Royal Mail Stops Supplying 4×6 Shipping Labels

As of 19 January 2026, Royal Mail has officially stopped supplying 4×6 thermal shipping labels to customers for their shipping requirements.

This change has affected thousands of UK businesses, particularly eCommerce sellers, fulfilment centres, and high-volume Royal Mail customers who rely on 4×6 thermal labels for daily dispatch.

If you ship with Royal Mail and use a thermal printer, this update directly impacts your fulfilment costs and processes.

Royal Mail 4×6 Thermal Labels – What Has Changed?

From 19/01/26, Royal Mail no longer provides free 4×6 thermal label rolls to customers.

Instead, businesses must now purchase labels from the Royal Mail Shop, priced at:

• £4.96 + VAT per roll
• £5.95 total per roll

For businesses shipping hundreds or thousands of parcels per month, this new cost quickly adds up.

Why Royal Mail Customers Are Frustrated

Many Royal Mail business customers already spend significant monthly budgets on postage, so the removal of supplied shipping labels has caused understandable frustration.

Key concerns include:

• Increased fulfilment costs
• Another consumable to track and manage
• Risk of running out of labels during busy periods
• Rising operational costs at a time of economic pressure

The Impact on eCommerce & High-Volume Shippers

Higher Shipping & Fulfilment Costs

While the cost per roll may seem small, 4×6 thermal labels are used on every shipment, meaning expenses scale rapidly for high-volume sellers.

Additional Operational Management

Labels must now be sourced, reordered, stored, and monitored internally, adding complexity to fulfilment workflows.

Risk of Dispatch Delays

Relying on limited supply channels can lead to delays or shortages, particularly during sales events, Q4, or seasonal peaks.

A Cost-Effective Alternative: Labels Zoo 4×6 Thermal Labels

The good news is that Labels Zoo offers high-quality 4×6 thermal labels fully compatible with Royal Mail, at a significantly lower cost per roll.

Our labels are designed for Royal Mail shipping, Click & Drop, and thermal printer workflows.

Labels Zoo 4×6 Thermal Label Pricing

Standard Box Pricing

• 12 rolls per box
• £45.42 + VAT
• £54.50 total
• £3.78 + VAT per roll

Already 23% cheaper than buying directly from Royal Mail.

Bulk Buy Discounts – Save Up to 22%

For high-volume shipping businesses, our bulk discounts reduce costs even further:

• From just £35.15 + VAT per box
• Only £2.93 + VAT per roll

This can result in substantial annual savings for growing eCommerce brands and fulfilment operations, costing 40% less compared to buying labels directly from Royal Mail.

Compatible With Royal Mail & Major Thermal Printers

All Labels Zoo 4×6 thermal label rolls include:

• 475 labels per roll
• 25mm core size
• Strong adhesive for secure shipping
• Clean, high-contrast thermal printing

Compatible With Popular Thermal Printers

Including:

• Zebra
• Eltron
• Citizen
• Datamax
• Star
• TEC
• WASP

Ideal for Royal Mail shipping labels, address labels, and parcel labels.

Fast UK Delivery & Free Shipping Options

To keep your fulfilment running smoothly, we offer next working day delivery from Monday to Friday on all orders placed before 1 pm. We also provide free delivery on orders over £500, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and keep your dispatch operations running without disruption.

Why Switch to Labels Zoo for Royal Mail Labels?

Switching now allows your business to:

• Avoid Royal Mail’s increased label costs
• Access cheaper 4×6 thermal labels for Royal Mail
• Lock in bulk pricing before demand rises
• Secure a reliable, long-term label supply

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Shipping Labels

Royal Mail’s decision to stop supplying 4×6 shipping labels has created new challenges for UK businesses – but it also creates an opportunity to reduce costs and regain control.

Labels Zoo provides a reliable, affordable alternative that keeps your shipping operations efficient, cost-effective, and future-proof.

Order your 4×6 thermal labels today and save up to 22% with bulk pricing.