Information I received from Royal Mail regarding the 100-day countdown for customers to use their non-barcoded definitive stamps:

“On Monday 24 October there will be just 100 days until non-barcoded Definitive stamps cease to be a valid form of postage. Definitive stamps are the regular “everyday” stamps featuring the profile of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

From 1 February 2023 barcoded Definitive stamps, as featured below, will be the only type of Definitive Stamps valid for postage. This follows an announcement made at the start of 2022, and is not connected with the passing of Queen Elizabeth.”

“We are encouraging our customers to use up their non-barcoded Definitive stamps. Christmas would be the perfect time to use them when sending Christmas cards and parcels to family and friends.

However, customers who are unable to use up their stock of non-barcoded stamps, of all values, may exchange them for the equivalent in barcoded stamps.

I would like to reassure you and your constituents that there is currently no end date for when customers can swap their stamps – so this option can be accessed after 31 January.

They can be sent, with a completed form, to Royal Mail using our FREEPOST address. There is no charge to exchange unused stamps.

Swap forms are available from:

  • www.royalmail.com/barcodedstamps where a form can be printed or requested
  • Royal Mail’s Customer Experience team – customers can call 03457 740740 and request a form be posted to them
  • From more than 1,200 Customer Service Points at delivery offices

Special Stamps – those that are issued to commemorate special occasions or to celebrate British achievement – will not be barcoded and remain valid for use. Non-barcoded Christmas stamps also remain valid for use throughout the year. These stamps cannot be exchanged.

Examples of eligible stamps that can be swapped out can be found below:”