Bermuda Post Office bans obsolete franking machines

THURSDAY, JULY 14: Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson would like to inform the public that effective January 1, 2012, all manual reset postage meters will be removed from service in Bermuda.

Any meter found in operation after this date is subject to be seized by the Bermuda Post Office under the Bermuda Post Office Act and Regulations. This move comes in the wake of changes in postage meter technology and the unavailability of technical support for the handful of manual franking meters that remain in circulation in Bermuda.

Minister Wilson said: “Manual franking machines have been out of use in other developed countries since 2002. Bermuda is one of the few developed countries that has a handful of franking machines in use. This move brings the Bermuda Post Office in line with revenue protection initiatives and global trends in postage meter technology with other developed member countries in the Universal Postal Union.”

There currently are less than two dozen manual postage franking machines in circulation on Island and all holders of these machines are being individually contacted by the Post Office and advised of the changes.

The Post Office will not be filling any manual reset postage meters after October 1, 2011 to allow those customers with manual franking machines to use the remaining funds in their meters. Any funds remaining in meters after January 1 will be credited to replacement postage meters upon surrender of the old meters to the Post Office.

Any business in possession of manual reset franking machines can contact the Post Office at 294-4472 for more information and assistance.