THE Royal Mail have announced they are moving to a new barcode system which will come into force in 2023.
Brits quickly blasted the changes as they were urged to use up their old-style stamps before they expire.
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What stamps will be invalid under the new rules?
First and second class stamps will be invalid under the new rules as the Royal Mail attempts to make letters more secure.
They slowly be replaced with new stamp barcodes in the Royal Mail app – including a host of digital services that will allow customers to watch videos, receive information about services and unique birthday messages.
The Royal Mail said: “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.
“The new barcode is an integral part of the stamp and must remain intact for the stamp to be valid.”
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When do the new rules come into place?
From January 31, 2023, you won’t be able to use the current style of stamps that feature an image of The Queen’s head.
Instead, only the new style stamps complete with their new barcodes will be valid, and you’ll face a surcharge trying to use anything otherwise.
What can I do with my old stamps?
Fortunately, stamps can be traded in before the cut off deadline – and the Royal Mail will let you do it for free.
They confirmed that you will have to fill out a “Swap-Out” form on the Royal Mail website or call the postal giant directly to request a form.
Alternatively you can trek out to get one in person from a local delivery office – but not a Post Office.
You’ll then have to post back the stamps you want to swap to a Freepost address.
The “Swap Out” scheme launches on March 31 this year, and you can continue to trade in the old stamps well after they become invalid as it runs until March 31 2023.
Old stamp sales will also be phased out over the next year.
