# Royal Mail to add barcodes to stamps

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2022/02/07/royal-mail-to-add-barcodes-to-stamps/
- Published: 2022-02-07T11:57:23+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Following a successful national trial, Royal Mail is adding unique barcodes to
all its Definitive stamps** **–** **the ‘everyday’ stamps featuring the Queen’s 
profile.**

Recipients of mail featuring a barcoded stamp can currently watch an exclusive video
by scanning the stamps in the Royal Mail App. The video features Shaun the Sheep,
created exclusively for Royal Mail by British animation studio, Aardman. The video
is the first in a series of planned videos to be released during 2022 that will 
allow customers sending stamped mail to choose which video the recipient can see
when they receive an item of mail.

> Our new barcoded stamps have arrived. They enable you to digitally link exclusive
> videos to your stamp. 
> Find out how to share the antics of [@shaunthesheep](https://twitter.com/shaunthesheep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> with someone you know at: [https://t.co/diAbERVBaI](https://t.co/diAbERVBaI) [pic.twitter.com/GJUArsyu0r](https://t.co/GJUArsyu0r)
> 
> ## Advertisement
> 
>  [⌊Posthub advert. You create the campaign. We'll handle the postal journey. Get started at post-hub.co.uk.⌉](https://fundraising.co.uk/ads/posthub-20261007-300x250/)
> — Royal Mail (@RoyalMail) [February 1, 2022](https://twitter.com/RoyalMail/status/1488482298047651844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The new barcoded stamps will have a digital twin and the two will be connected by
the Royal Mail App. The barcodes match the stamp colour and sit alongside the main
body of the stamp, separated by a simulated perforation line.

Non-barcoded Definitive and Christmas stamps will remain valid until 31 January 
2023. Customers are being encouraged to use their non-barcoded stamps before this
date. Alternatively, non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded version
through Royal Mail’s ‘Swap Out’ scheme.

This will open on 31 March and customers will be able send unused stamps via a Freepost
address. Forms will be available via a variety of channels, including local Customer
Service Points; the Royal Mail website and via its Customer Experience team. Further
details will be announced shortly.

Nick Landon, Royal Mail Chief Commercial Officer said:

> “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.”