Royal Mail issues warning as it urges customers to use stamps before expiry - when is deadline, how to swap
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The Royal Mail is warning 1st and 2nd Class stamps without a barcode will be invalid in just a matter of days. The classic stamps are being replaced with new designs featuring tracking information that can be used to trace letters and link to video messages when scanned.
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Hide AdThe original deadline to phase out unbarcoded stamps was set for January 31, but the postal service has since introduced a six-month grace period.However, the extension is set to run out, meaning if you try to post something without a barcoded stamp, there will be a fee to pay.
The person you’re sending the mail to will be charged £1.10 to receive it by way of a Fee to Pay card. This can’t be paid on the spot, meaning potential delays too.
There are a few exceptions to note as Royal Mail have confirmed Christmas stamps or “special stamps” used to mark anniversaries and events will still be valid. If you have a huge stash of stamps you won’t use in time, Royal Mail have launched a Swap Out scheme that lets you exchange them for free.
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Hide AdRoyal Mail: When is the deadline for -style 1st and 2nd Class stamps?
Non-barcoded stamps with the late Queen’s profile on will become invalid on July 31.
How to swap invalid Royal Mail stamps
If you have a huge stash of stamps you won’t use in time, Royal Mail have launched a Swap Out scheme that lets you exchange them for free.
To swap the invalid stamps, download a Swap Out form from royalmail.com, fill it out and post it off – making sure to include your old stamps – to Freepost SWAP OUT. You can switch up to £200 worth of non-barcoded stamps for the new barcoded ones.
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