From Monday, stamps on letters MUST have barcodes or else you face paying a fine – Reading Today Online

ROYAL Mail has reminded customers they only have one week left to use non-barcoded stamps before they become invalid.

Any letters posted with the old-style stamps could mean recipients being asked to pay a £1.10 surcharge before their mail is delivered.

However, customers can continue to swap non-barcoded stamps for barcoded stamps through Royal Mail’s simple and free Swap Out scheme and there is no deadline for exchange.

If you are unable to use up your old stock before Monday, July 31 they can be swapped for barcoded stamps through Royal Mail’s simple and free Swap Out scheme.

Royal Mail has urged customers to check their purses, wallets and drawers to find any unused non-barcoded stamps.

Matthew Parkes, Managing Director, Stamps and Collectibles, said: “As we approach the July 31 deadline, we encourage our customers to use-up any non-barcoded stamps before it is too late,” he said.

“Customers who cannot use their non-barcoded stamps before July 31 will still be able to swap them for new barcoded stamps through Royal Mail’s simple and free Swap Out scheme. Nobody should be out of pocket as a result of this change.

“A leaflet with a form was delivered to every household recently, but customers can also print out a form from our website; call our Customer Experience team to order one; or pick one up at a local Royal Mail delivery office or Post Office.”

The move is part of the company’s extensive and ongoing modernisation drive and will enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for customers in the future.