[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 187 (Tuesday, September 26, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57864-57909]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-24274]



[[Page 57863]]

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Part II





Postal Service





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39 CFR Part 20



International Mail; Proposed Changes in Postal Rates, Fees, and Mail 
Classifications; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register/Vol. 65, No. 187/Tuesday, September 26, 2000/
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 57864]]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 20


International Mail; Proposed Changes in Postal Rates, Fees, and 
Mail Classifications

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Pursuant to its authority under Title 39 U.S.C. 407, the 
Postal Service is proposing changes in international postal rates and 
fees and certain categories of mail classifications. As required under 
the Postal Reorganization Act, the proposed changes will result in 
international postal rates that do not apportion the costs of the 
service so as to impair the overall value of the service to the users, 
are fair and reasonable, and are not unduly or unreasonably 
discriminatory or preferential.

DATES: Comments on the proposed changes must be received on or before 
October 26, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be mailed or delivered to the 
Manager, Business Results, International Business, U.S. Postal Service, 
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Room 370-IBU, Washington DC 20260-6500. Copies 
of all written comments will be available for public inspection between 
9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, in International Business, 
10th Floor, 901 D Street SW., Washington DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Walter J. Grandjean, (202) 314-7256, 
or Bruce Hirt, (202) 314-7195.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under Title 39, U.S. Code 407, the Postal 
Service is required to have postal rates that (1) do not apportion the 
costs of the service so as to impair the overall value of the service 
to the users, (2) are fair and reasonable, and (3) are not unduly or 
unreasonably discriminatory or preferential. This notice contains 
changes in postage rates and fees that will maintain this requirement. 
At the same time, the Postal Service is proposing changes to the 
international mail classification scheme which will simplify service 
offerings and result in better access by the public to international 
mail services and which meet the requirements of the Acts of the 
Universal Postal Union of which the United States is a signatory. In 
addition, certain regulatory changes mandated by the adoption of the 
Acts by the Beijing Congress of the Universal Postal Union are being 
implemented concurrent with these changes in postal rates, fees, and 
mail classifications.

I. Mail Classification Changes

    Under the provisions of Article 8 of the Universal Postal 
Convention, postal administrations ``shall provide for the acceptance, 
handling, conveyance and delivery of letter-post items.'' Letter-post 
items may be classified according to one of two systems. The first 
system is based on speed of service and is divided into priority and 
nonpriority items. The second system is based on the contents of the 
items and is divided into letters and cards (``LC'' items) and printed 
papers, literature for the blind, and small packets (``AO'' items).
    The Postal Service currently uses the second system and classifies 
international mail based on the nature of the contents. The Postal 
Service proposes to change from the content-based classification system 
to the speed-based system for letter-post items. Under this system 
there will be two categories of letter-post mail: priority (airmail) 
and nonpriority (economy). Mailers can select either category, without 
regard to the nature of mailable contents. However, special nonpriority 
rate schedules will continue for items such as books, sheet music, 
domestically approved publishers' mail, and literature for the blind. 
At the same time the Postal Service proposes to eliminate a number of 
services which are not used by customers or which would duplicate 
services available under the speed-based structure.
    Under the proposed system categories of international mail will be 
related to speed of service. These categories are Priority Mail Global 
Guaranteed (PMGG), Express Mail International Service (EMS), Global 
Priority Mail (GPM), airmail, and economy mail. Both airmail and 
economy mail include letter-post and parcel post service. The letter-
post classification encompasses all classes of international mail 
(i.e., letters and letter packages, post and postal cards, aerogrammes, 
printed matter, and small packets) that were formerly categorized as LC 
(letters and cards) and AO (other articles).
    Priority Mail Global Guaranteed is the U.S. Postal Service's 
premium international mail service. PMGG is an expedited delivery 
service that is the product of a business alliance between the U.S. 
Postal Service and DHL Worldwide Express, Inc. It provides reliable, 
high-speed, time-definite service from designated U.S. ZIP Code areas 
to locations in most destination countries and territorial possessions. 
Regulations for this service are currently listed in the International 
Mail Manual (IMM) 215. These regulations are moved to IMM 210 without 
change. This notice does not make any changes to this service. Changes 
to PMGG are the subject of an independent series of Federal Register 
notices.
    Express Mail International Service is an expedited mail service 
that can be used to send documents and merchandise to most of the 
country locations that are individually listed in the International 
Mail Manual. Principal features include EMS insurance coverage against 
loss, damage, or rifling, up to a maximum of $500, at no additional 
charge. On Demand service is being retained; however, Custom Designed 
service is eliminated. Regulations for EMS are moved to IMM 220.
    Global Priority Mail is an accelerated airmail service that 
provides customers with a reliable and economical means of sending 
correspondence, documents, printed matter, and lightweight merchandise 
items to certain foreign destinations. GPM items receive priority 
handling within the U.S. Postal Service and the postal administration 
of the country of destination. Senders can pay flat-rate postage by 
placing their contents into a standardized GPM envelope; or they can 
elect to pay variable-weight postage by affixing a GPM sticker to an 
envelope, box, or other customer-furnished packaging. There are no 
changes to this service. Regulations are moved to IMM 230.
    Airmail may be used to send both letter-post items and parcel post 
packages to most foreign countries. Letter-post is a generic term for 
mailpieces of differing shapes, sizes, and contents that weigh 4 pounds 
or less and are subject to the provisions of the Universal Postal Union 
Convention. Letter-post encompasses letters and cards (``LC'' items) 
and printed papers, literature for the blind, and small packets (``AO'' 
items). There will no longer be separate rates for printed matter or 
small packets. These categories are included with letter-post, either 
airmail or economy. Letter-post items may contain any mailable matter 
that is not prohibited by the destination country. At the sender's 
option special services, such as registry, return receipt, and recorded 
delivery, may be added on a country-specific basis. Regulations for 
letter-post are listed in IMM 240. Parcel post, which is otherwise 
referred to as ``CP'' mail, is differentiated from letter-post because 
it is governed by the parcel provisions of the UPU convention. That 
classification is primarily designed to accommodate larger and heavier 
shipments, for which size and/or weight transcend the established 
limitations for letter-post items. It also affords senders the 
opportunity to obtain optional

[[Page 57865]]

mailing services, such as insurance coverage and return receipt, which 
would otherwise be unavailable. The conditions for parcel post are 
unchanged. Regulations are moved to IMM 280.
    Economy mail includes letter-post and parcel post that are 
transported by surface. They are subject to the same regulatory 
requirements and conditions of mailing as the airmail items. The 
substantive differences between the two levels of service primarily 
relate to mode of transportation (air or surface), speed of service, 
and price. All bulk commercial services are moved to IMM 290. These 
include International Priority Airmail, International Surface Air Lift, 
Publishers' Periodicals, and Books and Sheet Music.
    ValuePost/Canada is eliminated. A Canada rate group is added for 
International Surface Air Lift service to provide for bulk economy 
mailings to Canada.
    The New Market Opportunities Program is eliminated. Few mailers 
have taken advantage of this program.
    Global Package Link is also eliminated. Current customers will be 
offered other services for their mail.
    Recall/change of address service, special delivery, special 
handling, and storage charges are eliminated. These services are rarely 
used by customers or have equal or better alternatives.

II. Rate Changes

    Rates have been redesigned for the new international mail 
categories. For the most part the number of rate groups have been 
increased to better reflect the cost of providing service to particular 
groups of countries. In some cases (e.g., economy letter-post and 
economy parcel post) higher initial rate increments have been used. 
This reflects the higher cost associated with providing surface service 
for lightweight items.
    The publishers' periodical rates in this notice have been 
previously adopted by the Postal Service with an effective date of 
January 13, 2001. See 65 FR 29955. The effective date of these rates is 
hereby changed to the effective date of the international rates and 
fees in this notice. The rates, fees, and conditions of mailing 
proposed in this notice, if adopted, will become effective concurrent 
with any domestic rates adopted as a result of the current proceedings 
before the Postal Rate Commission.
    All regulatory changes necessary to implement this proposal are 
given below. Chapter 1, International Mail Services, is published its 
entirety. Chapter 2, Conditions for Mailing, is also printed in its 
entirety except labeling lists, which are omitted to save space, and 
section 210 (formerly 215), Priority Mail Global Guaranteed. Changes to 
this service will be announced in a separate Federal Register notice. 
The labeling lists have not been changed.
    Only amended sections in chapters 3 through 9 are given. Changes to 
these chapters are not extensive.
    Although the Postal Service is exempted by 39 U.S.C. 410(a) from 
the advance notice requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act 
regarding proposed rulemaking (5 U.S.C. 553), the Postal Service 
invites public comment at the above address.
    The Postal Service proposes to adopt the following rates and to 
amend the International Mail Manual is incorporated by reference in the 
Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 20.1.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 20

    Foreign relations, International postal services.

PART 20--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 20 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 401, 404, 407, 408.

    2. The International Mail Manual is amended to incorporate the 
following postage rates and regulations:

                        International Rates and Fees--Express Mail International Service
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Rate
                                                        group 3
                                 Rate        Rate       (Great       Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate
   Weight not over (lbs.)       group 1     group 2    Britain)     group 4     group 5     group 6     group 7
                               (Canada)    (Mexico)      & No.      (Japan)     (China)
                                                       Ireland)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.5..........................       15.50       16.75       20.00       17.00       19.00       17.00       23.00
1...........................       16.25       20.00       24.75       21.00       22.75       19.15       26.00
2...........................       17.00       23.70       28.75       25.00       26.05       21.65       29.00
3...........................       18.25       27.60       32.75       29.00       30.50       24.95       32.00
4...........................       19.25       31.10       35.75       33.00       34.90       28.15       35.00
5...........................       20.50       34.20       38.75       36.75       39.20       31.85       38.00
6...........................       22.75       36.40       41.75       40.05       43.45       34.95       41.20
7...........................       25.00       38.60       44.75       43.35       47.70       38.05       44.40
8...........................       27.25       40.80       47.75       46.65       51.95       41.15       47.60
9...........................       29.50       43.00       50.75       49.95       56.20       44.25       50.80
10..........................       31.75       45.20       53.75       53.25       60.45       47.35       54.00
11..........................       34.00       47.40       56.75       56.55       64.70       50.45       57.20
12..........................       36.25       49.60       59.75       59.85       68.95       53.55       60.40
13..........................       38.50       51.80       62.75       63.15       73.20       56.65       63.60
14..........................       40.75       54.00       65.75       66.45       77.45       59.75       66.80
15..........................       43.00       56.20       68.75       69.75       81.70       62.85       70.00
16..........................       45.25       58.40       71.75       73.05       85.95       65.95       73.20
17..........................       47.50       60.60       74.75       76.35       90.20       69.05       76.40
18..........................       49.75       62.80       77.75       79.65       94.45       72.15       79.60
19..........................       52.00       65.00       80.75       82.95       98.70       75.25       82.80
20..........................       54.25       67.20       83.75       86.25      102.95       78.35       86.00
21..........................       56.50       69.40       86.75       89.55      107.20       81.45       89.20
22..........................       58.75       71.60       89.75       92.85      111.45       84.55       92.40
23..........................       61.00       73.80       92.75       96.15      115.70       87.65       95.60
24..........................       63.25       76.00       95.75       99.45      119.95       90.75       98.80
25..........................       65.50       78.20       98.75      102.75      124.20       93.85      102.00
26..........................       67.75       80.40      101.75      106.05      128.45       96.95      105.20

[[Page 57866]]

