It is a measure that has been introduced to reduce the amount of stamps that are re-used due to improper franking. The postal authority recently admitted that a high volume of stamps escape the franking process, and this will ensure the stamps can only be used once.

This has caused great debate amongst collectors of American stamps, as used examples cannot be found off paper without significant damage. The future for collectors seems very bleak.

Many have accused the postal service of penalising stamp collectors for the inefficiency of the postal equipment. Complaints have been lodged and the authorities are stated that the process is on trial and they are beginning to consider alternatives.

Mark Steele

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