With just three days remaining, the clock is ticking for individuals to utilize standard non-barcoded stamps, as Monday marks the last day these stamps can be used to send mail. After this

deadline, customers using these stamps will risk a surcharge of £1.10 on their posted items.

It is important to note that commemorative and non-barcoded Christmas stamps will still remain valid for use.

For those who possess old stamps without barcodes, Royal Mail offers an alternative through their Swap Out scheme, and fortunately, there is no fixed deadline for the exchange process.

The company has taken steps to inform the public about the Swap Out scheme by delivering leaflets containing a form to every household. Additionally, customers have the option to obtain the form by printing it from the Royal Mail website, calling the Customer Experience team to request one, or picking it up from a local Royal Mail delivery office or Post Office.

Originally, the deadline for using old non-barcoded stamps was set for 31st January, but Royal Mail extended the time frame to accommodate the needs of its users.

Following the deadline, Royal Mail will impose a £1.10 surcharge fee on any mail sent using non-barcoded stamps. Recipients of such mail will receive a "Fee to Pay" card, informing them of the surcharge that must be paid before the item can be delivered.

The introduction of barcoded stamps in February the previous year aimed to enhance delivery efficiency and bolster security measures. Matthew Parkes, the Managing Director of Stamps and Collectibles at Royal Mail, stated that this move aligns with the company's modernization efforts and will bring forth "added security features" while opening doors for innovative customer services in the future.

To clarify, the stamps eligible for swapping are the regular 1st and 2nd Class "everyday" stamps, featuring the profile of the late Queen Elizabeth. However, special stamps like non-barcoded Christmas stamps with illustrations will continue to remain valid for postage and should not be submitted for swapping. Stamps that have already been used for postage will not be accepted for the Swap Out scheme.

For those interested in participating in the Swap Out scheme, the process is simple. Customers can print a form from the Royal Mail website and address an envelope to: Freepost SWAP OUT. No further address details are necessary.

Royal Mail envisions a future where people will scan the QR code on barcoded stamps using the Royal Mail app. This would enable users to access various services, such as watching videos and sending personalized birthday messages to others.

By introducing barcoded stamps and eventually connecting physical stamps to the digital world, Royal Mail aims to offer exciting and innovative services, making postage an even more convenient and interactive experience for its customers. Photo - stampboards.com. Photo by Rab-k, Wikimedia commons.