 
27..........................       70.00       82.60      104.75      109.35      132.70      100.05      108.40
28..........................       72.25       84.80      107.75      112.65      136.95      103.15      111.60
29..........................       74.50       87.00      110.75      115.95      141.20      106.25      114.80
30..........................       76.75       89.20      113.75      119.25      145.45      109.35      118.00
31..........................       79.00       91.40      116.75      122.55      149.70      112.45      121.20
32..........................       81.25       93.60      119.75      125.85      153.95      115.55      124.40
33..........................       83.50       95.80      122.75      129.15      158.20      118.65      127.60
34..........................       85.75       98.00      125.75      132.45      162.45      121.75      130.80
35..........................       88.00      100.20      128.75      135.75      166.70      124.85      134.00
36..........................       90.25      102.40      131.75      139.05      170.95      127.95      137.20
37..........................       92.50      104.60      134.75      142.35      175.20      131.05      140.40
38..........................       94.75      106.80      137.75      145.65      179.45      134.15      143.60
39..........................       97.00      109.00      140.75      148.95      183.70      137.25      146.80
40..........................       99.25      111.20      143.75      152.25      187.95      140.35      150.00
41..........................      101.50      113.40      146.75      155.55      192.20      143.45      153.20
42..........................      103.75      115.60      149.75      158.85      196.45      146.55      156.40
43..........................      106.00      117.80      152.75      162.15      200.70      149.65      159.60
44..........................      108.25      120.00      155.75      165.45      204.95      152.75      162.80
45..........................      110.50      122.20      158.75      168.75      209.20      155.85      166.00
46..........................      112.75      124.40      161.75      172.05      213.45      158.95      169.20
47..........................      115.00      126.60      164.75      175.35      217.70      162.05      172.40
48..........................      117.25      128.80      167.75      178.65      221.95      165.15      175.60
49..........................      119.50      131.00      170.75      181.95      226.20      168.25      178.80
50..........................      121.75      133.20      173.75      185.25      230.45      171.35      182.00
51..........................      124.00      135.40      176.75      188.55      234.70      174.45      185.20
52..........................      126.25      137.60      179.75      191.85      238.95      177.55      188.40
53..........................      128.50      139.80      182.75      195.15      243.20      180.65      191.60
54..........................      130.75      142.00      185.75      198.45      247.45      183.75      194.80
55..........................      133.00      144.20      188.75      201.75      251.70      186.85      198.00
56..........................      135.25      146.40      191.75      205.05      255.95      189.95      201.20
57..........................      137.50      148.60      194.75      208.35      260.20      193.05      204.40
58..........................      139.75      150.80      197.75      211.65      264.45      196.15      207.60
59..........................      142.00      153.00      200.75      214.95      268.70      199.25      210.80
60..........................      144.25      155.20      203.75      218.25      272.95      202.35      214.00
61..........................      146.50      157.40      206.75      221.55      277.20      205.45      217.20
62..........................      148.75      159.60      209.75      224.85      281.45      208.55      220.40
63..........................      151.00      161.80      212.75      228.15      285.70      211.65      223.60
64..........................      153.25      164.00      215.75      231.45      289.95      214.75      226.80
65..........................      155.50      166.20      218.75      234.75      294.20      217.85      230.00
66..........................      157.75      168.40      221.75      238.05      298.45      220.95      233.20
67..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........      224.05      236.40
68..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........      227.15      239.60
69..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........      230.25      242.80
70..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........      233.35      246.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       Express Mail International Service
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate
               Weight not over  (lbs.)                  group 8     group 9    group 10    group 11    group 12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.5..................................................       17.00       19.00       22.75       28.50       22.25
1...................................................       20.50       22.00       25.25       31.25       24.75
2...................................................       24.00       26.00       28.25       35.50       28.00
3...................................................       28.00       30.00       32.50       40.50       32.00
4...................................................       32.00       35.00       36.50       44.75       36.00
5...................................................       36.00       40.00       40.75       49.75       40.00
6...................................................       40.20       44.65       45.00       54.50       44.00
7...................................................       44.40       49.30       49.25       59.25       48.00
8...................................................       48.60       53.95       53.50       64.00       52.00
9...................................................       52.80       58.60       57.75       68.75       56.00
10..................................................       57.00       63.25       62.00       73.50       60.00
11..................................................       61.20       67.90       66.25       78.25       64.00
12..................................................       65.40       72.55       70.50       83.00       68.00
13..................................................       69.60       77.20       74.75       87.75       72.00
14..................................................       73.80       81.85       79.00       92.50       76.00
15..................................................       78.00       86.50       83.25       97.25       80.00
16..................................................       82.20       91.15       87.50      102.00       84.00

[[Page 57867]]

 
17..................................................       86.40       95.80       91.75      106.75       88.00
18..................................................       90.60      100.45       96.00      111.50       92.00
19..................................................       94.80      105.10      100.25      116.25       96.00
20..................................................       99.00      109.75      104.50      121.00      100.00
21..................................................      103.20      114.40      108.75      125.75      104.00
22..................................................      107.40      119.05      113.00      130.50      108.00
23..................................................      111.60      123.70      117.25      135.25      112.00
24..................................................      115.80      128.35      121.50      140.00      116.00
25..................................................      120.00      133.00      125.75      144.75      120.00
26..................................................      124.20      137.65      130.00      149.50      124.00
27..................................................      128.40      142.30      134.25      154.25      128.00
28..................................................      132.60      146.95      138.50      159.00      132.00
29..................................................      136.80      151.60      142.75      163.75      136.00
30..................................................      141.00      156.25      147.00      168.50      140.00
31..................................................      145.20      160.90      151.25      173.25      144.00
32..................................................      149.40      165.55      155.50      178.00      148.00
33..................................................      153.60      170.20      159.75      182.75      152.00
34..................................................      157.80      174.85      164.00      187.50      156.00
35..................................................      162.00      179.50      168.25      192.25      160.00
36..................................................      166.20      184.15      172.50      197.00      164.00
37..................................................      170.40      188.80      176.75      201.75      168.00
38..................................................      174.60      193.45      181.00      206.50      172.00
39..................................................      178.80      198.10      185.25      211.25      176.00
40..................................................      183.00      202.75      189.50      216.00      180.00
41..................................................      187.20      207.40      193.75      220.75      184.00
42..................................................      191.40      212.05      198.00      225.50      188.00
43..................................................      195.60      216.70      202.25      230.25      192.00
44..................................................      199.80      221.35      206.50      235.00      196.00
45..................................................      204.00      226.00      210.75      239.75      200.00
46..................................................      208.20      230.65      215.00      244.50      204.00
47..................................................      212.40      235.30      219.25      249.25      208.00
48..................................................      216.60      239.95      223.50      254.00      212.00
49..................................................      220.80      244.60      227.75      258.75      216.00
50..................................................      225.00      249.25      232.00      263.50      220.00
51..................................................      229.20      253.90      236.25      268.25      224.00
52..................................................      233.40      258.55      240.50      273.00      228.00
53..................................................      237.60      263.20      244.75      277.75      232.00
54..................................................      241.80      267.85      249.00      282.50      236.00
55..................................................      246.00      272.50      253.25      287.25      240.00
56..................................................      250.20      277.15      257.50      292.00      244.00
57..................................................      254.40      281.80      261.75      296.75      248.00
58..................................................      258.60      286.45      266.00      301.50      252.00
59..................................................      262.80      291.10      270.25      306.25      256.00
60..................................................      267.00      295.75      274.50      311.00      260.00
61..................................................      271.20      300.40      278.75      315.75      264.00
62..................................................      275.40      305.05      283.00      320.50      268.00
63..................................................      279.60      309.70      287.25      325.25      272.00
64..................................................      283.80      314.35      291.50      330.00      276.00
65..................................................      288.00      319.00      295.75      334.75      280.00
66..................................................      292.20      323.65      300.00      339.50      284.00
67..................................................      296.40      328.30      304.25      344.25      288.00
68..................................................      300.60      332.95      308.50      349.00      292.00
69..................................................      304.80      337.60      312.75      353.75      296.00
70..................................................      309.00      342.25      317.00      358.50     300.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMS corporate account: 5 percent discount from single piece rates.


                                               Global Priority Mail
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Rate  group
                                                                   Rate                       4
                    Rate  group 1  (Canada)                       group 2      Rate      (Australia,     Rate
                                                                 (Mexico)     group 3    Japan, New     group 5
                                                                                          Zealand)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Envelope
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4.00.........................................................       $4.00       $5.00         $5.00       $5.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Envelope
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.00..........................................................        7.00        9.00          9.00        9.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 57868]]


                                                 Variable Weight
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Rate  Group
                                                       Rate        Rate                       4
              Weight not  Over (lbs.)                 Group 1     Group 2      Rate      (Australia,     Rate
                                                     (Canada)    (Mexico)     Group 3    Japan, New     Group 5
                                                                                          Zealand)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 .5...............................................       $6.00       $7.00       $9.00         $8.00       $8.00
 1................................................        8.00        9.00       11.00         10.00       12.00
 1.5..............................................        9.00       10.00       13.00         12.00       14.00
 2................................................       11.00       12.00       16.00         15.00       17.00
2.5...............................................       12.00       13.00       19.00         18.00       20.00
 3................................................       14.00       15.00       22.00         21.00       23.00
 3.5..............................................       16.00       17.00       24.00         23.00       25.00
 4................................................       18.00       19.00       27.00         26.00       28.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Airmail

    Letter-post (Aerogrammes: $0.70. Postcards: Canada and Mexico, 
$0.50; Rest of World, $0.70).

                                             Single Piece Letter-Post
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Rate  group
                                                        Rate        Rate                      4
              Weight  not over  (ozs.)                 group 1     group 2      Rate     (Australia,     Rate
                                                      (Canada)    (Mexico)     group 3    Japan, New    group 5
                                                                                           Zealand)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..................................................       $0.60       $0.60       $0.80        $0.80       $0.80
 2.................................................        0.85        0.85        1.60         1.70        1.55
 3.................................................        1.10        1.25        2.40         2.60        2.30
 4.................................................        1.35        1.65        3.20         3.50        3.05
 5.................................................        1.60        2.05        4.00         4.40        3.80
 6.................................................        1.85        2.45        4.80         5.30        4.55
 7.................................................        2.10        2.85        5.60         6.20        5.30
 8.................................................        2.35        3.25        6.40         7.10        6.05
 12................................................        3.10        4.00        7.55         8.40        7.65
 16................................................        3.75        5.15        8.70         9.70        9.25
 20................................................        4.40        6.30        9.85        11.00       10.85
 24................................................        5.05        7.45       11.00        12.30       12.45
 28................................................        5.70        8.60       12.15        13.60       14.05
 32................................................        6.35        9.75       13.30        14.90       15.65
 36................................................        7.00       10.95       14.50        16.25       17.35
 40................................................        7.65       12.15       15.70        17.60       19.05
 44................................................        8.30       13.35       16.90        18.95       20.75
 48................................................        8.95       14.55       18.10        20.30       22.45
 52................................................        9.65       15.80       19.35        21.70       24.20
 56................................................       10.35       17.05       20.60        23.10       25.95
 60................................................       11.05       18.30       21.85        24.50       27.70
 64................................................       11.75       19.55       23.10        25.90       29.45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                      International Priority Airmail
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Drop        Full
             Rate group                Per piece   shipment     service
                                                   per pound   per pound
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1 (Canada).........................       $0.25       $2.60       $3.60
 2 (Mexico).........................        0.12        4.60        5.60
 3..................................        0.20        4.25        5.25
 4..................................        0.20        5.50        6.50
 5..................................        0.12        4.60        5.60
 6..................................        0.12        4.75        5.75
 7..................................        0.12        6.25        7.25
 8..................................        0.12        7.25        8.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Worldwide..........................        0.20        7.00        8.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 57869]]


