Now swap your stamps: Action on mail urged before deadline
Royal Mail is reminding people that only a few months remain to use up or swap out their non-barcoded stamps before new digital postal systems kick in.
Old-style stamps can be used as normal until July 31. After then, non-barcoded versions will no longer be valid and will be liable to a surcharge.
However, the good news is that even after the deadline, customers will still be able to exchange non-barcoded for barcoded stamps through Royal Mail’s free Swap Out scheme. The scheme opened last March and there is currently no end date.
Royal Mail is encouraging customers to check their purses, wallets and drawers to find and use non-barcoded stamps before the final deadline.
Matthew Parkes, managing director of stamps and collectibles, said: “We don’t want any of our customers to be out of pocket.
“In order to give our customers even more time to use up any remaining non-barcoded stamps, we introduced a six-month grace period starting from the original deadline of January 31, 2023, where non-barcoded definitive stamps will still be delivered as normal.
“We continue to encourage customers to check their purses, wallets and drawers to find and use their non-barcoded Definitive stamps before the final deadline.
“But even if they miss this date, there is currently no time limit on customers swapping their non-barcoded stamps via our free Swap Out scheme.”
The move is part of the company’s extensive and ongoing modernisation drive and will allow the unique barcodes to facilitate operational efficiencies, enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for customers.
The move to barcoded stamps was first announced in February 2022 – giving customers time to use up their old-style stamps but now the final deadline is looming, the Royal Mail is issuing reminders. Mail posted after
July 31 without a barcoded stamp will be treated in the same way as if there is insufficient postage. Any item that has insufficient postage may face a surcharge.
What stamps are eligible for the Swap Out scheme?
Eligible stamps are the regular first and second class “everyday” definitive stamps, and all other values, featuring the profile of Queen Elizabeth.
Non-barcoded Christmas and other special stamps with pictures on them continue to be valid for postage and should not be submitted for swap out. Stamps that have already been used for postage will not be accepted on the Swap Out scheme.
Obtaining a Swap Out scheme form:
There are four ways:
Via the Royal Mail website: royalmail.com/barcodedstamps
By telephoning Royal Mail’s customer experience team on 03457 740740
By visiting one of more than 1,200 local delivery office customer service points, where forms can be picked up in person.
From Post Office branches nationwide.
Customers can complete a standard Swap Out scheme form for stamps worth up to the value of £200.
People wishing to swap stamps with a value of more than £200 will need to request and complete a bulk stamp Swap Out form.
Customers returning the form and non-barcoded stamps can do so free of charge.
The Royal Mail said it would endeavour to process all Swap Out scheme forms within seven working days.