gs1-healthcare
GS1 Composite Symbology (GS1 Composite)
Hybrid symbology linking a 1D linear barcode (GS1-128 or EAN-13) to an adjacent 2D MicroPDF417 / PDF417 component encoding supplementary lot numbers, serials, and expiry dates.
Governing Specification: ISO/IEC 24723:2010 / GS1 General Specifications
Data Format & Required Fields
Combines a primary 1D linear symbol with a 2D Composite Component (CC-A or CC-B) separated by a 1-module separator pattern, enabling legacy POS scanning and advanced 2D traceability simultaneously.
Allowed Character SetPrimary 1D payload and 2D composite payload separated by a pipe character (|).
Payload Length Rule Between 10 and 120 characters
Required GS1 Structure Encodes standardized GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs). Unit-level and master packaging require primary identification (e.g. GTIN-14 or SSCC-18) combined with variable batch and serialization attributes for supply chain verification.
Check Digit / Checksum Rule Requires a verified modulo-10 check digit to prevent scanner misreads and data transposition errors.
Example Valid Format
(01)00300012345671|(10)LOT123Industry Guidance & Practical Applications
- Retail OTC pharmaceutical products needing both checkout scanning and lot/expiry tracking
- Fresh meat and grocery variable weight and batch traceability
- Hospital clinical supply chains transitioning from 1D to 2D formats
Packaging & Scanning Notes: Bridging technology enabling retail supply chains to adopt batch-level tracking prior to complete 2D sunrise transitions.
Symbol Constraints & Label Guidelines
- Requires imager scanners capable of decoding both 1D and 2D components together.
- Higher vertical label profile than standalone linear codes.