                                        Airmail Parcel Post Single Piece
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Rate
                                                        group 3
                                 Rate        Rate       (Great       Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate
  Weight  not  over  (lbs.)     group 1     group 2   Britain  &    group 4     group 5     group 6     group 7
                               (Canada)    (Mexico)       No.       (Japan)     (China)
                                                       Ireland)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................      $13.25      $13.00      $16.00      $16.25      $15.25      $14.00      $16.50
2...........................       13.25       15.50       20.00       20.50       19.75       15.50       19.00
3...........................       14.25       17.75       24.00       24.50       24.50       17.50       21.75
4...........................       15.50       20.25       28.00       29.00       29.75       20.25       24.50
5...........................       16.75       23.00       32.00       33.50       35.00       22.75       27.25
6...........................       17.85       25.00       35.00       36.80       39.25       25.65       30.25
7...........................       18.95       27.00       38.00       40.10       43.50       28.55       33.25
8...........................       20.05       29.00       41.00       43.40       47.75       31.45       36.25
9...........................       21.15       31.00       44.00       46.70       52.00       34.35       39.25
10..........................       22.25       33.00       47.00       50.00       56.25       37.25       42.25
11..........................       23.35       35.00       50.00       53.30       60.50       40.15       45.25
12..........................       24.45       37.00       53.00       56.60       64.75       43.05       48.25
13..........................       25.55       39.00       56.00       59.90       69.00       45.95       51.25
14..........................       26.65       41.00       59.00       63.20       73.25       48.85       54.25
15..........................       27.75       43.00       62.00       66.50       77.50       51.75       57.25
16..........................       28.85       45.00       65.00       69.80       81.75       54.65       60.25
17..........................       29.95       47.00       68.00       73.10       86.00       57.55       63.25
18..........................       31.05       49.00       71.00       76.40       90.25       60.45       66.25
19..........................       32.15       51.00       74.00       79.70       94.50       63.35       69.25
20..........................       33.25       53.00       77.00       83.00       98.75       66.25       72.25
21..........................       34.35       55.00       80.00       86.30      103.00       69.15       75.25
22..........................       35.45       57.00       83.00       89.60      107.25       72.05       78.25
23..........................       36.55       59.00       86.00       92.90      111.50       74.95       81.25
24..........................       37.65       61.00       89.00       96.20      115.75       77.85       84.25
25..........................       38.75       63.00       92.00       99.50      120.00       80.75       87.25
26..........................       39.85       65.00       95.00      102.80      124.25       83.65       90.25
27..........................       40.95       67.00       98.00      106.10      128.50       86.55       93.25
28..........................       42.05       69.00      101.00      109.40      132.75       89.45       96.25
29..........................       43.15       71.00      104.00      112.70      137.00       92.35       99.25
30..........................       44.25       73.00      107.00      116.00      141.25       95.25      102.25
31..........................       45.35       75.00      110.00      119.30      145.50       98.15      105.25
32..........................       46.45       77.00      113.00      122.60      149.75      101.05      108.25
33..........................       47.55       79.00      116.00      125.90      154.00      103.95      111.25
34..........................       48.65       81.00      119.00      129.20      158.25      106.85      114.25
35..........................       49.75       83.00      122.00      132.50      162.50      109.75      117.25
36..........................       50.85       85.00      125.00      135.80      166.75      112.65      120.25
37..........................       51.95       87.00      128.00      139.10      171.00      115.55      123.25
38..........................       53.05       89.00      131.00      142.40      175.25      118.45      126.25
39..........................       54.15       91.00      134.00      145.70      179.50      121.35      129.25
40..........................       55.25       93.00      137.00      149.00      183.75      124.25      132.25
41..........................       56.35       95.00      140.00      152.30      188.00      127.15      135.25
42..........................       57.45       97.00      143.00      155.60      192.25      130.05      138.25
43..........................       58.55       99.00      146.00      158.90      196.50      132.95      141.25
44..........................       59.65      101.00      149.00      162.20      200.75      135.85      144.25
45..........................       60.75  ..........      152.00  ..........      205.00      138.75      147.25
46..........................       61.85  ..........      155.00  ..........      209.25      141.65      150.25
47..........................       62.95  ..........      158.00  ..........      213.50      144.55      153.25
48..........................       64.05  ..........      161.00  ..........      217.75      147.45      156.25
49..........................       65.15  ..........      164.00  ..........      222.00      150.35      159.25
50..........................       66.25  ..........      167.00  ..........      226.25      153.25      162.25
51..........................       67.35  ..........      170.00  ..........      230.50      156.15      165.25
52..........................       68.45  ..........      173.00  ..........      234.75      159.05      168.25
53..........................       69.55  ..........      176.00  ..........      239.00      161.95      171.25
54..........................       70.65  ..........      179.00  ..........      243.25      164.85      174.25
55..........................       71.75  ..........      182.00  ..........      247.50      167.75      177.25
56..........................       72.85  ..........      185.00  ..........      251.75      170.65      180.25
57..........................       73.95  ..........      188.00  ..........      256.00      173.55      183.25
58..........................       75.05  ..........      191.00  ..........      260.25      176.45      186.25
59..........................       76.15  ..........      194.00  ..........      264.50      179.35      189.25
60..........................       77.25  ..........      197.00  ..........      268.75      182.25      192.25
61..........................       78.35  ..........      200.00  ..........      273.00      185.15      195.25
62..........................       79.45  ..........      203.00  ..........      277.25      188.05      198.25
63..........................       80.55  ..........      206.00  ..........      281.50      190.95      201.25
64..........................       81.65  ..........      209.00  ..........      285.75      193.85      204.25
65..........................       82.75  ..........      212.00  ..........      290.00      196.75      207.25
66..........................       83.85  ..........      215.00  ..........      294.25      199.65      210.25
67..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........      298.50      202.55      213.25
68..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........      302.75      205.45      216.25

[[Page 57870]]

 
69..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........      307.00      208.35      219.25
70..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........      311.25      211.25      222.25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                         Airmail Parcel Post Single Piece
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate
       Weight  not   over  (lbs.)           group 8     group 9    group 10    group 11    group 12    group 13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1......................................      $12.50      $14.50      $16.00      $18.00      $14.00      $17.00
 2......................................       16.00       18.75       18.50       22.00       15.50       19.00
 3......................................       20.00       23.25       21.50       26.00       17.25       22.00
 4......................................       24.25       26.75       24.00       30.00       19.25       25.00
 5......................................       28.75       32.75       26.50       34.00       21.25       28.00
 6......................................       32.65       36.50       29.50       37.50       23.75       31.25
 7......................................       36.55       40.40       32.50       41.00       26.25       34.50
 8......................................       40.45       44.30       35.50       44.50       28.75       37.75
 9......................................       44.35       48.20       38.50       48.00       31.25       41.00
 10.....................................       48.25       52.10       41.50       51.50       33.75       44.25
 11.....................................       52.15       56.00       44.50       55.00       36.25       47.50
 12.....................................       56.05       59.90       47.50       58.50       38.75       50.75
 13.....................................       59.95       63.80       50.50       62.00       41.25       54.00
 14.....................................       63.85       67.70       53.50       65.50       43.75       57.25
 15.....................................       67.75       71.60       56.50       69.00       46.25       60.50
 16.....................................       71.65       75.50       59.50       72.50       48.75       63.75
 17.....................................       75.55       79.40       62.50       76.00       51.25       67.00
 18.....................................       79.45       83.30       65.50       79.50       53.75       70.25
 19.....................................       83.35       87.20       68.50       83.00       56.25       73.50
 20.....................................       87.25       91.10       71.50       86.50       58.75       76.75
 21.....................................       91.15       95.00       74.50       90.00       61.25       80.00
 22.....................................       95.05       98.90       77.50       93.50       63.75       83.25
 23.....................................       98.95      102.80       80.50       97.00       66.25       86.50
 24.....................................      102.85      106.70       83.50      100.50       68.75       89.75
 25.....................................      106.75      110.60       86.50      104.00       71.25       93.00
 26.....................................      110.65      114.50       89.50      107.50       73.75       96.25
 27.....................................      114.55      118.40       92.50      111.00       76.25       99.50
 28.....................................      118.45      122.30       95.50      114.50       78.75      102.75
 29.....................................      122.35      126.20       98.50      118.00       81.25      106.00
 30.....................................      126.25      130.10      101.50      121.50       83.75      109.25
 31.....................................      130.15      134.00      104.50      125.00       86.25      112.50
 32.....................................      134.05      137.90      107.50      128.50       88.75      115.75
 33.....................................      137.95      141.80      110.50      132.00       91.25      119.00
 34.....................................      141.85      145.70      113.50      135.50       93.75      122.25
 35.....................................      145.75      149.60      116.50      139.00       96.25      125.50
 36.....................................      149.65      153.50      119.50      142.50       98.75      128.75
 37.....................................      153.55      157.40      122.50      146.00      101.25      132.00
 38.....................................      157.45      161.30      125.50      149.50      103.75      135.25
 39.....................................      161.35      165.20      128.50      153.00      106.25      138.50
 40.....................................      165.25      169.10      131.50      156.50      108.75      141.75
 41.....................................      169.15      173.00      134.50      160.00      111.25      145.00
 42.....................................      173.05      176.90      137.50      163.50      113.75      148.25
 43.....................................      176.95      180.80      140.50      167.00      116.25      151.50
 44.....................................      180.85      184.70      143.50      170.50      118.75      154.75
 45.....................................      184.75      188.60      146.50      174.00      121.25      158.00
 46.....................................      188.65      192.50      149.50      177.50      123.75      161.25
 47.....................................      192.55      196.40      152.50      181.00      126.25      164.50
 48.....................................      196.45      200.30      155.50      184.50      128.75      167.75
 49.....................................      200.35      204.20      158.50      188.00      131.25      171.00
 50.....................................      204.25      208.10      161.50      191.50      133.75      174.25
 51.....................................      208.15      212.00      164.50      195.00      136.25      177.50
 52.....................................      212.05      215.90      167.50      198.50      138.75      180.75
 53.....................................      215.95      219.80      170.50      202.00      141.25      184.00
 54.....................................      219.85      223.70      173.50      205.50      143.75      187.25
 55.....................................      223.75      227.60      176.50      209.00      146.25      190.50
 56.....................................      227.65      231.50      179.50      212.50      148.75      193.75
 57.....................................      231.55      235.40      182.50      216.00      151.25      197.00

[[Page 57871]]

 
 58.....................................      235.45      239.30      185.50      219.50      153.75      200.25
 59.....................................      239.35      243.20      188.50      223.00      156.25      203.50
 60.....................................      243.25      247.10      191.50      226.50      158.75      206.75
 61.....................................      247.15      251.00      194.50      230.00      161.25      210.00
 62.....................................      251.05      254.90      197.50      233.50      163.75      213.25
 63.....................................      254.95      258.80      200.50      237.00      166.25      216.50
 64.....................................      258.85      262.70      203.50      240.50      168.75      219.75
 65.....................................      262.75      266.60      206.50      244.00      171.25      223.00
 66.....................................      266.65      270.50      209.50      247.50      173.75      226.25
 67.....................................      270.55      274.40      212.50      251.00      176.25      229.50
 68.....................................      274.45      278.30      215.50      254.50      178.75      232.75
 69.....................................      278.35      282.20      218.50      258.00      181.25      236.00
 70.....................................      282.25      286.10      221.50      261.50      183.75      239.25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                 Airmail M-Bags
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Rate  group
                                                       Rate        Rate                       4
              Weight not over (lbs.)                  group 1     group 2      Rate      (Australia,     Rate
                                                     (Canada)    (Mexico)     group 3    Japan,  New    group 5
                                                                                          Zealand)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11................................................      $16.50      $17.60      $27.50        $38.50      $38.50
Each additional pound or fraction of a pound......        1.50        1.60        2.50          3.50        3.50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Economy Mail--Letter-Post Single Piece
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Rate  group
                                                       Rate        Rate                       4
              Weight not over (ozs.)                  group 1     group 2      Rate      (Australia,     Rate
                                                     (Canada)    (Mexico)     group 3    Japan,  New    group 5
                                                                                          Zealand)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16................................................       $2.70       $4.35       $3.80         $4.05       $4.95
20................................................        4.05        5.15        4.45          4.70        5.70
24................................................        4.55        5.95        5.10          5.35        6.50
28................................................        5.05        6.70        5.70          6.00        7.30
32................................................        5.60        7.50        6.30          6.65        8.10
36................................................        6.00        8.15        6.90          7.25        8.75
40................................................        6.40        8.80        7.50          7.85        9.40
44................................................        6.80        9.45        8.10          8.45       10.05
48................................................        7.20       10.10        8.70          9.05       10.70
52................................................        7.60       10.75        9.30          9.65       11.35
56................................................        8.00       11.40        9.90         10.25       12.00
60................................................        8.40       12.05       10.50         10.85       12.65
64................................................        8.80       12.70       11.10         11.45       13.30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                         International Surface Air Lift
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Drop       Direct       Full        M-Bag       M-Bag       M-Bag
         Rate  group          Per  piece   shipment    shipment     service      drop       direct       full
                                          per  pound  per  pound  per  pound   shipment    shipment     service
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 (Canada)..................       $0.25       $2.15       $2.65       $3.15       $1.40       $1.50       $1.50
2 (Mexico)..................        0.12        3.20        3.70        4.20        1.50        1.60        1.60
3...........................        0.20        2.50        3.00        3.50        1.50        1.75        1.75
4...........................        0.20        2.75        3.25        3.75        2.50        2.50        2.50
5...........................        0.12        3.45        3.95        4.45        2.00        2.25        2.25
6...........................        0.12        3.40        3.90        4.40        2.00        2.25        2.25
7...........................        0.12        3.50        4.00        4.50        2.25        2.50        2.50
8...........................        0.12        5.50        6.00        6.50        3.00        3.25        3.25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 57872]]


                         Publishers' Periodicals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               All other
                                                               countries
           Weight not over              Canada      Mexico      (except
                                                              Canada and
                                                                Mexico)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
lbs. ozs.
0    1..............................       $0.40       $0.48       $0.44
0    2..............................        0.46        0.60        0.55
0    3..............................        0.52        0.78        0.71
0    4..............................        0.59        0.90        0.83
0    5..............................        0.65        1.13        1.05
0    6..............................        0.72        1.13        1.05
0    7..............................        0.78        1.36        1.27
0    8..............................        0.85        1.36        1.27
0    9..............................        0.91        1.57        1.50
0    10.............................        0.98        1.57        1.50
0    11.............................        1.04        1.80        1.71
0    12.............................        1.11        1.80        1.71
0    13.............................        1.17        2.03        1.93
0    14.............................        1.24        2.03        1.93
0    15.............................        1.30        2.26        2.15
0    16.............................        1.37        2.26        2.15
0    18.............................        1.43        2.46        2.36
0    20.............................        1.49        2.68        2.56
0    22.............................        1.55        2.88        2.77
0    24.............................        1.61        3.10        2.98
0    26.............................        1.67        3.30        3.19
0    28.............................        1.73        3.52        3.39
0    30.............................        1.79        3.72        3.60
0    32.............................        1.85        3.94        3.81
3    0..............................        4.00        5.38        5.13
4    0..............................        4.64        6.82       6.45
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.25 per pound discount for volume made up to country and tendered at
  the New Jersey International and Bulk Mail Center.


