Royal Mail changes design of stamps ton introduce barcode for tracking deliveries

In terms of what happens to the old design stamps, they will remain usable until January 31, 2023. 

Royal Mail customers are “encouraged to use their non-barcoded stamps before this date”. 

Alternatively, non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded version through Royal Mail’s ‘Swap Out’ scheme. 

The ‘Swap Out’ scheme will open on 31 March 2022. 

Should you post an item with a non-barcoded stamp after 31 January 2023 it will be liable to surcharge — as it will be the equivalent of it having no postage.