Barcoded Stamps

Barcoded Stamps

As part of its modernisation plans to improve efficiency, mail security and lower costs (certainly for business account holders who print their own barcodes) Royal Mail started trialling and then rolling out its barcoded stamps programme in 2021.
The very first Barcoded Stamp issued by Royal Mail was on the 23rd March 2021, when they released the new 2nd Class Machin Definitive in Retail Business Sheets.

The barcode sits alongside the main body of the stamp, separated by a simulated perforation line, note that the barcode is colour matched with the stamp. The stamp retains all the existing security features not seen in the illustration shown here.
Royal Mail used this as a trial of its barcode infrastructure. This was then followed by a further trial when the 1st & 2nd Class NVI Christmas stamps 2021 were released with and without barcodes.

According to Royal Mail..."Each barcoded stamp will have a digital twin and the two will be connected by the Royal Mail App. The unique barcodes will facilitate operational efficiencies, enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for our customers using a combination of the barcoded stamp and our RM App..,, The barcodes match the stamp colour and sit alongside the main body of the stamp, separated by a simulated perforation line. The new barcode is an integral part of the stamp and must remain intact for the stamp to be valid."