Freedom of Information Team
Globe House
7th Floor
89 Eccleston Square
London
SW1V 1PN
Email
: xxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
Website
: www.gov.uk/hm-passport-
office
Ms Sohal
Emai
l xxx@xxxx.xxx.xxx.xx
Websi
te www.gov.uk/hm-passport-
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
office
Reference: FOICR 57896/20
16 March 2020
Dear Ms Sohal
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST Thank you for your email of 22 February in which you ask for information regarding costs on
producing the new blue passports in comparison to the burgundy passports.
Your request has been handled as a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act
2000.
I would like to know how much it costs to produce the new blue passports vs cost to
continue to create current burgundy ones.
Her Majesty’s Passport Office routinely redesigns British passports every four to five years to stay
ahead of criminals who may seek to produce forged versions. As the change in the colour of the
cover of the passport is being implemented as part of a routine redesigns, it has incurred no
additional cost.
Please also provide total cost for producing requirements, sourcing producers and
implementing the new process.
Government procurement regulations require contracts to be retendered when they expire to
ensure that we are continually delivering the best value for money. The procurement was run in
line with government regulations and World Trade Organisation rules.
Details of the contract awarded to Gemalto UK Ltd (since acquisitioned by Thales) for passport
production and associated services awarded on 18 April 2018 can be found using the link below.
The new contract will deliver significant savings of approximately £140m providing value for money
to the taxpayer.
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/ecfcd97f-b101-43b6-8455-9347beb8ca06
Yours sincerely
C Parsons
Freedom of Information Team
Passport Adviceline: 0300 222 0000
Email us at foi
@hmpo.gov.uk
Visit our website at www.gov.uk