Royal Mail has warned anyone with “old” stamps they must swap them for new, barcoded, stamps in order to avoid paying a surcharge on their post.

Non-barcoded stamps will no longer be accepted following a change to the system this month.

Customers who still have any non-barcoded stamps will still be able to swap non-barcoded stamps for barcoded stamps through Royal Mail’s simple and free Swap Out scheme.

The Swap Out scheme opened on March 31, 2022, and there is currently no deadline for customers to swap their non-barcoded stamps.

 

The Royal Mail said: “From August 1 the ‘everyday’ stamps showing the Queen’s head on a plain coloured background will only be valid if they have a unique barcode on the right-hand side.

“From that date, using the old, non-barcoded stamps will result in a surcharge for the person you send the item to.

“I encourage people to use-up any stamps they have in wallets or purses before 31 July. Customers who cannot use any non-barcoded stamps before July 31 will still be able to swap them for new barcoded stamps through Royal Mail’s simple and free Swap Out scheme.

“Nobody should be out of pocket as a result of this change.”

Royal Mail said it will aim to process applications within seven working days, but some applications may take longer and customers should allow 15 working days before following up through Royal Mail Customer Experience on 03457 740740.

York Press: Examples of stamps that can and can't be swapped out for new stampsExamples of stamps that can and can't be swapped out for new stamps (Image: Royal Mail)

The move to barcoded stamps was first announced on 1 February 2022 - giving customers time to use up their old-style stamps.

What stamps can be swapped out?

Eligible stamps are the regular 1st and 2nd Class ‘everyday’ definitive stamps, and all other values, featuring the profile of Her Late Queen Elizabeth.

Non-barcoded Christmas and other special stamps with pictures on continue to be valid for postage and should not be submitted for swap out. Customers only need to swap out the ‘everyday’ stamps featuring the profile of Her Late Queen Elizabeth.

Stamps that have already been used for postage will not be accepted on the Swap Out scheme.

How can you swap your stamps?

There are four ways customers can obtain a Swap Out scheme form:

  • Via the Royal Mail website at www.royalmail.com/barcodedstamps where customers can download a form. Customers who do not have access to a printer can instead complete a web form and request a form be posted to them.
  • By contacting Royal Mail’s Customer Experience team by telephone on 03457 740740 and requesting a form be posted to them.
  • By visiting one of more than 1,200 local delivery office Customer Service Points, where they can pick up a form 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.

Customers returning the form and non-barcoded stamps can do so free of charge.

Customers who pick up a Swap Out scheme form from a local delivery office Customer Service Point, Post Office or request one to be posted to them – will also receive a freepost envelope.

Customers who print off a Swap Out scheme form can address an envelope to: Freepost SWAP OUT. No other address details are needed.

Mail posted after 31 July 2023 without a barcoded stamp will be treated in the same way as if there is insufficient postage on an item. Any item that has insufficient postage may be subject to a surcharge.