Franking Surcharges: What You Need to Know

A surcharge is an extra charge Royal Mail applies when an item is underpaid or incorrectly franked, asking for the shortfall plus a fee. You can avoid surcharges by franking the correct postage for the item’s size and weight, keeping your machine’s date and credit up to date, and using clear, approved ink.

What causes a franking surcharge?

Common causes are franking too low a value for the size or weight, choosing the wrong format, an incorrect date on the impression, or a faint, smudged impression that Royal Mail cannot read.

How to avoid surcharges

Weigh items and apply the correct postage and class, keep enough credit loaded, set the right date, and make sure impressions are crisp. Mailmark, Royal Mail’s current franking standard, also carries the best available rates.

Keep your impressions clear

Faint impressions are a frequent cause of rejected mail. Using Royal Mail approved franking ink keeps impressions readable. Mailcoms own-brand franking ink is approved by Royal Mail.

Avoid surcharges with clear impressions: browse franking ink and labels, see our franking machines, or call 01543 572 776.

Frequently asked questions

What is a franking surcharge? An extra charge Royal Mail applies when mail is underpaid or incorrectly franked – the shortfall plus a fee.

How can I avoid franking surcharges? Frank the correct value for the size and weight, set the right date, keep credit loaded, and use clear, approved ink.

Can poor-quality ink cause a surcharge? Yes. Faint or smudged impressions can be rejected. Royal Mail approved ink, such as Mailcoms own-brand franking ink, keeps impressions clear.