Time’s Ticking: Ditch Your Old Stamps Before They’re Dead!
Royal Mail is waving goodbye to traditional paper stamps. If you’ve got old non-barcoded first and second class stamps lying around, use them fast or swap them out before January 31, 2023. After that, they’re as good as worthless.
Why The Swap? Meet The New Barcoded Stamps
Royal Mail is spicing things up with fresh barcoded stamps, promising smoother operations and beefed-up security. Plus, these shiny new stamps celebrate the classic British Christmas pantomime tradition.
Fancy a bit of extra fun? Scan the barcodes using the Royal Mail app to watch and share festive videos.
Which Stamps Are Being Retired?
- Non-barcoded First and Second Class “everyday” stamps
- Non-barcoded Machin & Country definitive stamps
- Non-barcoded stamps for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales that don’t show a value (no pence or pounds marked)
Heads up: Christmas stamps without barcodes still work after January 31. Special limited-edition stamps won’t change either.
How To Swap Your Old Stamps – It’s Not As Easy As Dropping Them In
Don’t just pop your old stamps into the nearest postbox. You need a “Swap Out” form, available from:
- Royal Mail website (to print)
- Calling customer service on 03457 740740 (they’ll post it to you)
- Your local delivery office (pick up in person)
If you’re swapping less than £200 worth of stamps, you can post them back free with the form. More than £200? You’ll need to use the bulk swap service and send stamps securely.
Warning: Use Old Stamps After January 31 and Your Mail Could Be Returned
Sticking old, non-barcoded stamps on your post after January 31? Royal Mail will treat your item like it’s got insufficient postage – expect delays or returns.
How Long Will The Swap Take?
Royal Mail aims to process swap applications within seven working days, but they warn this is a target, not a promise.
“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,” said Nick Landon, Royal Mail’s chief commercial officer.
Don’t get caught out! Get those old stamps swapped or used before it’s too late.
