Royal Mail has issued a warning to customers ahead of a major stamp shake-up.

There is only one week to go before the firm axes non-barcoded stamps.

Barcoded stamps will become the norm after July 31, with customers sending mail with non-barcoded stamps at risk of being surcharged £1.10.

The fee is the same as the charge applied to those who have insufficient or no postage applied.

Recipients of mail sent using non-barcoded stamps will be left a grey ‘Fee to Pay’ card advising them that they have an item of mail that requires a surcharge to be paid before the item can be delivered.

A free Swap Out scheme has been set up for those who have a supply of non-barcoded stamps they won't be able to use before the deadline, allowing customers to change them for barcoded stamps.

The scheme, which launched on March 31, 2022, has no deadline for customers wanting to exchange stamps.

Royal Mail encourages customers to check their purses, wallets and drawers to find any unused non-barcoded stamps.

Matthew Parkes, managing director of stamps and collectables, said: “As we approach the July 31 deadline, we encourage our customers to use up any non-barcoded stamps before it is too late.

“Customers who cannot use their non-barcoded stamps before 31 July 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.

“A leaflet with a form was delivered to every household recently, but customers can also print out a form from our website; call our customer experience team to order one; or pick one up at a local Royal Mail delivery office or Post Office.”

The company aims to process applications in 7 working days but this cannot always be guaranteed.

Royal Mail suggests allowing 15 working days before contacting customer service.

The move to axe non-barcoded stamps is part of Royal Mail's modernisation drive and is expected to have added security features.

 

Are your stamps eligible for the Swap Out scheme?

 

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 Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

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

 

How can I get a Swap Out scheme form?

 

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 wishing to swap stamps with a value of more than £200 will need to request and complete a Bulk Stamp Swap Out form.

Bulk Stamp Swap Out forms can be requested here.

 

How do I return the Swap Out scheme form?

 

Returning the Swap Out scheme form is free.

Those 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.
 

What happens to mail posted with non-barcoded stamps after July 31, 2023?

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.

Items sent using after the 31 July deadline will be subject to a £1.10 surcharge fee.