Royal Mail - Non-barcoded stamps will be phased out but will remain usable until 31 January 2023

[jazzer]

https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps?iid=H1_BARCODEDSTAMPS

Phasing out standard stamps and transition to Barcoded Stamps

"Following a successful national trial we will now be adding unique barcodes to all our regular ?everyday? Definitive and Christmas stamps. Each barcoded stamp will have a digital twin and the two will be connected by the Royal Mail App. The unique barcodes will facilitate operational efficiencies, enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for our customers.

Definitive stamps are the stamps that will be very familiar to most people. They feature the profile of HM The Queen. 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.

Non-barcoded stamps will be phased out but will remain usable until 31 January 2023. Customers are encouraged to use their non-barcoded stamps before this date. Alternatively, non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded version through Royal Mail?s ?Swap Out? scheme.

The ?Swap Out? scheme will open on 31 March 2022. Forms will be available via a variety of channels, including local Customer Service Points; the Royal Mail website and via our Customer Experience team. Customers will be able to use a Freepost address. Further details will be announced shortly." BUT NOT POST OFFICES.

[TheCat]

One can only hope this does indeed pave the way for the public to live track where a sent letter or parcel is on an app or online (when just sent by regular mail, without the need to pay for additional tracking)....althogh after recent performance Im not sure if thats something that Royal Mail would really want!