Decertification of Non-Mailmark Franking Machines

Royal Mail has decertified standard (non-Mailmark) franking machines. Since 1 January 2023, Royal Mail only accepts franked mail from customers using a Mailmark franking machine, so standard machines are now obsolete for sending mail. If you still use a standard machine, you will need to upgrade to a Mailmark model to keep franking your post and benefit from Mailmark savings.

Decertification of standard franking machines

In 2014 Royal Mail introduced Mailmark franking – a form of 2D barcode that is the most efficient and accurate way of processing mail. Today, customers across the UK use and benefit from this technology. Find out more about Mailmark franking.

Royal Mail decided it would no longer accept franked mail from customers using an obsolete standard franking machine, and only accepts franked mail from customers using a Mailmark franking machine. To find out which type of franking machine you have, read on.

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Standard franking machines

If your franking machine prints a traditional town and crown indicia, in red or smart blue ink (or any non-Mailmark indicia), you will need to upgrade. If this applies to you, contact Mailcoms for a quick quote or further details and we can help you identify an appropriate solution. Call us on 01543 572 776, email info@mailcoms.co.uk, or view our range of franking machines and get a quick quote.

Known non-Mailmark obsolete franking machine models

Below is a list of the known non-Mailmark obsolete franking machine models. See more detailed model imagery and further information about obsolete and decertified franking machines.

Mailmark franking machines

If your franking machine prints a Mailmark 2D barcode, you do not need to do anything – Royal Mail continues to accept your mail as normal, whereas it will not accept mail from standard, non-Mailmark franking.

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Decertification FAQs

Why is Royal Mail decertifying standard franking machines?

All Royal Mail franking has migrated to barcode technology. Franking moved to Mailmark, a form of 2D barcode, which is the most efficient and accurate way of processing mail.

What does decertification of standard franking machines mean?

Since 1 January 2023, non-Mailmark franking machine customers can no longer use their standard franking machines to send mail. Suppliers such as Mailcoms help customers choose the best alternative.

What happens if I try to use my obsolete standard franking machine after 1 January 2023?

Royal Mail only accepts mail franked by a Mailmark franking machine. Any franked mail without a Mailmark 2D barcode is returned to the sender. In the lead-up to the deadline, customers also lost the ability to add credit to non-Mailmark machines.

I use a Mailmark machine, so why did Royal Mail send me the decertification letter?

Royal Mail wrote to every customer with a current licence for a non-Mailmark standard franking machine. Some customers hold licences for both Mailmark and standard machines, and so received the letter in relation to their standard machine.

I no longer use my franking machine – does this affect me?

Royal Mail wrote to every customer with a current franking machine licence, whether or not the machine is still in use. If you no longer use yours and received the decertification letter, contact your supplier for advice on your licence.

How Mailcoms can help

Mailcoms is a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of franking machines since 2008, with a wide choice of Mailmark franking machine models to suit your needs – whether you send letters, parcels or both. All our models are available for purchase, lease or rental.

If you are interested in getting a franking machine or upgrading to a Mailmark franking machine with even lower prices available, view our franking machine page or call us today on 01543 572 776.