                                              Books and Sheet Music
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Rate  group
                                                       Rate        Rate        Rate      4  (Japan,      Rate
              Weight not over (ozs.)                  group 1     group 2     group 3    Australia,     group 5
                                                     (Canada)    (Mexico)               New Zealand)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.5...............................................       $1.70       $2.85       $2.65         $2.60       $2.80
1.0...............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
2.0...............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
3.0...............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
4.0...............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
5.0...............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
6.0...............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
7.0...............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
8.0...............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
12.0..............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
16.0..............................................        1.70        2.85        2.65          2.60        2.80
20.0..............................................        1.85        3.40        3.20          3.10        3.35
24.0..............................................        2.00        3.95        3.75          3.60        3.90
28.0..............................................        2.15        4.50        4.25          4.10        4.45
32.0..............................................        2.30        5.00        4.75          4.60        5.00
36.0..............................................        3.00        5.45        5.10          5.00        5.45
40.0..............................................        3.68        5.90        5.50          5.38        5.90
44.0..............................................        4.35        6.35        5.90          5.75        6.35
48.0..............................................        5.00        6.75        6.20          6.10        6.70
52.0..............................................        5.20        7.65        6.60          6.50        7.15
56.0..............................................        5.40        8.55        7.00          6.90        7.60
60.0..............................................        5.60        9.45        7.40          7.35        8.05
64.0..............................................        5.80       10.30        7.80          7.75        8.40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 57873]]

Matter for the Blind--Free

                                        Economy Parcel Post Single Piece
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Rate
                                                        group 3
                                 Rate        Rate       (Great       Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate
   Weight  not over (lbs.)      group 1     group 2   Britain  &    group 4     group 5     group 6     group 7
                               (Canada)    (Mexico)       No.       (Japan)     (China)
                                                       Ireland)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5...........................      $15.25      $19.50      $23.00      $23.25      $21.25      $18.25      $22.00
6...........................       15.75       20.75       25.00       25.00       22.75       19.35       24.00
7...........................       16.50       22.00       27.00       26.25       24.25       20.45       26.00
8...........................       17.25       23.00       29.00       27.75       25.75       21.55       28.00
9...........................       17.75       24.00       31.00       29.00       27.25       22.65       30.00
10..........................       18.25       24.75       32.75       30.25       28.75       23.75       32.00
11..........................       18.70       25.50       34.45       31.30       30.00       24.70       33.60
12..........................       19.15       26.25       36.15       32.35       31.25       25.65       35.20
13..........................       19.60       27.00       37.85       33.40       32.50       26.60       36.80
14..........................       20.05       27.75       39.55       34.45       33.75       27.55       38.40
15..........................       20.50       28.50       41.25       35.50       35.00       28.50       40.00
16..........................       20.95       29.25       42.95       36.55       36.25       29.45       41.60
17..........................       21.40       30.00       44.65       37.60       37.50       30.40       43.20
18..........................       21.85       30.75       46.35       38.65       38.75       31.35       44.80
19..........................       22.30       31.50       48.05       39.70       40.00       32.30       46.40
20..........................       22.75       32.25       49.75       40.75       41.25       33.25       48.00
21..........................       23.30       32.95       51.35       41.70       42.40       34.15       49.60
22..........................       23.85       33.65       52.95       42.65       43.55       35.05       51.20
23..........................       24.40       34.35       54.55       43.60       44.70       35.95       52.80
24..........................       24.95       35.05       56.15       44.55       45.85       36.85       54.40
25..........................       25.50       35.75       57.75       45.50       47.00       37.75       56.00
26..........................       26.05       36.45       59.35       46.45       48.15       38.65       57.60
27..........................       26.60       37.15       60.95       47.40       49.30       39.55       59.20
28..........................       27.15       37.85       62.55       48.35       50.45       40.45       60.80
29..........................       27.70       38.55       64.15       49.30       51.60       41.35       62.40
30..........................       28.25       39.25       65.75       50.25       52.75       42.25       64.00
31..........................       28.80       39.95       67.25       51.15       53.85       43.10       65.50
32..........................       29.35       40.65       68.75       52.05       54.95       43.95       67.00
33..........................       29.90       41.35       70.25       52.95       56.05       44.80       68.50
34..........................       30.45       42.05       71.75       53.85       57.15       45.65       70.00
35..........................       31.00       42.75       73.25       54.75       58.25       46.50       71.50
36..........................       31.55       43.45       74.75       55.65       59.35       47.35       73.00
37..........................       32.10       44.15       76.25       56.55       60.45       48.20       74.50
38..........................       32.65       44.85       77.75       57.45       61.55       49.05       76.00
39..........................       33.20       45.55       79.25       58.35       62.65       49.90       77.50
40..........................       33.75       46.25       80.75       59.25       63.75       50.75       79.00
41..........................       34.30       46.95       82.25       60.15       64.85       51.60       80.50
42..........................       34.85       47.65       83.75       61.05       65.95       52.45       82.00
43..........................       35.40       48.35       85.25       61.95       67.05       53.30       83.50
44..........................       35.95       49.05       86.75       62.85       68.15       54.15       85.00
45..........................       36.50  ..........       88.25  ..........       69.25       55.00       86.50
46..........................       37.05  ..........       89.75  ..........       70.35       55.85       88.00
47..........................       37.60  ..........       91.25  ..........       71.45       56.70       89.50
48..........................       38.15  ..........       92.75  ..........       72.55       57.55       91.00
49..........................       38.70  ..........       94.25  ..........       73.65       58.40       92.50
50..........................       39.25  ..........       95.75  ..........       74.75       59.25       94.00
51..........................       39.80  ..........       97.25  ..........       75.85       60.10       95.50
52..........................       40.35  ..........       98.75  ..........       76.95       60.95       97.00
53..........................       40.90  ..........      100.25  ..........       78.05       61.80       98.50
54..........................       41.45  ..........      101.75  ..........       79.15       62.65      100.00
55..........................       42.00  ..........      103.25  ..........       80.25       63.50      101.50
56..........................       42.55  ..........      104.75  ..........       81.35       64.35      103.00
57..........................       43.10  ..........      106.25  ..........       82.45       65.20      104.50
58..........................       43.65  ..........      107.75  ..........       83.55       66.05      106.00
59..........................       44.20  ..........      109.25  ..........       84.65       66.90      107.50
60..........................       44.75  ..........      110.75  ..........       85.75       67.75      109.00
61..........................       45.30  ..........      112.25  ..........       86.85       68.60      110.50
62..........................       45.85  ..........      113.75  ..........       87.95       69.45      112.00
63..........................       46.40  ..........      115.25  ..........       89.05       70.30      113.50
64..........................       46.95  ..........      116.75  ..........       90.15       71.15      115.00
65..........................       47.50  ..........      118.25  ..........       91.25       72.00      116.50
66..........................       48.05  ..........      119.75  ..........       92.35       72.85      118.00
67..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........       93.45       73.70      119.50
68..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........       94.55       74.55      121.00
69..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........       95.65       75.40      122.50

[[Page 57874]]

 
70..........................  ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........       96.75       76.25      124.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Economy Parcel Post Single Piece
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate        Rate
               Weight  not over (lbs.)                  group 8     group 9    group 10    group 11    group 12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5...................................................      $21.50      $28.75      $21.75      $26.25      $20.25
6...................................................       22.80       30.95       23.50       28.75       22.00
7...................................................       24.10       33.15       25.00       31.00       23.75
8...................................................       25.40       35.35       26.75       33.25       25.50
9...................................................       26.70       37.55       29.00       35.50       27.25
10..................................................       28.10       39.75       32.00       37.75       28.90
11..................................................       29.40       41.65       33.40       39.80       30.55
12..................................................       30.70       43.55       34.80       41.85       32.20
13..................................................       32.00       45.45       36.20       43.90       33.85
14..................................................       33.30       47.35       37.60       45.95       35.50
15..................................................       34.60       49.25       39.00       48.00       37.15
16..................................................       35.90       51.15       40.40       50.05       38.80
17..................................................       37.20       53.05       41.80       52.10       40.45
18..................................................       38.50       54.95       43.20       54.15       42.10
19..................................................       39.80       56.85       44.60       56.20       43.75
20..................................................       41.10       58.75       46.00       58.25       45.40
21..................................................       42.40       60.45       47.25       60.15       46.85
22..................................................       43.70       62.15       48.50       62.05       48.30
23..................................................       45.00       63.85       49.75       63.95       49.75
24..................................................       46.30       65.55       51.00       65.85       51.20
25..................................................       47.60       67.25       52.25       67.75       52.65
26..................................................       48.90       68.95       53.50       69.65       54.10
27..................................................       50.20       70.65       54.75       71.55       55.55
28..................................................       51.50       72.35       56.00       73.45       57.00
29..................................................       52.80       74.05       57.25       75.35       58.45
30..................................................       54.10       75.75       58.50       77.25       59.90
31..................................................       55.40       77.40       59.75       79.00       61.30
32..................................................       56.70       79.05       61.00       80.75       62.70
33..................................................       58.00       80.70       62.25       82.50       64.10
34..................................................       59.30       82.35       63.50       84.25       65.50
35..................................................       60.60       84.00       64.75       86.00       66.90
36..................................................       61.90       85.65       66.00       87.75       68.30
37..................................................       63.20       87.30       67.25       89.50       69.70
38..................................................       64.50       88.95       68.50       91.25       71.10
39..................................................       65.80       90.60       69.75       93.00       72.50
40..................................................       67.10       92.25       71.00       94.75       73.90
41..................................................       68.40       93.60       72.25       96.50       75.30
42..................................................       69.70       94.95       73.50       98.25       76.70
43..................................................       71.00       96.30       74.75      100.00       78.10
44..................................................       72.30       97.65       76.00      101.75       79.50
45..................................................       73.60       99.00       77.25      103.50       80.90
46..................................................       74.90      100.35       78.50      105.25       82.30
47..................................................       76.20      101.70       79.75      107.00       83.70
48..................................................       77.50      103.05       81.00      108.75       85.10
49..................................................       78.80      104.40       82.25      110.50       86.50
50..................................................       80.10      105.75       83.50      112.25       87.90
51..................................................       81.40      107.10       84.75      114.00       89.30
52..................................................       82.70      108.45       86.00      115.75       90.70
53..................................................       84.00      109.80       87.25      117.50       92.10
54..................................................       85.30      111.15       88.50      119.25       93.50
55..................................................       86.60      112.50       89.75      121.00       94.90
56..................................................       87.90      113.85       91.00      122.75       96.30
57..................................................       89.20      115.20       92.25      124.50       97.70
58..................................................       90.50      116.55       93.50      126.25       99.10
59..................................................       91.80      117.90       94.75      128.00      100.50
60..................................................       93.10      119.25       96.00      129.75      101.90
61..................................................       94.40      120.60       97.25      131.50      103.30
62..................................................       95.70      121.95       98.50      133.25      104.70
63..................................................       97.00      123.30       99.75      135.00      106.10
64..................................................       98.30      124.65      101.00      136.75      107.50

[[Page 57875]]

 
65..................................................       99.60      126.00      102.25      138.50      108.90
66..................................................      100.90      127.35      103.50      140.25      110.30
67..................................................      102.20      128.70      104.75      142.00      111.70
68..................................................      103.50      130.05      106.00      143.75      113.10
69..................................................      104.80      131.40      107.25      145.50      114.50
70..................................................      106.10      132.75      108.50      147.25      115.90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                            Economy (Surface) M-Bags
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Rate group 4
                                            Rate group 1  Rate group 2                 (Australia,   Rate  group
          Weight not over  (lbs.)              (Canada)      (Mexico)   Rate group 3    Japan, New        5
                                                                                        Zealand)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regular
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11........................................        $11.55        $14.30        $15.95        $16.50        $16.50
Each additional pound or fraction of a              1.05          1.30          1.45          1.50          1.50
 pound....................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Books and Sheet Music and Publishers'
 Periodicals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11........................................         $8.80         $8.80         $9.90        $11.00        $11.00
Each additional pound or fraction of a              0.80          0.80          0.90          1.00          1.00
 pound....................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Services and Miscellaneous Fees and Charges

    Fees with an asterisk are based on the equivalent domestic service.

