Last day to make use of Royal Mail stamps with out barcode earlier than surcharge charge applies

Today is your final likelihood to make use of stamps with out a barcode – with any lacking final put up this night set to incur a charge for the recipient.

From 1 August, any merchandise with an “old-style” stamp can be handled as having inadequate postage and responsible for a £1.10 cost.

The modifications have an effect on any non-barcoded stamps that includes the late Queen’s profile on a plain background.

Any particular stamps with an image on, or Christmas-themed stamps, can nonetheless be used even when they do not have a barcode.

For those that have a stash lurking within the kitchen drawer, there is a Royal Mail alternate scheme.

A type must be printed from its web site – or picked up from a supply workplace or Post Office – and the stamps despatched to “Freepost SWAP OUT”.

There’s at the moment no deadline for this scheme, however it’s necessary to notice that Post Offices cannot swap the stamps themselves.

Barcoded stamps have been launched in February 2022 and permit individuals to look at movies, learn messages and consider different data from senders.

Royal Mail says additionally they enhance effectivity and permit “added security features”.

Non-barcoded stamps have been initially attributable to expire on the finish of January, however the scheme was prolonged by six months after individuals stated they wanted extra time.

New stamps that includes the King’s profile went on common sale in April.