NEWS | It’s the final day to use Royal Mail stamps without a barcode with people warned that charges come into place from 1st August for anyone still using them

Royal Mail has provided an important update ahead of changes to the use of stamps from today (31st July 2023).

Some stamps will no longer be valid after this date.

Further details from Royal Mail:

“We’re adding barcodes to our regular stamps. After 31 July 2023, regular stamps without a barcode* will no longer be valid. You can either use up these stamps before this deadline or swap them for the new barcoded ones.

“The stamps that are changing are the stamps (pictured below) that will be very familiar to you.

“They feature the profile of Her Late Majesty The Queen on a plain coloured background. The barcodes will enable exciting new services by connecting physical stamps to the digital world through the Royal Mail app which you can download here.

“Special Stamps with pictures on and Christmas Stamps without a barcode will continue to be valid and don’t need to be swapped out.

“Your non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded version through the Stamp Swap Out scheme. To swap out your stamps, simply complete one of our Stamp Swap Out forms and send it back to us along with your non-barcoded stamps.”

Why are you adding barcodes to stamps?

“The move is part of the Company’s extensive and ongoing modernisation drive and will allow the unique barcodes to facilitate operational efficiencies, enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for customers.”

Further details can be found by visiting – https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps