Brits are concerned following news that millions of postage stamps will become unusable in less than a year in a huge postal shake-up.
Royal Mail will be moving to a digital system whereby postage stamps are accompanied by a digital barcode in a big to improve security with mail handling.
Prior to the digital barcode switch, Royal Mail has announced a hike in prices for first and second class stamps from April 4, 2022. First class stamps will cost 95p, 10p more than the current price, while second class options will rise by just 2p to 68p.
While you are still able to continue using First and Second class stamps until the cut-off date in January, 2023, people across the UK are being encouraged to begin 'swapping out' their stamps from March, 2022.
Whether you're super-organised and have a stash of stamps you're concerned about using up or are unsure of how to swap out your collection for the new digital editions, we've got everything you need to know.
Why is Royal Mail scrapping current postage stamps and why will there be barcodes?
Royal Mail has shared a range of reasons for the introduction of its new digital barcode stamps, including added security features and improving efficiency with mail handling.
The scannable barcodes are set to allow those receiving the mail to watch greetings and video clips from the sender.
The Royal Mail website explained what to look out for, stating: "The barcodes match the stamp colour and sit alongside the main body of the stamp, separated by a simulated perforation line.
"The new barcode is an integral part of the stamp and must remain intact for the stamp to be valid."
And, if you're wondering which stamps will be affected, Royal Mail states that all 'definitive' stamps will be transformed — including Christmas editions.
It adds: "Definitive stamps are the regular ‘everyday’ stamps featuring the profile of HM The Queen created by the sculptor Arnold Machin."
However, special issue stamps, which are printed as one-offs to celebrate specific people or events, won't have barcodes.
How to 'Swap Out' your current first and second class Royal Mail stamps for new barcode editions
People with non-barcode stamps will have until January 31, 2023, to use them. From that date onwards, you will need to have barcode stamps on your post in order for it to be sent via Royal Mail.
And, you'll be able to swap your current stamps for the new barcode versions for free from March 31, 2022, until March March 31, 2023. After this date, you will no longer be able to swap your non-barcode stamps.
To participate in the scheme, which rolls out in just months and allows you to swap your stamps for free, you will need to fill in a Swap Out form.
You can get a Swap Out form in the following ways:
By filling in a Swap Out form on the Royal Mail website (though it is not yet live)
By contacting Royal Mail Customer Experience to have one posted out to you
By picking one up from your local Royal Mail Delivery Offices' Customer Service point
You cannot, however, swap current stamps for new barcode editions at post offices or get the Swap Out forms there.
Upon completing the form, you'll then need to post your stamps back to a Freepost Royal Mail address. If you have a huge stash of stamps set to be sent back, it may be best to speak to Royal Mail customer service prior to posting.
There is also yet to be a confirmation of what will happen to Swap Out scheme deliveries that don't make it back to Royal Mail headquarters.
