What is a UPC-E Composite barcode?
UPC-E is the zero-suppressed, 8-digit form of UPC-A used on cans, cosmetics and other small packs. UPC-E Composite adds a narrow 2D Composite Component above it, so a tiny package can carry a best-before date, batch or serial number in addition to its product code.
Because UPC-E is so short, the 2D part above it is also narrow, and it grows upward as you add data. Keep the extra data brief. If your product code can't be written as UPC-E, use UPC-A Composite instead.
What data can UPC-E Composite hold?
An 8-digit UPC-E number starting with 0, then a | character, then GS1 Application Identifiers in brackets, for example 00123457|(15)021231.
Recommended size
Keep the UPC-E part at a scannable retail size and don't shrink it to make room. Plan for the 2D block above it to be taller than it is wide when you add more than a short date or batch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Only numbers with enough zeros in the right positions can be zero-suppressed. If yours can't, use UPC-A Composite.
Put (15) followed by the date as YYMMDD after the |, for example (15)261231. Use (17) instead for an expiry date.
UPC-E is mainly used in the US and Canada, but the composite data is standard GS1 and is read the same way by any compliant scanner.