Royal Mail has issued new guidance stating that all letters and parcels sent within the United Kingdom must have their stamp placed in the top right-hand corner of the front face. Failure to comply with this rule could result in additional charges for the sender, with penalties ranging from £1.50 to £7. The requirement is designed to ensure that automated sorting machines can accurately process mail, as these systems are programmed to scan the specified location for valid postage. According to the latest information, Royal Mail’s automated machines rely on the placement of the stamp in the top right-hand corner to verify payment. If the stamp is located elsewhere, the system may fail to recognize it, leading to potential delays or the item being marked as “no postage paid.” In such cases, a yellow surcharge sticker may be applied, requiring the recipient to pay a fee before the item is delivered. However, the recipient is not legally obligated to pay, and they may choose to visit a sorting office to inspect the envelope. If they do not recognize the sender or decline to pay, the item will be held for 18 days before being returned to the sender, provided a return address is included, or otherwise destroyed. The guidelines also specify that stamps must be completely flat and clearly visible, with the image of the monarch, currently King Charles III, oriented upright. Additionally, there must be sufficient space around the stamp to accommodate tracking codes and digital postmarks printed by Royal Mail. Any writing or markings near the stamp could obscure these essential details, potentially affecting the readability of the tracking information. For addressing envelopes or parcels, Royal Mail advises placing the name and address in the bottom left corner of the front face. Clear, legible handwriting or font is recommended, along with a pen or ink that contrasts with the color of the envelope or parcel. The text should be left-aligned, avoiding centered or staggered lines. Commas and periods should not be used, and there should be ample space around the address to prevent overcrowding. In addition to these requirements, Royal Mail provides guidance on sending monetary items or valuables. It recommends using the Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed service for secure delivery of money, jewelry, or other high-value items. These items should be properly packaged and not visible from the exterior. Indicating the presence of money on the outside of the package is discouraged, as it could attract attention or increase the risk of theft. Coins should not be sent in envelopes due to the potential for damage during processing, which could lead to delays or loss. Royal Mail defines certain items as “valuables,” including precious metals, diamonds, watches, and financial instruments such as cheques and postal orders. When sending such items internationally, the International Tracked service is advised, offering enhanced protection with a maximum compensation limit of £100 for loss or damage involving cash. However, Royal Mail warns that several countries prohibit the mailing of money through their postal systems, and it does not assume responsibility for losses or damages incurred in these jurisdictions. A comprehensive list of such countries includes Armenia, Australia, Belarus, Bolivia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, China (excluding Hong Kong and Macao), Comoros, Cuba, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malawi, Mauritius, Montenegro, Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Rwanda, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Uganda, USA, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
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