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Royal Mail is making huge changes to everyday stamps to include a new bar code.
The new design was trialled over the past couple of months and features a special barcode strip that makes it possible for people to use their phones to see videos, messages and other information.
By using the Royal Mail app, a person can scan the codes with a phone and receive a link that gives them access to different bits of media.
READ MORE: The areas of London worst hit by Royal Mail delivery delays
The first to be rolled out is a Shaun the Sheep animation.
However this is secondary to the barcode’s primary role, which will allow Royal Mail to accurately track and trace every piece of mail, The Express reports.
The barcode was used for some stamps sent out over Christmas to trial the new design.
Royal Mail is hoping the new stamps will help to cut down on mail that gets nicked or goes missing.
Along with the barcode, the stamps themselves are getting a makeover.
A series of new colours are being introduced for First and Second class stamps for both regular and large letters.
Regular First Class stamps come in purple, while Second Class are green.
First Class Large Letter can be found in turquoise and a Second Class Large Letter is in dark green.
Royal Mail’s website explains: “The barcoding technology signifies a major leap in service flexibility for Royal Mail and heralds a new era for philately.
“The existing Machin design is retained with a barcode printed in matching colour alongside the main body of the stamp with a simulated perforation line.”
The videos and messages accessible through the barcode will become more customisable, with Royal Mail aiming to introduce more animations this year.
To scan the barcode customers will need the Royal Mail app.
The old design stamps will remain usable until January 31, 2023.
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Royal Mail customers are “encouraged to use their non-barcoded stamps before this date”.
However, people can also take advantage of Royal Mail’s ‘Swap Out’ scheme which opens on March 31 2022, where the public can exchange old stamps for new ones.
Use of a non-barcoded stamp after January 31 2023 will be considered the equivalent of a package having no postage.
Nick Landon, Royal Mail Chief Commercial Officer said: “Introducing unique barcodes on our postage stamps allows us to connect the physical letter with the digital world and opens up the possibilities for a range of new innovative services in future.”
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