ROYAL Mail is urging people to use up stamps that do not have a barcode by 31 January, when they will no longer be valid for postage.
It says the deadline in exactly 100 days affects “everyday” stamps featuring the late Queen’s profile.
Barcoded stamps were introduced in February to make deliveries more efficient and improve security.
Customers will still be able to use themed, commemorative and non-barcoded Christmas stamps after the deadline.
Anyone unable to use older everyday stamps by 31 January will be able to exchange them for newer barcoded ones free of charge.
However, the older, non-barcoded stamps cannot be swapped at post offices. People will need to fill out a ‘Swap Out’ form (which can be found on their website) and send the old stamps to a Royal Mail freepost address.
Royal Mail says that, at present, there is no end date for when the older stamps can be swapped.
The advice from Royal Mail about using the older stamps is not connected to the change of monarch. It says further details on the launch of stamps featuring King Charles will be made at the appropriate time after consultation with the Royal Household.
Royal Mail introduced barcoded stamps in February, saying they would open up possibilities for “new innovative services.”
The long-term plan is that people will be able to watch videos, find out information and send birthday messages to each other through the barcodes which can be scanned with the Royal Mail app.
