Royal Mail announce ‘innovative’ stamp change in huge delivery shakeup

Royal Mail has “reinvented” its stamps, following a trial of new designs.

Instead of just the Queen’s head in the top right hand corner of a letter, a special barcode strip has been added to the side, making it possible for people to watch videos, messages and other information.

Each barcoded stamp will have a digital twin and the two will be connected by the Royal Mail App.

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Non-barcoded stamps will be phased out but will remain usable until January 31, 2023.

Customers are encouraged to use their non-barcoded stamps before this date, or they can be swapped for the new version.

Royal Mail says the barcodes will “enable the introduction of added security features” and “pave the way for innovative services for our customers”.

The barcodes match the stamp colour and sit alongside the stamp, separated by a simulated perforation line.

If the barcode is removed, the stamp becomes invalid.

Existing stamps can be swapped from March 31.

As well as ensuring a more secure delivery, barcodes will provide customers with access to exclusive video content.

The first of these videos features Shaun the sheep and his four-legged friends.

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