A new barcode system is set to be introduced on Royal Mail postage stamps bearing the late Queen's face in the UK - invalidating the stamps already in circulation.
Customers are warned to use up their stamps as soon as possible, as the older stamps are set to expire in less than three months.
According to InYourArea.co.uk, Royal Mail have told customers they will no longer be able use the older first and second-class stamps by January 2023, as the new system is implemented.
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The postal service has said that they have "reinvented" the stamp for the upcoming generation. Replacing the traditional stamps, these new stamps will include a barcode system that will connect the physical form to the digital form through the Royal Mail app.
Royal Mail have claimed that this step will lead to a more modern way of tracking letters, making it easier and safer. The style of stamps - featuring a left-facing profile face of Her Late Majesty The Queen, are the ones that will be affected.
These will expire on January 31, 2023. The news means that after this date, non-barcoded stamps will be treated as insufficient postage.
Only barcoded stamps with the Queen's image on them, non-barcoded Christmas stamps, or special collection stamps will be valid for use. However, there is a way to get rid of your stamps without sending lots of mail.
Royal Mail's Stamp Swap Out
The scheme run by Royal Mail is an exchange system for those who don't think they'll be able to use all their stamps by the January deadline. You can exchange your non-barcoded stamps for the new version through this.
To swap out, you just need to complete a Stamp Swap Out form and send it back to Royal Mail along with your non-barcoded stamps. A step-by-step process is detailed on their website here.
However, you cannot take your non-barcoded stamps to your local Royal Mail Post Office to swap them out. According to the website, the only way to exchange the stamps is through the Swap Out scheme.
The forms are available on the Royal Mail website and can be either printed or filled out online.
Alternatively, you can request the forms to be posted to you via the Royal Mail website or by calling customer services or picking one up from your local delivery offices.
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