Royal Mail Wholesale has been on a journey which aims to see all Access mail carrying a barcode, thus providing customers and the supply chain with increased reporting data and greater value whilst optimising Royal Mail’s operation. The mail industry has made significant strides already, with c.97% of Access volume currently presented on barcoded products. To drive the next phase of this journey we have three initiatives that we would like to share;

• Removal of the non-Mailmark variant of Advertising Mail Catalogue Mail service. We thank you for your valued feedback on the recent consultation on the matter which we have considered carefully.
• Amnesty from certain adjustments to support those customers who are migrating from non-Mailmark to Mailmark products.
• Increasing the thickness dimension of our Mailmark Large Letter service to give greater choice for customers.

Further details regarding the above are below.

Removal of the Non-Mailmark Variant of Catalogue Mail

Thank you for your valued responses to our recent call for feedback regarding the proposed removal of the non-Mailmark variant of Catalogue Mail for letters and large letters. We received responses from three Access customers and two interested end brands.  

Overall, there was a clear understanding of Royal Mail’s strategic direction to increase the use of barcoded mail through Mailmark. Respondents acknowledged the rationale behind the proposal, while also raising several important considerations.

Key themes from the feedback included concerns from all respondents about potential price increases for items that may need to migrate to alternative manual products. Three respondents noted that transitioning to Mailmark could require significant redesigns of creative formats for certain end brands. Additionally, the current 10mm thickness limit for Large Letters was highlighted by two respondents as a barrier to adoption for some mailers (which, as mentioned earlier on in this letter, we have addressed through our decision to increase the thickness requirement to 13mm).

It is important to remind customers that migrating from a non-Mailmark product to an equivalent Mailmark product will always offer a lower-priced tariff option, helping customers achieve greater value and efficiency in their mailings. Mailmark not only provides access to more competitive pricing but also unlocks tracking and reporting capabilities.

Two respondents requested a longer lead time to allow sufficient preparation for a transition to Mailmark, and some raised concerns about the potential for future adjustments if Mailmark specifications were not met.

Royal Mail recognises that customers and end brands require sufficient lead time to make necessary changes to their mail packs when migrating to a Mailmark product. We also understand the operational and creative adjustments this may involve, and we are committed to providing enough notice needed to enable a successful transition.

After careful consideration of all feedback received, and in view of the support and development options we can offer, Royal Mail’s decision is to proceed with the proposed removal of the non-Mailmark variant of Catalogue Mail to take effect from 3 August 2026.

User Guide Amendment Notice (number 082) provides the full details of the changes to the Access User Guide to take effect from 3 August 2026, giving customers more than the contractually required notice.

In response to customer feedback, and to further ease the migration process, Royal Mail will introduce the following support options and developments, including an amnesty against specific Mailmark adjustment charges.

Technical Support and Mailmark Mailpack Design Testing

Royal Mail continues to offer dedicated support for customers wishing to test new Mailmark mail designs. Our Mailmark testing facility provides assurance that mail packs meet operational and barcode specifications prior to full deployment. This service helps minimise processing risks and supports a smoother transition to Mailmark.

 Customers can access technical guidance and Mailmark reporting to assess performance, reinforcing our commitment to supporting successful migration.

Mailmark Adjustment Charge Amnesty

We are introducing an amnesty for customers migrating from non-Mailmark to Mailmark products which will run from 3 November 2025 to 31 March 2026. The amnesty is designed to encourage confident adoption of Mailmark, creating a safe environment for a customer to seek design guidance, have new designs checked or tested within our published test parameters (refer to the “Test Processes” section of the Wholesale Mailmark webpage) and protect them from receiving certain adjustment charges, namely Barcode Not Seen, Postcode Accuracy, and Delivery Point Suffix Inaccuracy charges.

More details on the amnesty, including the eligibility criteria, the amnesty period and the in-scope adjustments can be found at www.royalmailwholesale.com/mailmark-amnesty. You will also find a useful presentation which provides an overview of the amnesty.

Increase in Mailmark Large Letter Thickness Limit

We are pleased to announce that from 13 May 2026, we are increasing the thickness dimension of our Mailmark Large Letter service from 10mm to 13mm.  

Increasing Mailmark Large Letter thickness to 13mm aims to provide greater flexibility and ease for customers mailing thicker items, while maintaining the integrity and efficiency of our mail processing systems. In particular the change supports customers using cover pages, leaflets, specific promotions or product highlights and customers posting items that may be on the verge of exceeding the previous 10mm thickness.

User Guide Amendment Notice (number 083) provides the full details of the changes to the Access User Guide. In line with clause 13.3(a) of the Access Letters Contract, the changes will come into effect from 13 May 2026. However so that customers can benefit from implementing this change earlier, we will not implement any incorrect format adjustment charges up to 13 May 2026, for Mailmark Large Letters presented with up to 13mm thickness.

If you have any questions or would like further support, please contact your Account Director.