                         Certificate of Mailing*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individual Pieces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individual articles listing, per article.......................    $0.75
Firm mailing books (PS Form 3877), per article listed..........     0.25
Each individual copy of individual article listing or original      0.75
 mailing receipt for registered, insured, or recorded delivery
 (per copy)....................................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulk Pieces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 1,000 pieces (one certificate for total number)..........     3.50
Each additional 1,000 pieces or fraction.......................     0.40
Duplicate copy.................................................     0.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Insurance--Parcel Post
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              All other
           Indemnity limit not over               Canada*     countries
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50...........................................        $1.35        $1.85
100...........................................         2.10         2.60
200...........................................         3.10         3.60
300...........................................         4.10         4.60
400...........................................         5.10         5.60
500...........................................         6.10         6.60
600...........................................         7.10         7.60
675...........................................         8.10  ...........
700...........................................  ...........         8.60
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Add'l. $100...................................  ...........        $1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Express Mail*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Indemnity limit not over                  All  countries
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500.......................................  No Fee
Add'l. $100................................  $1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Registered Mail--Countries other than Canada: $7.25*

    Canada:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Indemnity limit not over                       Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100...........................................................    $7.50
500............................................................     8.25
1000...........................................................     9.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Return Receipt*: $1.50
Restricted Delivery*: $3.20
Recorded Delivery*: $2.10
International Postal Money Orders --
    Direct (MP1): $3.25
    List: $8.50 (no change)
International Reply Coupons: $1.75
International Business Reply Service --
    Cards: $0.80
    Envelope up to 2 ounces: $1.20
Customs Clearance and Delivery Fee: $4.50
Pick up Service*: $10.25
Shortpaid Mail Charge: $0.45

[[Page 57876]]



                                             Country Rate Group List
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Surface    Letter-      IPA
                         Country                              EMS      Air  CP       CP        post     ISAL\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afghanistan..............................................  .........          7          7          5          8
Albania..................................................          6          7          7          5          5
Algeria..................................................         11         10         11          5          8
Andorra..................................................          6          7          6          3          3
Angola...................................................         11         10         11          5          8
Anguilla.................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Antigua and Barbuda......................................  .........         12         12          5          6
Argentina................................................         12         13         12          5          6
Armenia..................................................          7          7          7          5          8
Aruba....................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Ascension................................................  .........         --         11          5          5
Australia................................................          8          9          8          4          4
Austria..................................................          7          7          6          5          3
Azerbaijan...............................................          6          7          7          5          8
Bahamas..................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Bahrain..................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Bangladesh...............................................          9          8          8          5          8
Barbados.................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Belarus..................................................          6          6          7          5          5
Belgium..................................................          7          6          6          3          3
Belize...................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Benin....................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Bermuda..................................................         12         13         12          5          6
Bhutan...................................................          8          9          9          5          8
Bolivia..................................................         12         13         12          5          6
Bosnia-Herzegovina.......................................          6          6          6          5          5
Botswana.................................................         10         11         11          5          8
Brazil...................................................         12         13         12          5          6
British Virgin Islands...................................  .........         12         12          5          6
Brunei Darussalam........................................          8          8          8          5          7
Bulgaria.................................................          6          6          7          5          5
Burkina Faso.............................................         10         10         11          5          8
Burma (Myanmar)..........................................  .........          6          6          5          8
Burundi..................................................         11         11         11          5          8
Cambodia.................................................          8          8  .........          5          7
Cameroon.................................................         10         11         11          5          8
Canada...................................................          1          1          1          1          1
Cape Verde...............................................         11         10         11          5          8
Cayman Islands...........................................         12         12         12          5          6
Central African Republic.................................         11         11         11          5          8
Chad.....................................................         10         10  .........          5          8
Chile....................................................         12         13         12          5          6
China....................................................          5          5          5          5          7
Colombia.................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Comoros Islands..........................................  .........         10         10          5          8
Congo (Brazzaville), Republic of the.....................         11         10         10          5          8
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the.............         10         11         11          5          8
Costa Rica...............................................         12         12         12          5          6
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)..............................         10         11         11          5          8
Croatia..................................................          6          6          6          5          5
Cuba.....................................................  .........  .........  .........          5          6
Cyprus...................................................          6          6          6          5          8
Czech Republic...........................................          7          6          7          5          5
Denmark..................................................          7          6          6          3          3
Djibouti.................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Dominica.................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Dominican Republic.......................................         12         12         12          5          6
Ecuador..................................................         12         13         12          5          6
Egypt....................................................         11         11         11          5          8
El Salvador..............................................         12         12         12          5          6
Equatorial Guinea........................................         10         10         10          5          8
Eritrea..................................................         10         11         11          5          8
Estonia..................................................          6          7          7          5          5
Ethiopia.................................................         10         10         10          5          8
Falkland Islands.........................................  .........  .........         12          5          6
Faroe Islands............................................          7          6          6          3          5
Fiji.....................................................          8          8          8          5          7
Finland..................................................          7          6          6          3          3
France (Includes Corsica & Monaco).......................          6          6          6          3          3
French Guiana............................................         12         13         12          5          6
French Polynesia (Includes Tahiti).......................          9          9          9          5          7

[[Page 57877]]

 
Gabon....................................................         11         10         11          5          8
Gambia...................................................  .........         11         11          5          8
Georgia, Republic of.....................................          7          7          7          5          8
Germany..................................................          7          6          6          3          3
Ghana....................................................         10         11         11          5          8
Gibraltar................................................  .........          6          6          3          3
Great Britain and Northern Ireland.......................          3          3          3          3          3
Greece...................................................          7          6          6          3          3
Greenland................................................  .........          6          6          3          3
Grenada..................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Guadeloupe...............................................         12         13         12          5          6
Guatemala................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Guinea...................................................         10         10         10          5          8
Guinea-Bissau............................................         11         11         11          5          8
Guyana...................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Haiti....................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Honduras.................................................         12         13         12          5          6
Hong Kong................................................          8          9          8          5          7
Hungary..................................................          7          6          6          5          5
Iceland..................................................          7          6          6          3          3
India....................................................          8          9          8          5          8
Indonesia (Includes East Timor)..........................          8          8          8          5          7
Iran.....................................................  .........         11         11          5          8
Iraq.....................................................         11         11         11          5          8
Ireland..................................................          6          6          6          3          3
Israel...................................................         10         10         10          3          3
Italy....................................................          7          6          6          3          3
Jamaica..................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Japan....................................................          4          4          4          4          4
Jordan...................................................         10         10         10          5          8
Kazakhstan...............................................          6          6          7          5          8
Kenya....................................................         10         10         10          5          8
Kiribati.................................................  .........          8          8          5          7
Korea, Dem. People's Rep. of (North).....................  .........  .........  .........          5          7
Korea, Republic of (South)...............................          8          9          8          5          7
Kuwait...................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Kyrgyzstan...............................................          6          6          7          5          5
Laos.....................................................          9          9          9          5          7
Latvia...................................................          7          6          6          5          5
Lebanon..................................................  .........         10  .........          5          8
Lesotho..................................................         11         11         11          5          8
Liberia..................................................         10         10         10          5          8
Libya....................................................  .........          7          7          5          8
Liechtenstein............................................          7          6          6          3          3
Lithuania................................................          6          6          7          5          5
Luxembourg...............................................          6          6          6          3          3
Macao....................................................          8          9          9          5          5
Macedonia, Republic of...................................          7          6          7          5          5
Madagascar...............................................         10         11         11          5          8
Malawi...................................................         10         11         11          5          8
Malaysia.................................................          8          8          8          5          7
Maldives.................................................          9          9          9          5          8
Mali.....................................................         10         10         11          5          8
Malta....................................................          7          7          7          5          8
Martinique...............................................         12         13         12          5          6
Mauritania...............................................         10         10         11          5          8
Mauritius................................................         10         10         10          5          8
Mexico...................................................          2          2          2          2          2
Moldova..................................................          6          7          7          5          8
Mongolia.................................................          9          9          9          5          7
Montserrat...............................................  .........          8          8          5          6
Morocco..................................................         11         10         11          5          8
Mozambique...............................................         10         11         11          5          8
Namibia..................................................         11         11         11          5          8
Nauru....................................................          8          8          8          5          7
Nepal....................................................          8          9          9          5          7
Netherlands..............................................          7          6          6          3          3
Netherlands Antilles.....................................         12         12         12          5          6
New Caledonia............................................          9          9          9          5          7
New Zealand..............................................          8          8          8          4          4
Nicaragua................................................         12         12         12          5          6

[[Page 57878]]

 
Niger....................................................         10         10         10          5          8
Nigeria..................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Norway...................................................          7          6          6          3          3
Oman.....................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Pakistan.................................................          8          9          8          5          8
Panama...................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Papua New Guinea.........................................          8          9          9          5          7
Paraguay.................................................         12         13         12          5          6
Peru.....................................................         12         13         12          5          6
Philippines..............................................          8          9          8          5          7
Pitcairn Island..........................................  .........          8          8          5          7
Poland...................................................          6          6          6          5          5
Portugal (Includes Azores & Madeira Islands).............          7          7          7          3          3
Qatar....................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Reunion..................................................  .........         13         12          5          8
Romania..................................................          6          7          7          5          5
Russia...................................................          7          7          7          5          5
Rwanda...................................................         10         10         11          5          8
Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis..................         12         12         12          5          6
Saint Helena.............................................  .........         11         11          5          8
Saint Lucia..............................................         12         12         12          5          6
Saint Pierre & Miquelon..................................  .........          6          6          5          6
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.........................         12         13         12          5          6
San Marino...............................................  .........          9          8          3          3
Sao Tome and Principe....................................  .........         10         10          5          5
Saudi Arabia.............................................         10         10         10          5          8
Senegal..................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Serbia-Montenegro (Yugoslavia)...........................          7          7          7          5          5
Seychelles...............................................         10         10         11          5          8
Sierra Leone.............................................         10         10         10          5          8
Singapore................................................          8          8          8          5          7
Slovak Republic (Slovakia)...............................          6          6          6          5          5
Slovenia.................................................          7          6          7          5          5
Solomon Islands..........................................          8          8          8          5          7
Somalia..................................................         10         10         10          5          8
South Africa.............................................         11         11         10          5          8
Spain (Includes Canary Islands)..........................          6          7          6          3          3
Sri Lanka................................................          8          9          8          5          8
Sudan....................................................         10         11         11          5          8
Suriname.................................................  .........         12         12          5          6
Swaziland................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Sweden...................................................          7          7          7          3          3
Switzerland..............................................          7          6          6          3          3
Syria....................................................         10         10         10          5          8
Taiwan...................................................          8          9          8          5          7
Tajikistan...............................................          7          6          6          5          8
Tanzania.................................................         10         10         10          5          8
Thailand.................................................          9          8          8          5          7
Togo.....................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Tonga....................................................  .........          8          8          5          7
Trinidad and Tobago......................................         12         12         12          5          6
Tristan da Cunha.........................................  .........         10         11          5          8
Tunisia..................................................         11         10         10          5          8
Turkey...................................................         10         10         10          5          5
Turkmenistan.............................................          7          7          7          5          5
Turks and Caicos Islands.................................  .........         12         12          5          6
Tuvalu...................................................  .........          8          8          5          7
Uganda...................................................         10         10         11          5          8
Ukraine..................................................          7          7          7          5          8
United Arab Emirates.....................................         10         10         10          5          8
Uruguay..................................................         12         13         12          5          6
Uzbekistan...............................................  .........          7          7          5          8
Vanuatu..................................................          8          8          8          5          7
Vatican City.............................................  .........          6          6          3          3
Venezuela................................................         12         12         12          5          6
Vietnam..................................................          8          9          8          5          7
Wallis and Futuna Islands................................  .........          9          9          5          7
Western Samoa............................................          8          8          8          5          7
Yemen....................................................         10         10         11          5          8
Zambia...................................................         10         10         11          5          8

[[Page 57879]]

 
Zimbabwe.................................................         11         11         11          5         8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ISAL service not available to all countries. See Individual Country Listings for availablilty.

1  International Mail Services

110  General Information

111  Scope

    This manual sets forth the conditions and procedures for the 
preparation and treatment of mail sent from the United States to other 
countries and the treatment of mail received from other countries. Its 
counterpart in the domestic mail service is the Domestic Mail Manual 
(DMM). Cross-references to the DMM are provided wherever domestic 
conditions and procedures apply to the preparation or treatment of 
international mail.

112  Mailer Responsibility

    Regardless of any statement contained in this manual or the 
statements of any employee of the United States Postal Service, the 
burden rests with the mailer to ensure that he or she has complied with 
the prescribed laws and regulations governing domestic and 
international mail, both those of the United States and those of the 
destination country.

113  Individual Country Listings

    Individual Country Listings (ICLs) provide information about 
conditions of mailing, postage rates, and special services for each 
country. ICLs are arranged alphabetically. Most subtitles are followed 
by a chapter citation in parentheses.

114  Availability

    Customers may access this manual online at http://pe.usps.gov. A 
printed copy may be purchased from: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, 941 N Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20402-
9371.

