Royal Mail said that following a successful trial, the barcodes would now be added to all Definitive and Christmas stamps. Each stamp has a ‘digital twin’ containing the unique code alongside it, separated by a simulated perforation line. The group said it was “reinventing stamps for the future”.
One-off commemorative stamps will not be barcoded.
The unique codes provides an additional security layer, and by using the Royal Mail app, users can also access multimedia content linked to the code. The first such video is a Shaun the Sheep film produced by Aardman Animations for Royal Mail.
Royal Mail stated: “The barcode also enables us to innovate and create new features. One of which we have just launched: linking a video. Just to put your mind to rest, there will be no personal held data in the barcode.”
Video features Shaun and his flock in a “mischievous and amusing short encounter with Rita, a hard working Royal Mail postie”
Royal Mail chief commercial officer Nick Landon commented: “Introducing unique barcodes on our postage stamps allows us to connect the physical letter with the digital world and opens up the possibilities for a range of new innovative services in future.”
Existing non-barcoded stamps will remain valid until 31 January 2023. Any unused stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded versions through the Royal Mail’s ‘Swap Out’ scheme, which opens on 31 March.
The Swap Out will be handled by the Royal Mail, rather than at Post Offices, with a special form and Freepost system in place for returning the old-style stamps.
Items posted with a non-barcoded stamp after 31 January 2023 will be the equivalent of posting an item without postage and the recipient will be liable to a surcharge.
The move has sparked concerns that elderly or vulnerable people could unwittingly fall foul of the new requirement.
In terms of sustainability, it’s also not clear how many stamps that have already been printed, distributed and purchased but not yet used will need to be swapped because of the change.
The Royal Mail app is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
