The Royal Mail is in the process of transitioning to barcoded stamps as older versions are to be phased out.
Old 1st and 2nd class stamps are to be replaced with similar ones, although they feature a unique barcode alongside the late Queen Elizabeth's profile.
Some might be wondering why these new stamps come with barcodes, and what will happen to the older versions that don't have barcodes.
So, with that in mind, here is key information around barcoded stamps including why they are being introduced and how they may impact future postal services.
Why are new stamps barcoded?
The Royal Mail say that the new stamps will "enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for customers."
This includes allowing customers to use the barcodes to access videos. Those with the Royal Mail app were able to scan the barcode to watch exclusive Shaun the Sheep videos over Christmas.
This feature could be developed to allow people to send videos and other forms of messages through stamp barcodes to loved ones alongside letters.
Barcodes could also make it easier to locate mail, and reduce the risk of letters and packages getting lost in transit.
Can I still use non barcoded stamps?
Yes, however the deadline to use old stamps is January 31. Despite this the Royal Mail confirmed a 'grace period' of six months in which people can still send their mail with the old stamps and won't face any problems with delivery.
This means that old non-barcoded stamps can still be used or swapped until July 31, 2023.
Matthew Parkes, Managing Director Stamps and Collectibles, said: "Royal Mail is transitioning to digital, barcoded stamps in order to provide new and innovative future services for our customers.
"In order to give our customers even more time to use up any remaining non-barcoded stamps, we have decided to introduce a six-month grace period starting from the original deadline of January 31 2023 where non-barcoded definitive stamps will still be delivered as normal."
If you won't be able to use all of your non-barcoded stamps by the end of July you can swap them out for free through a Royal Mail scheme. To do so, you can fill out either a standard form for stamps worth up to £200, or a bulk stamp form for stamps worth more than £200, both of which can be downloaded online.
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