Royal Mail opens ‘Swap Out’ scheme – how it works for 1st and 2nd class stamps

Royal Mail is opening a stamp swap scheme allowing customers to switch their old stamps for the equivalent value of new barcoded ones. It is moving to barcoded stamps as part of a modernisation drive, with added security features and new services.

Non-barcoded stamps will remain valid to use until February 2023, but anyone who cannot use them by then can swap them for the equivalent value of barcoded stamps. Eligible stamps are the regular first and second class “everyday” stamps.

Post sent with non-barcoded stamps after January 2023 may incur a surcharge that will need to be paid by the recipient. This will be treated in the same way as if not enough postage has been paid, the Mirror reports.

Nick Landon, Royal Mail’s chief commercial officer, said: “As we move to this exciting new era of barcoded stamps, please check your kitchen drawers, wallets and purses for older non-barcoded stamps and make sure you use them up by January 31, 2023. If you can’t use them up by then, we have set up a swap-out scheme as a simple way to swap your old stamps for our new, digitally enabled ones. Welcome to the new world of barcoded stamps.”

How to use the ‘Swap Out’ scheme

If you’re using the “Swap Out” scheme, you’ll need to fill out a form from the Royal Mail. There is a standard form for stamps worth up to £200, or a Bulk Stamp Swap Out form for stamps with a value of more than £200.

You can download and print out the form on the Royal Mail website or call its customer services team on 03457 740740 to request a form to be posted to you. Alternatively, you can pick up a form from your local delivery office.

If you collect a form or get one sent to you, you’ll be given a freepost envelope to send it off. If you’ve downloaded the form, you’ll need to attach your own postage to send it to the Royal Mail. There is no limit to the number of forms you can request.

You can’t collect a form from Post Office branches and you can’t take stamps to the Post Office to be swapped. It should take seven working days for your new stamps to be sent to you.

There is currently no end date as to when you need to swap out your non-barcoded stamps by.