space above the barcode and print at a resolution where its small modules stay sharp.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Type the EAN-13 number, a | character, then the GS1 data with AIs in parentheses, for example 2112345678900|(10)ABC123. The part before the bar becomes the linear code and the part after becomes the 2D component.
A linear-only scanner reads just the EAN-13 and ignores the 2D component. An image-based scanner with composite support reads both.
Any valid GS1 AIs, such as (10) batch, (17) expiry date or (3103) net weight. Use the AIs your trading partners expect.