115  Official Correspondence

115.1  Correspondence With Headquarters

115.11  Operations

    Questions regarding the proper classification, postal rates and 
fees, preparation requirements, claims and inquiries, special services, 
mailability, or any other classification aspect of international mail 
should be directed to local postal officials. Regulatory matters 
relating to international mail should be directed to the appropriate 
rates and classification service center (RCSC). See DMM G042 for 
listing of RCSCs and service areas.

115.12  Policy and Representation

    Correspondence concerning the following should be addressed to: 
Director International Postal Affairs, U.S. Postal Service, 475 
L'Enfant Plz SW, Washington, DC 20260-6500.
    a. Policy matters relating to international mail and international 
postal affairs.
    b. Negotiation and interpretation of postal agreements.
    c. Communications of a nonroutine nature from foreign postal 
officials.
    d. Postal Service representation at international postal meetings.
    e. Postal Service representation at meetings with other federal 
departments and agencies relating to international postal affairs.
    f. Visits by foreign postal officials.

115.13  Transportation and Distribution

    Correspondence concerning the transportation of international civil 
and military mail by surface and air, including the following, should 
be addressed to: Manager International Operations, U.S. Postal Service, 
475 L'Enfant Plz SW, Washington, DC 20260-6500.
    a. Containerization and plant loads.
    b. Conveyance rates.
    c. Designation of U.S. exchange offices.
    d. Documentation.
    e. Internal air conveyance, terminal, and transit charges.
    f. Mode of transport.
    g. Related forms and reports.
    h. Routing.
    i. Schedules and performance of U.S. and foreign flag carriers.
    j. Distribution procedures and schemes.

115.14  Investigations

    Correspondence relating to investigation of losses, depredations 
(robberies or riflings), and security of international mail should be 
addressed to: Chief Postal Inspector, Inspection Service, U.S. Postal 
Service, 475 L'Enfant Plz SW, Washington, DC 20260-2100.

115.15  International Money Orders

    Correspondence relating to international money orders, including 
operational procedures, accounting, cashing, and issuing, should be 
addressed to: International Money Order Section, Accounting Service 
Center, U.S. Postal Service, PO Box 14964, St Louis MO 63182-9421.

115.2  Correspondence With Foreign Postal Authorities

115.21  Correspondence Permitted

    Correspondence is permitted between foreign postal authorities and 
Postal Inspectors-in-Charge and the postmasters (listed in 931.2) 
acting under the instructions for processing inquiries described in 
928. U.S. exchange offices may correspond with their foreign 
counterparts only through bulletins of verification and exchanges of 
documentation.

115.22  Correspondence Not Permitted

    In all other cases, postmasters, area offices, and other field 
units of the Postal Service must not correspond directly with postal 
officials in other countries, but must refer inquiries from those 
officials to Headquarters for attention. (See 115.1 for referral points 
for particular subjects.)

115.3  Correspondence With Foreign Individuals

115.31  Correspondence Permitted

    Postmasters, area offices, and other field units of the Postal 
Service may reply directly to inquiries and engage in other necessary 
correspondence with individuals and firms in other countries.

115.32  Customer's Address

    A customer's address may not be given out without the customer's 
consent.

120  Preparation for Mailing

121  Packaging--Sender's Responsibility

    It is the responsibility of the sender to prepare items and to 
address them clearly and correctly. In preparing items for mailing, the 
sender must (1) use strong envelopes or durable packaging material, and 
(2) consider the nature of the articles being mailed and the distance 
they must travel to reach the

[[Page 57880]]

addressee. (See DMM C010.2.0 for detailed instructions.)

122  Addressing

122.1  Destination Address

    a. At least the entire right half of the address side of the 
envelope, package, or card should be reserved for the destination 
address, postage, labels, and postal notations.
    b. Addresses must be printed in ink or typewritten. Pencil is 
unacceptable.
    c. The name and address of addressee must be written legibly with 
roman letters and Arabic numbers, all placed lengthwise on one side of 
the item. For parcels, addresses should also be written on a separate 
slip enclosed in the parcel.
    d. Addresses in Russian, Greek, Arabic, Hebrew, Cyrillic, Japanese, 
or Chinese characters must bear an interline translation in English of 
the names of the post office and country of destination. If the English 
translation is not known, the foreign language words must be spelled in 
roman characters (print or script). See 293.91 and 284.1 for an 
optional addressing procedure that applies only to direct country sacks 
of International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) mail or International Priority 
Airmail (IPA), respectively.
    e. Mail may not be addressed to a person in one country ``in care 
of'' a person in another country.
    f. The name of the sender and/or addressee may not be in initials 
except where they are an adopted trade name.
    g. Mail may not be addressed to Boxholder or Householder.
    h. The following exceptional form of address, in French or a 
language known in the country of destination, may be used on printed 
matter: the addressee's name or Occupant.
    Example: MR THOMAS CLARK OR OCCUPANT
    i. The house number and street address or box number must be 
included when mail is addressed to towns or cities.
    j. The address of items sent to General Delivery (in French, Poste 
Restante) must indicate the name of the addressee. The use of initials; 
figures; simple, given names; or fictitious names is not permitted on 
articles addressed for general delivery.
    k. The last line of the address must show only the country name, 
written in full (no abbreviations) and in capital letters. For example:
MR THOMAS CLARK 117 RUSSELL DRIVE
LONDON WIP 6HQ ENGLAND
MS C P APPLE APARTADO 3068
46807 PUERTO VALLARTA JALISCO MEXICO
    Exception: To Canada, either of the following address formats may 
be used when the postal delivery zone number is included in the 
address:
MS HELEN SAUNDERS 1010 CLEAR STREET OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1 CANADA
MS HELEN SAUNDERS 1010 CLEAR STREET OTTAWA ON CANADA K1A 0B1

122.2  Return Address

    The complete address of the sender, including ZIP Code and country 
of origin, should be shown in the upper left corner of the address side 
of the envelope, package, or card. Only one return address may be used. 
It must be located so that it does not affect either the clarity of the 
address of destination or the application of service labels and 
notations (postmarks, etc.). Unregistered items bearing a return 
address in another country are accepted only at the sender's risk. In 
the case of bulk mailings, the return address must be in the country of 
mailing. For the purpose of this section, a ``bulk mailing'' is 200 or 
more pieces mailed at the same time by the sender.

123  Customs Forms

123.1  General

    Only two customs declaration forms are used, as required under 
123.6, for international mail: PS Form 2976, Customs--CN 22 (Old C 1) 
and Sender's Declaration (green label); and PS Form 2976-A, Customs 
Declaration and Dispatch Note CP 72 (Old C 2/CP 3/CP 2). PS Form 2976-
E, Customs Declaration Envelope CP 91, is used with PS Form 2976-A for 
parcel post packages.

    Note: The May 1996 and December 1996 versions of PS Form 2976 
may no longer be used. Postal customers are now required to use the 
June 1997 version, or a subsequent version, whenever a mailing 
transaction necessitates the affixing of PS Form 2976. Except as 
provided in 123.3, it is also mandatory that they present a fully 
completed Sender's Declaration, which specifies both the Sender's 
Name and Address and the Addressee's Name and Address, at the time 
of mailing.

123.2  Availability

    Customs declaration forms are available without charge at post 
offices. Upon request, mailers may receive a reasonable supply for mail 
preparation.

123.3  Privately Printed Forms

    If authorized, mailers may privately print PS Forms 2976 and 2976-
A. Privately printed forms must be identical in size, design, and color 
to the Postal Service forms, and each form must contain a unique code 
128 barcode number that can be read by Postal Service equipment. Form 
specifications may be obtained from: Manager Pricing Costing and 
Classification, International Business, U.S. Postal Service, 475 
L'Enfant Plz SW, Washington, DC 20260-6500.
    For authorization, mailers must submit at least two preproduction 
samples to the Manager, International Pricing, Costing, and 
Classification, at the above address, for review and approval. If three 
or more items are presented at one time, the mailer may omit printing 
the post office copy of PS Forms 2976 and 2976-A if a manifest of the 
items is provided. The manifest must contain the same mailer's 
certification statement and edition date printed on the Postal Service 
forms. Entries on the manifest must be typewritten or printed in ink or 
by ballpoint pen. The manifest must contain the sender's name and 
address; the sender's print authorization (i.e., barcode) number; the 
edition date of the privately printed PS Form 2976 that is being 
affixed to the mailpieces; a signed and dated reproduction of the 
certification statement that is printed on the USPS Sender's 
Declaration; and a list of the foreign recipients' names and delivery 
addresses.

123.4  Nonpostal Forms

    Certain items must bear one or more of the forms required by the 
nonpostal export regulations described in chapter 5.

123.5  Place of Mailing

    Except as specified below, postal items that require a completed 
customs declaration form may not be deposited into a street collection 
box or a post office lobby drop. Such items must be tendered to a USPS 
employee at a post office or other location as designated by the 
postmaster. Otherwise, they will be returned to the sender for proper 
entry and acceptance.
    Exception: The above restriction on the deposit of customs mail 
does not apply to Express Mail International Service (EMS) shipments 
paid through an Express Mail corporate account. Those items may be 
deposited into a designated Express Mail collection box or post office 
lobby drop.

123.6  Required Usage

123.61  Conditions

    Customs declaration PS Forms 2976 or 2976-A and 2976-E must be used 
as shown in Exhibit 123.61.

[[Page 57881]]



                                 Exhibit 123.61--Customs Declaration Forms Usage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Mail category                   Declared value           Required form               Comment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Priority Mail Global Guaranteed        All values.............  Mailing label (item
 (documents).                                                    11FGG1X).
Express Mail International Service     All values.............  Use 2976 or 2976-A       See Note 4 at the
 (EMS).                                                          unless otherwise         bottom of this exhibit
                                                                 specified.               and the Individual
                                                                                          Country Listings.
Global Priority Mail (GPM) items,      N/A....................  None...................  A known mailer, as
 airmail letter-post items, and                                                           defined in 123.62, may
 economy letter-post items that:                                                          be exempt from
(a) Weigh less than 16 ounces and do                                                      affixing customs forms
 not have potentially dutiable                                                            to nondutiable
 contents..                                                                               mailpieces that weigh
(b) Weigh 16 ounces or more; do not                                                       16 ounces or more.
 have potentially dutiable contents;
 and are entered by a known mailer..
Global Priority Mail (GPM) items,      Under $400.............  Use 2976*..............
 airmail letter-post items, and        $400 and over..........   Use 2976-A*...........
 economy letter-post items that:                                (a) Weigh less than 16
                                                                 ounces and have
                                                                 potentially dutiable
                                                                 contents..
                                                                (b) Weigh 16 ounces or
                                                                 more, regardless of
                                                                 their contents..
Free Matter for the Blind--Economy...  Under $400.............  $400 and over 2976*....  2976-A*
Parcel Post--Airmail or Economy......  Regardless of value      Form 2976 (green label)
                                        2976-A with 2976-E.      may not be used on
                                                                 parcel post packages..
M-bag--Airmail or Economy (Note: An M- Under $400.............  2976*..................
 bag requires a customs form when it   $400 and over..........  2976-A* ...............
 contains potentially dutiable
 printed matter, admissible
 merchandise items as defined in
 261.22, or some combination
 thereof.).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Placement of forms: For items under $400 in value, PS Form 2976 (green label) should be used and affixed to the
  outside of the item. If the value of the contents is $400 and over, the upper left section of PS Form 2976
  (green label) should be attached to the outside of the item, and a separate PS Form 2976-A must be completed
  and enclosed inside the package.


    Notes: 1. See 233.3 for the customs form requirements that 
specifically pertain to Global Priority Mail (GPM) items.
    2. Bulk business products, including International Surface Air 
Lift (ISAL) and International Priority Airmail (IPA), require 
customs forms based on package contents and weight as specified 
above and as required by the country of destination.
    3. Express Mail International Service (EMS) shipments that 
contain correspondence, documents, or commercial papers are subject 
to the following customs form requirements:
    a. When an EMS shipment with those categories of contents weighs 
less than 16 ounces, the determination as to whether or not to affix 
PS Form 2976 is dependent upon the conditions of mailing that are 
applicable to a particular destination country. Some countries 
require that a customs form be affixed to EMS shipments in that 
situation. Others require only that a ``BUSINESS PAPERS'' 
endorsement be placed on the wrapper of such shipments. See the 
Individual Country Listings for each country's specification in that 
area.
    b. When the EMS shipment with those categories of contents 
weighs 16 ounces or more, PS Form 2976 is required.

123.62 Known Mailers

    A ``known mailer'' is defined as:
    a. A business customer who tenders volume mailings through a 
business mail entry unit (BMEU) or other bulk mail acceptance location; 
completes a statement of mailing at the time of entry; pays postage 
through an advance deposit account; and uses a permit imprint as an 
indication of postage payment. International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) 
and International Priority Airmail (IPA) customers are considered to be 
known mailers for this purpose.
    b. A federal, state, or local government agency whose mail is 
regarded as Official Mail.
    c. A contractor who sends out prepaid mail on behalf of a military 
service, provided the mail is endorsed ``Contents for Official Use--
Exempt from Customs Requirements.''

