Royal Mail launches stamps with a BARCODE so they can track and trace deliveries 

Royal Mail is adding track and trace barcodes to stamps that will also provide smartphone links to videos – starting with a Shaun the Sheep animation.

The move is the biggest change to the way post is handled since the introduction of the Penny Black stamp in May 1840. 

The barcode will allow Royal Mail to precisely track and trace every piece of post – in theory cutting the number of items that disappear or are pilfered.

The first of the new stamps, pictured, features the profile of the Queen. 

The move is the biggest change to the way post is handled since the introduction of the Penny Black stamp in May 1840

Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman produced the video exclusively for the Royal Mail, and more videos will be released this year to allow customers to choose which one the recipient can see.

The stamps will soon become the standard option – the traditional ones will remain usable until January 31, 2023.

It is the first in a series of planned videos to be released during 2022 that will allow customers sending stamped mail to choose which one the recipient can see. 

These could be special birthday or Christmas greetings.

There has been some fears that barcodes could replace the image of the Queen’s profile, however Royal Mail insists this will not happen.

The stamps will soon become the standard option – the traditional ones will remain usable until January 31, 2023

The initiative forms part of Royal Mail’s ongoing modernisation drive to reflect the rise of internet shopping and boost convenience

The profile was created by the sculptor Arnold Machin and has changed very little since it was introduced in June 1967. 

The image has become one of the most iconic pieces of artwork in the world and has been reproduced in excess of 175 billion times.

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.’

The initiative forms part of Royal Mail’s ongoing modernisation drive to reflect the rise of internet shopping and boost convenience.

In October, it launched a parcel pick-up service in a shake-up of the daily round. Parcel Collect has enabled postmen and postwomen to collect parcels and returns from customers for a small fee while they carry out their daily round.

In November, Royal Mail launched additional ‘in-flight’ delivery options. This enables customers who are not going to be at home to receive their item to select alternative delivery options while the parcel is on its way.

In December, it joined forces with a consortium of established UK drone companies – including DronePrep and Skyports – to become the first nationwide UK parcel carrier to transport a parcel for recipients via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A delivery was made to a remote lighthouse on the Isle of Mull.