Regular UK stamps are changing to become barcoded postage stamps. The regular stamps are the plain ones with the profile of the Queen on a plain background. The change is driven by Royal Mail’s modernisation which they expect will help them to become more efficient, add more security features and to develop innovative services. One of these touted services allows senders to digitally share a video with the recipient.
New postage stamp colour palette
The new stamps have a new colour scheme – “plum purple” for first class and “holly green” for second class.
Are all stamps changing?
No – only the “plain” ones – or “definitive” as Royal Mail call them. Special issue stamps, for events or to celebrate certain people, are not being barcoded. Just to confuse things a bit, Christmas stamps are being barcoded BUT older non-barcoded Christmas stamps will still be valid.
Are the prices of stamps changing?
Not at this time, no. The price of 1st class stamps and 2nd class stamps are not changing as part of this modernisation.
When are barcoded postage stamps available?
The new stamps launched on 1st February 2022.
What can I do with the old stamps?
You can use any old stamps for postage up until 31st January 2023 – after that barcoded postage stamps are essential. Old stamps will not be valid and letters sent with old stamps will be treated in the same way as mail sent with insufficient postage – the recipient will be charged.
If you have excess stamps and won’t be able to use them before they become invalid, you can swap them out with Royal Mail.
To swap your stamps you just fill in a form – get it here – send it with your unused stamps to RM who aim to process all swaps within 7 days. Paper forms are available at local Delivery Offices and you can call 03457 740740 to get a form posted to you. Swapping stamps is not available at Post Offices, and neither are swap out forms available there.