    Note: For aviation security purposes a known mailer may be 
exempt from providing customs declaration forms (as required in 
123.61) on items weighing 16 ounces or more, unless required by the 
destination country. A known mailer must complete the declaration on 
the postage statement, certifying that all items in the mailing 
contain no dangerous material that is prohibited by postal 
regulations. Known mailers and other mailers must complete the 
necessary customs form when sending dutiable items or merchandise. 
International mail with meter postage is not considered from a known 
mailer.

123.63  Additional Security Controls

    When the chief postal inspector determines that a unique, credible 
threat exists, the Postal Service may require a mailer to provide photo 
identification at the time of mailing. The signature on the 
identification must match the signature on the customs declaration 
form.

123.7  Completing Customs Forms 123.71 PS Form 2976, Customs--CN 22 
(Old C 1) and Sender's Declaration (green label) (see Exhibit 
123.71) Exhibit 123.71 PS Form 2976, Customs--CN 22 (Old C 1) and 
Sender's Declaration (green label)

    [Exhibit not included.]

123.711  Preparation by Sender

    A sender completes PS Form 2976, Customs--CN 22 (Old C 1) and 
Sender's Declaration (green label), by:
    a. Providing a complete description of each article in the item, 
even if it contains commercial samples, documents, gifts, or 
merchandise.

[[Page 57882]]

General descriptions such as ``food,'' ``medicine,'' ``gifts,'' or 
``clothing'' are not acceptable. The description must be in English, 
although an interline translation in another language is permitted.
    b. Stating the exact quantity of each article in the item.
    c. Declaring the value, in U.S. dollars, of each article in the 
item. The sender may declare that the contents have no value (declaring 
no value does not exempt an item from customs examination or charges in 
the destination country).
    d. Showing the total weight of the item, if known.
    e. Indicating in the appropriate check box on the form whether the 
item contains gifts, merchandise, or commercial samples. If not, the 
sender does not check these boxes.
    f. Entering the sender's full name and address and the addressee's 
full name and address in the blocks indicated.
    g. Signing and dating in the blocks indicated on both parts of the 
form. The sender's signature certifies that all entries are correct and 
that the item contains no dangerous material prohibited by postal 
regulations.
    h. Affixing the form to the address side of the item and presenting 
it for mailing.

123.712  Acceptance by Postal Employee (PS Form 2976)

    The Postal Service acceptance employee must:
    a. Instruct the sender how to complete, legibly and accurately, the 
customs declaration form, as required. Failure to complete the form 
properly can delay delivery of the item or inconvenience the sender and 
addressee. Moreover, a false, misleading, or incomplete declaration can 
result in the seizure or return of the item and/or in criminal or civil 
penalties. The United States Postal Service assumes no responsibility 
for the accuracy of information that the sender enters on PS Form 2976.
    b. Verify that the required information is entered on the form and 
that the sender has signed both parts of the form (the part affixed to 
the item and the part separated for postal records).
    c. Enter the weight of the item on the form, if not already done.
    d. Remove the post office copy of PS Form 2976 and advise the 
customer that a copy of the declaration will be retained as a record of 
mailing for 30 days.
    e. Round stamp any uncancelled stamps, and if postage is paid by 
meter, round stamp the front of the piece near the meter postage.

    Note: To comply with international mail aviation security 
procedures, any items weighing 16 ounces or more which are not 
accepted by an authorized employee, or where acceptance conditions 
are uncertain (e.g., if received through a collection box or left on 
an unattended dock) must be endorsed properly with ``customer 
notification DDD-2 sticker'' and ``surface only'' and returned to 
the sender by surface transportation. Consult the most recent 
International Aviation Security Procedures for comprehensive 
acceptance procedures.

123.72  PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note CP 72 
(Old C 2/CP 3/CP 2) (see Exhibit 123.72) Exhibit 123.72 PS Form 
2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note CP 72 (Old C 2/CP 3/
CP 2)

    [Exhibit not included.]

123.721  Preparation by Sender

    A sender completes PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch 
Note CP 72 (Old C 2/CP 3/CP 2), by:
    a. Providing the names and addresses of the sender and addressee.
    b. Providing information about the contents of the parcel or item. 
(If there is insufficient space on the customs declaration form to list 
all contents of the parcel or item, a second form is used to continue 
listing the contents. The first form must be annotated to indicate two 
forms. Both forms are placed into PS Form 2976-E (envelope).) The 
sender lists this information by:
    (1) Providing a complete description of each article in the parcel 
or each item, even if it contains commercial samples, documents, gifts, 
or merchandise. General descriptions such as ``food,'' ``medicine,'' 
``gifts,'' or ``clothing'' are not acceptable. The description must be 
in English, although an interline translation in another language is 
permitted.
    (2) Showing the exact quantity of each article in the parcel or 
item.
    (3) Declaring the value, in U.S. dollars, of each article in the 
parcel or item. The sender may declare that the contents have no value 
(declaring no value does not exempt the parcel or item from customs 
examination or charges in the destination country).
    (4) Showing the net weight of each article in the parcel or item.
    c. Indicating in the appropriate check box on the form whether the 
parcel or item contains commercial samples, documents, gifts, or 
merchandise. If not, the sender does not check these boxes.
    d. For parcel post only, providing disposal instructions in the 
event that a parcel cannot be delivered. The sender checks the 
appropriate box on the form to indicate whether the parcel is to be 
returned, treated as abandoned, or forwarded to an alternate address. 
(Undeliverable parcels returned to the sender are subject to collection 
on delivery of return postage and any other charge assessed by the 
foreign postal authorities. The sender must check the box ``Abandon'' 
for any parcel for which the sender is unwilling to pay return 
postage.)
    e. Signing and dating the form in the block indicated. The sender's 
signature certifies that all entries are correct and that the parcel or 
item contains no dangerous material prohibited by postal regulations.
    f. Presenting the parcel post package or item for mailing at a post 
office and affixing PS Form 2976-A according to the class of mail, as 
follows:
    (1) For parcel post, the sender must not place PS Form 2976-A 
inside PS Form 2976-E (envelope) before the postal acceptance employee 
completes the required information described in 123.722. After the 
postal employee completes PS Form 2976-A, the sender places the form 
inside PS Form 2976-E and affixes it to the outside of the parcel.
    (2) For an item other than parcel post (i.e., letter-post items) 
valued at $400 or more, the sender places PS Form 2976-A inside the 
item before the postal employee accepts the item. If the sender does 
not want to show on the outside wrapper the contents of letter-post 
items, the sender affixes the upper-left part of PS Form 2976 to the 
wrapper and completes PS Form 2976-A and encloses it in the item.

123.722  Acceptance by Postal Employee (PS Form 2976-A)

    The Postal Service acceptance employee must:
    a. Instruct the sender how to complete, legibly and accurately, PS 
Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note, as required. 
Failure to complete the form properly can delay delivery of the item or 
inconvenience the customer. Moreover, a false, misleading, or 
incomplete declaration can result in the seizure or return of the item 
and/or in criminal or civil penalties. The United States Postal Service 
assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information that the 
sender enters on the form.
    b. Verify that the required information is entered on the form and 
that the sender has signed both parts of the form (the part affixed to 
the item and the part separated for postal records). The sender's 
address on the mailpiece must match the sender's address on the customs 
declaration.
    c. Complete an insurance receipt and affix the insured number label 
to the

[[Page 57883]]

package, if the contents are to be insured. The postal employee enters 
on the form the insured number and the insured amount in U.S. dollars 
and SDRs. (See Exhibit 324.22 for conversion to SDRs.)
    d. Weigh the parcel and enter on the form the gross weight and the 
amount of postage.
    e. Postmark the third copy of the form in the appropriate place.
    f. Remove the post office copy of the form and advise customer that 
a copy of the declaration will be retained as a record of mailing for 
30 days.
    g. Round stamp any uncancelled stamps and, if postage is paid by 
meter, round stamp the front of the piece near the meter postage.

    Note: To comply with international mail aviation security 
procedures, any items weighing 16 ounces or more which are not 
accepted by an authorized employee, or where acceptance conditions 
are uncertain (e.g., if received through a collection box or left on 
an unattended dock) must be endorsed properly with ``customer 
notification DDD-2 sticker'' and ``surface only'' and returned to 
the sender by surface transportation. Consult the most recent 
International Aviation Security Procedures for comprehensive 
acceptance procedures.

123.73  PS Form 2976-E, Customs Declaration Envelope CP 91

    PS Form 2976-E is a transparent plastic envelope designed for 
carriage of PS Form 2976-A for parcel post. Upon completion of the 
forms, the sender inserts the form into the envelope and affixes it to 
the outside of the parcel.

130  Mailability

131  General

131.1  Domestic Limits

    All articles that are nonmailable in domestic mail are nonmailable 
in international mail. See DMM C020 and C030 and Publication 52, 
Acceptance of Hazardous, Restricted, or Perishable Matter.

131.2  International Limits

    Many articles that are mailable in domestic mail are nonmailable in 
international mail. See section 630 of Publication 52 and 
``Prohibitions and Restrictions'' in the Individual Country Listings.

131.3  Individual Country Prohibitions and Restrictions

131.31  Information Available

    Information on articles that are prohibited or restricted to 
individual countries appears under ``Prohibitions and Restrictions'' in 
the Individual Country Listings. These prohibitions and restrictions 
are based on information furnished by the countries concerned. 
Customers should inquire at the post office about specific prohibitions 
or restrictions.

131.32  Prohibited and Restricted Articles

    Articles that are prohibited by the destination country are 
nonmailable. For mail known to contain articles restricted by the 
destination country, the sender must be informed of the restrictions 
and advised that the articles are subject to the import requirements of 
that country.

131.33  Return or Seizure of Mail

    A country may return or seize mail containing articles prohibited 
or restricted within that country, whether or not notice of such 
prohibition or restriction has been provided to or published by the 
Postal Service.

131.34  Foreign Customs Information

    The Postal Service does not maintain or provide information 
concerning the assessment of customs duty in other countries. Postal 
employees must not attempt to inform customers whether articles (gifts 
or commercial shipments) will be subject to customs duty. Postal 
employees may suggest to customers, however, that they inform the 
addressees in advance of the articles they intend to mail. Addressees 
can then obtain information from their local customs authorities. No 
provision is made for prepayment of customs duty on mail addressed for 
delivery in foreign countries.

131.4  Mailer Responsibility

    Regardless of any statement in this manual or the statement of any 
employee of the United States Postal Service, the burden rests with the 
mailer to ensure compliance with domestic, international, and 
individual country rules and regulations for mailability.

131.5  Preparation for Mailing

131.51  General Packaging Requirements

    Parcels of articles or goods must meet the requirements of DMM 
C010.2.0. The size and weight limits for each of several grades of 
fiberboard boxes are as specified for difficult loads in DMM C010.3.1c. 
Reinforce boxes in each of two directions around the package (see DMM 
C010.3.1g).

131.52  Special Packaging Requirements

    Each mailer must meet the following special packaging requirements 
when mailing any of the following articles:
    a. Fragile articles, such as glass, must be cushioned in accordance 
with DMM C010.4.0 to dissipate shock and pressure forces over as much 
of the surface of the item as possible.
    b. Liquids must be packaged in accordance with DMM C010.2.4.
    c. Package fatty substances that do not easily liquefy, such as 
ointments, soft soap, resins, etc., as well as silkworm eggs, in an 
interior container (box, cloth, or plastic bag) and place them in an 
outer shipping container of minimum 275-grade test strength.
    d. Enclose dry, powdered dyes, such as aniline, in sift-proof, 
sturdy tin or plastic boxes in an outer sift-proof shipping container. 
This container must have a minimum 275-grade test strength fiberboard 
or equivalent (see DMM C010.3.1).

132  Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter

132.1  Domestic Limits

    All written, printed, and graphic matter that is described as 
nonmailable in DMM C030 is nonmailable internationally. This matter 
includes but is not limited to:
    a. Advertisements for abortion (DMM C031.4.3).
    b. Advertisements for motor vehicle master keys (DMM C031.4.2).
    c. Copyright violations (DMM C031.5.2).
    d. Fictitious matter (DMM C031.5.1).
    e. Lottery matter (DMM C031.3.0).
    f. Matter inciting violence (DMM C031.5.5).
    g. Solicitations in the guise of bills or statements of account 
(DMM C031.1.0).
    h. Solicitations or inducements for mailing harmful matter, 
radioactive materials, controlled substances, or intoxicating liquors 
(DMM C031.4.0).

    Note: Immoral or obscene articles and advertisements for them 
are nonmailable.

