What is a EAN-8 Composite barcode?
An EAN-8 Composite is an ordinary EAN-8 barcode with a small 2D block printed directly above it. The EAN-8 part identifies the product exactly as it would on its own, so any checkout scanner still reads it. The 2D part, called the Composite Component (CC), adds GS1 data such as a batch number, serial number or expiry date.
EAN-8 exists for packs too small to fit an EAN-13, and the composite version keeps that small footprint while adding traceability. The 2D part is based on MicroPDF417 and needs an imaging scanner, so systems that only read 1D codes simply ignore it. Composites for EAN and UPC use the smaller CC-A or CC-B components defined in ISO/IEC 24723.
What data can EAN-8 Composite hold?
An 8-digit EAN-8 number, then a | character, then GS1 Application Identifiers in brackets, for example 02345673|(21)A12345678. Both parts are required.
Recommended size
Size the EAN-8 part as you would a normal EAN-8 and keep its quiet zones clear. The 2D part sits above it at the same module size, so allow extra height on the label for it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Only when the pack is too small for EAN-13 and you have been assigned an EAN-8 number. Otherwise the EAN-13 based composite is the more common choice.
It reads the EAN-8 as usual and ignores the rest. The extra data is only captured by imaging scanners that support GS1 Composite.
It separates the linear barcode from the 2D component. Everything before it becomes the EAN-8, and everything after it is encoded in the 2D block.