What is a UPC-A Composite barcode?
UPC-A Composite combines the familiar 12-digit UPC-A used in the US and Canada with a 2D Composite Component printed above it. Point-of-sale scanners read the UPC-A as normal, while imaging scanners can also read the extra GS1 data, such as a lot number, serial number or expiry date.
This lets a brand keep its existing UPC artwork and add information for recalls, expiry checks or internal tracking without a second barcode. The 2D part is a MicroPDF417-based CC-A or CC-B component, and its size grows with the amount of data you add.
What data can UPC-A Composite hold?
A UPC-A number (11 or 12 digits), then a | character, then GS1 Application Identifiers in brackets, for example 416000336108|(99)1234-abcd.
Recommended size
Print the UPC-A part at a normal retail size with its full quiet zones. Leave room above it for the 2D block, which widens and gets taller as you add data, and keep the extra data short where you can.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The UPC-A part is a standard UPC-A and is read like any other. The 2D part needs an imaging scanner that supports GS1 Composite.
When the package is too small for a full UPC-A and your number can be zero-suppressed into UPC-E. Otherwise UPC-A Composite is easier to scan and more widely used.
GS1 Application Identifiers, such as (10) batch, (17) expiry date or (21) serial number. Free text without an AI is not allowed.