Royal Mail has issued a warning to customers holding non-barcoded stamps, urging them to use or swap them before the upcoming July 31st deadline.
Starting from July 31st, non-barcoded stamps will no longer be accepted, and mail sent with them may be subject to surcharges. Detailed information about the surcharge amounts will be announced closer to the deadline.
However, customers who are unable to use their non-barcoded stamps by July 31st can still participate in Royal Mail’s free and straightforward Swap Out scheme, exchanging their non-barcoded stamps for barcoded ones.
Royal Mail aims to process swap applications within seven working days, but some cases may require longer processing time. Customers should allow up to 15 working days before contacting Royal Mail Customer Experience at 03457 740740.
Eligible stamps for the Swap Out scheme include regular 1st and 2nd Class ‘everyday’ definitive stamps and other values featuring the profile of Her Late Queen Elizabeth. Non-barcoded Christmas and special stamps with pictures remain valid for postage and should not be submitted for swapping. Only the ‘everyday’ stamps with Her Late Queen Elizabeth’s profile need to be swapped.
Customers can obtain a Swap Out scheme form in four ways: downloading the form from the Royal Mail website (www.royalmail.com/barcodedstamps), completing a web form for postal delivery, contacting Royal Mail’s Customer Experience team to request a form by post, or visiting local delivery office Customer Service Points or Post Office branches to pick up a form in person.
The Swap Out scheme form allows customers to swap stamps worth up to £200.
Returning the form and non-barcoded stamps is free of charge. Customers who receive the form from a delivery office or Post Office will also receive a freepost envelope.
Customers printing the form can address an envelope to: Freepost SWAP OUT, without any additional address details.
Mail posted after July 31st, 2023, without a barcoded stamp will be treated as having insufficient postage. Any item with insufficient postage may incur a surcharge.
