Regular stamps without a barcode will be invalid come 31 January 2023, the Royal Mail has warned, as the postal group moves to modernise its service.
New barcoded stamps, which can be scanned through the Royal Mail app, were introduced in February, aiming to“facilitate operational efficiencies, enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for customers,” according to the FTSE 250 group.
Existing stamps, that feature the late Queen Elizabeth II on a plain background, can be swapped out for new barcoded ones, but commemorative and special stamps will remain valid.
Royal Mail, which is now part of International Distributions Group PLC, denied that the move is connected to the Queen’s death, as new stamps bearing images of King Charles III are set to be gradually released over time.