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The traditional Royal Mail postage stamp is being swapped in favour of a modern barcoded stamp.
The traditional postage stamp is being swapped in favour of a modern barcoded stamp.
When are the new stamps being introduced and what can you do with your old ones?
Here’s what you need to know.
What will the new stamps look like, and why have they been barcoded?
The new stamps will look similar to the traditional definitive stamps we all know, and will feature the profile of Her Majesty the Queen on a plain coloured background.
Definitive stamps are the regular ‘everyday’ stamps which feature the profile of Queen Elizabeth II.
Next to this will be a barcode, which links the stamp to added security features and new services.
Customers will be asked to download the Royal Mail app to access these features.
The first of these features is a video featuring children’s favourite TV character Shaun the sheep.
When will the new stamps be available to buy?
The new barcoded stamps are available to buy now.
How long have I got to use old stamps?
Royal Mail has said that old stamps can be used up until 31 January 2023.
Are all stamps being barcoded?
Most stamps are being barcoded, but not all stamps.
All definitive stamps are being barcoded – including Christmas stamps.
Special issue stamps, which are printed as a one-off to commemorate a person or event, aren’t being barcoded and these will remain valid as postage and don’t need to be swapped out.
Christmas Stamps are being barcoded, however previous years of non-barcoded Christmas Stamps will remain valid as postage after 31 January 2023, so there is no requirement to swap them out either.
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What will happen if I use old stamps after 31 January 2023?
Mail posted with non-barcoded stamps after 31 January 2023 will be treated in the same way as if there is insufficient postage on an item.
That means the recipient will be asked to pay a fee before they can receive their item.
What can I do with my old stamps?
If you’re not able to use all of your current stamps by 31 January 2023, don’t worry.
Royal Mail have announced people can also exchange any non-barcoded stamps that they still have through its Swap Out scheme.
The good news is you don’t have to wait until next year to swap your old stamps, as the scheme opened on Thursday (31 March 2022).
If you want to exchange stamps up to the value of £200, and you have a printer, all you have to do is visit the Royal Mail website and complete a Stamp Swap Out form to send to them, along with your non-barcoded stamps.
If you want to exchange stamps over the value of £200 then you need to use this bulk Stamp Swap Out form.
You can send your stamps back to the Royal Mail free of charge, although the company recommends a “secure service with suitable cover” for stamps over the value of £200.
If you don’t have access to a printer you can request a Stamp Swap Out form to be posted to you by completing a form online.
How you then send the stamps back to the Royal Mail will depend on the form you request.
‘Stamp Swap Out’ forms are also available from the Customer Service Point at your local Delivery Offices, but only for stamps up to the value of £200. Forms are not available at post offices.
You can also call the Royal Mail Customer Experience Team on 03457 740740 for further guidance.
Royal Mail aims to process Swap Out forms within 7 working days, but has said there may be times when it takes longer due to high demand.
There is currently no end date as to when you need to swap out your non-barcoded stamps by.
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