132.2

    Reply Cards and Envelopes
    Items may not contain any card or envelope intended for reply 
purposes (addressed for return) if postage for that reply is denoted by 
U.S. stamps, domestic business reply, or other domestic indicia. 
International Business Reply Service (IBRS) cards and envelopes may be 
enclosed.

133  Improperly Addressed Mail

    The following items are nonmailable in international mail:
    a. Unaddressed items.
    b. Items whose ultimate destination cannot be determined due to 
insufficient, illegible, or incorrect addressing.

[[Page 57884]]

    c. Items bearing multiple addresses to the same or different 
countries.

134  Valuable Articles

134.1  List of Articles

    The following valuable articles may be sent only in registered 
letter-post mailpieces or insured parcels and are not mailable in 
Express Mail International Service (EMS) shipments (see 211.2).
    a. Coins, banknotes, and currency notes (paper money).
    b. Instruments payable to bearer. (The term ``instruments payable 
to bearer'' includes checks, drafts, or securities that can be legally 
cashed or easily negotiated by anyone who may come into possession of 
them. A check or draft payable to a specific payee is not regarded as 
payable to bearer unless the payee has endorsed it. If not endorsed, or 
if endorsed in favor of another specific payee, it is not regarded as 
payable to bearer.)
    c. Traveler's checks.
    d. Manufactured and unmanufactured platinum, gold, and silver.
    e. Precious stones, jewels, jewelry, and other valuable articles.


    Note: The term ``jewelry'' is generally understood to denote 
articles of more than nominal value. Inexpensive jewelry, such as 
tie clasps and costume jewelry, containing little or no precious 
metal, is not considered to be jewelry within the meaning of this 
section and is accepted under the same conditions as other mailable 
merchandise to any country. Inexpensive jewelry is accepted to 
countries that prohibit jewelry, but only at the sender's risk.

134.2  Prohibitions

    Individual countries prohibit or restrict some or all of the 
valuable items listed above. See the ``Prohibitions and Restrictions'' 
section in the Individual Country Listings.

135  Mailable Dangerous Goods

135.1  Biological Substances

135.11  General Conditions

    Infectious and noninfectious biological substances are acceptable 
in the international mail subject to the provisions of DMM C023.10 and 
under the additional conditions specified in subsections below.

135.12  Type of Mail

    Such substances may be sent only in registered airmail letter-post 
mailpieces.

135.13  Senders and Receivers

    Such substances may be sent only by authorized laboratories to 
their foreign counterparts in those countries that have indicated a 
willingness to accept them.

    Note: Countries distinguish between infectious and noninfectious 
biological substances and may prohibit one or the other or both. See 
``Prohibitions'' in the Individual Country Listings.

135.2  Authorization

135.21  Authorized Institutions

    Biological substances can be sent to or received by only the 
following types of institutions:
    a. Laboratories of local, state, and federal government agencies.
    b. Laboratories of federally licensed manufacturers of biological 
products derived from bacteria and viruses.
    c. Laboratories affiliated with or operated by hospitals, 
universities, research facilities, and other teaching institutions.
    d. Private laboratories licensed, certified, recognized, or 
approved by a public authority.

135.22  Request for Authorization

    Qualifying institutions wishing to mail letter packages containing 
biological substances must submit a written request on its 
organizational letterhead to the following address: Manager Pricing 
Costing and Classification, International Business, US Postal Service, 
475 L'Enfant Plz SW 370 IBU, Washington DC 20260-6500.
In its letter of application, the institution must indicate the nature 
of its work, the identity and qualifications of the prospective 
recipient, and the number of packages to be mailed. On approval of the 
application, the requisite number of biological substance mailing 
labels will be furnished by the Postal Service.

135.3  Packaging

135.31  Infectious Biological Substances

    Infectious biological substances are limited to 50 milliliters (ml) 
per outside package and must be packaged in accordance with DMM 
C023.10.3 and as follows:
    a. The second watertight container must also be surrounded by 
sufficient absorbent material to absorb the entire contents in case of 
leakage.
    b. Screw cap closures must be reinforced with pressure-sensitive 
tape.
    c. Infectious substances shipped in a refrigerated or frozen state 
must not be sent in an inner container with a metal screw cap. A heat-
sealed skirted stopper or metal crimp seal must be used to prevent the 
contents from leaking.
    d. When wet ice is used as a preservative, the following procedures 
must be followed:
    (1) The ice must be placed between the second container and the 
outer packaging.
    (2) The outer packaging should be designed with interior supports 
to prevent it from collapsing after the ice melts.
    (3) The entire package must be leak-proof.

135.32  Noninfectious Biological Substances

    Noninfectious biological substances are limited to 1,000 ml per 
interior primary container and 4,000 ml per outer shipping container 
and must be packaged in accordance with DMM C023.10.4.

    Note: Dry ice (carbon dioxide solid) is not acceptable in 
international mail.

135.4  Marking

135.41  Infectious Biological Substances

    Letter-post items that contain infectious biological substances 
should be identified by a black and white diamond-shaped label with the 
division number 6.2 in the bottom, in addition to the Etiologic Agents/
Biohazard Material label. The top half of the label must bear the 
designated symbol for infectious substances, while the bottom half must 
contain the following warning: ``INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE. IN CASE OF 
DAMAGE OR LEAKAGE IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITY.''

135.42  Noninfectious Biological Substances

    Letter-post items that contain noninfectious biological substances 
must be identified by a violet-colored label bearing the prescribed 
symbol and French wording for perishable biological materials: 
``MATIERES BIOLOGIQUES PERISSABLES.''

135.43  Shipping Descriptions

    The appropriate shipping description must be marked on each 
package, e.g., for infectious substances affecting humans, ``CONTAINS 
(NAME OF SUBSTANCE), UN2814,'' or for infectious substances affecting 
animals, ``CONTAINS (NAME OF SUBSTANCE), UN2900.''

135.44  Shipper's Declaration

    If the material is to be transported by air, a shipper's 
declaration is also required. See Publication 52, Exhibit 622.1b.

135.5  Handling and Dispatch

135.51  Biological Substances

    Letter-post items that contain perishable biological substances 
must be

[[Page 57885]]

given careful yet expeditious handling from receipt through dispatch.

135.52  Infectious Substances

    Shipments containing infectious substances must be segregated from 
other types of mail matter (i.e., placed in separate sacks). PS Tag 44, 
Sack Contents Warning, must be attached to the outside of sacks to 
identify the hazardous nature of the contents. PS Tag 44 is for 
internal use only, and must be removed from mail sacks, and the 
hazardous materials tendered to air carriers as outside pieces.

135.6  Radioactive Materials

    Shipments containing radioactive materials are acceptable in the 
international mail subject to the provisions of DMM C023.9 (Publication 
52, Acceptance of Hazardous, Restricted, or Perishable Matter, and 
under the following conditions:
    a. Shipments may be sent only in registered letter-post mailpieces.
    b. Shipments may be sent only to those countries that have 
expressed a willingness to accept radioactive materials. See 
``Prohibitions and Restrictions'' in the Individual Country Listings.
    c. Shipments must comply with the International Atomic Energy 
Agency rules and regulations.
    d. Senders and recipients of radioactive materials must receive 
prior authorization from the appropriate regulatory authorities within 
their countries.
    e. A white package label bearing the French words ``Matieres 
Radioactives'' (Radioactive Materials) must be applied to the address 
side of each package containing radioactive materials. Senders are 
responsible for supplying and affixing this label to the package.
    f. The package must also bear the following endorsements in bold 
letters: ``RETURN TO SENDER IN CASE OF NONDELIVERY'' and ``RADIOACTIVE 
MATERIALS, QUANTITIES PERMITTED FOR MOVEMENT BY POST.''

136  Nonmailable Dangerous Goods

    The following dangerous goods (hazardous materials, as defined in 
DMM C023) are prohibited in the international mail:
    a. Explosives or explosive devices (DMM C023.2.0).
    b. Flammable materials (DMM C023.3.0).
    (1) Pyrophoric, flammable, or combustible liquids with a closed cup 
flash point below 200 deg.F (DMM C023.3.1 and C023.3.2).
    (2) Flammable solids, including matches (DMM C023.3.3 and 
C023.3.5).
    c. Oxidizers (DMM C023.3.4).
    d. Corrosives, liquid or solid (DMM C023.4.0).
    e. Compressed gases (DMM C023.5.0).
    (1) Flammable.
    (2) Nonflammable with an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 
70 deg.F or 104 psi at 130 deg.F.
    f. Poisons, irritants, controlled substances, and drug 
paraphernalia (DMM C023.6.0, C023.7.0, and C023.8.0).
    g. Magnetized material with a magnetic field strength of .002 gauss 
or more at a distance of 7 feet (DMM C023.11.1).
    h. Dry ice (carbon dioxide solid) (DMM C023.11.2).

137  Other Restricted Materials

    The items listed under DMM C024.7.0 through C024.14.0 are 
prohibited in the international mail, except as specified in the 
Individual Country Listings. This includes intoxicating liquor, matter 
emitting obnoxious odor (liquids and powders), motor vehicle master 
keys, battery-powered devices, odd-shaped items in envelopes, and 
abortive and contraceptive devices.

138  Firearms, Knives, and Sharp Instruments

    The items listed under DMM C024.1.0 through C024.5.0 may be mailed 
to certain countries under the conditions specified in the Individual 
Country Listings. See 540 for U.S. Department of State licensing 
requirements applicable to the international mailing of arms or 
implements of war, component parts, and related technical data.

139  Perishable Matter

139.1  Animals

    All live or dead animals are nonmailable, except the following:
    a. Live bees, leeches, and silkworms (DMM C022.3.7 and C022.3.8).
    b. Dead insects or reptiles, when thoroughly dried.
    c. Parasites and predators of injurious insects, if the following 
conditions are met:
    (1) They are admissible in the domestic mail.
    (2) They are useful in controlling harmful insects.
    (3) They are exchanged by officially recognized scientific or 
health agencies.
    (4) They are sent in letter packages or small packets.
    (5) Mailable animals must be in containers conforming to the 
requirements in the DMM.

139.2  Plants

139.21  General Restrictions

    Plants, seeds, and plant materials, including fruits and 
vegetables, are subject to the provisions of DMM C022; Publication 14, 
Prohibitions and Restrictions on Mailing Animals, Plants, and Related 
Products; and the quarantine regulations of the country of destination. 
Customers can obtain information from the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 
Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Programs at: USDA APHIS PPQ, 4700 
River Rd, Riverdale MD 20737-1228.

139.22  Tobacco Seeds and Tobacco Plants

    It is unlawful to export any tobacco seed or live tobacco plants 
without a written permit granted by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. 
See 560 for procedures and processing requirements.

139.3  Eggs

139.31  Restrictions

    Eggs may be sent only by parcel post. See 550 for nonpostal 
regulations on dried whole eggs.

139.32  Packaging

    Eggs must be packaged in the following manner:
    a. Eggs mailed to any country except Canada must be placed in a 
metal egg container. Each egg must be packed in cushioning material. 
The metal egg container must be enclosed in an outer container of wood 
with cushioning packed between the two containers.
    b. Eggs mailed to Canada may be packed either as prescribed in 
139.32a or in a box of rigid material with a tight-fitting lid. Each 
egg must be wrapped in protective material and placed on end. Vacant 
spaces in the box must be filled with packing material to prevent the 
eggs from striking each other or the box.

139.4  Food and Other Perishable Articles

    Fruits, vegetables, fresh meats, and other articles that easily 
decompose or that cannot reasonably be expected to reach their 
destination without spoiling are nonmailable.

140  International Mail Categories

141  Definitions

141.1  General

    There are five principal categories of international mail that are 
primarily differentiated from one another by speed of service. They are 
Priority Mail Global Guaranteed (PMGG), Express

[[Page 57886]]

Mail International Service (EMS), Global Priority Mail (GPM), airmail, 
and economy mail.

141.2  Priority Mail Global Guaranteed

    Priority Mail Global Guaranteed is the U.S. Postal Service's 
premium international mail service. PMGG is an expedited delivery 
service that is the product of a business alliance between the U.S. 
Postal Service and DHL Worldwide Express, Inc. It provides reliable, 
high-speed, time-definite service from designated U.S. ZIP Code areas 
to locations in most destination countries and territorial possessions. 
PMGG is guaranteed to meet destination-specific delivery standards or 
the postage will be refunded. If a shipment is lost or damaged, 
liability for document reconstruction is limited to a maximum of $100. 
The maximum weight limit is 70 pounds to all destinations.

141.3  Express Mail International Service

    The next level of service, in terms of speed and value-added 
features, is Express Mail International Service. EMS is an expedited 
mail service that can be used to send documents and merchandise to most 
of the country locations that are individually listed in this 
publication. EMS insurance coverage against loss, damage, or rifling, 
up to a maximum of $500, is provided at no additional charge. 
Additional merchandise insurance coverage up to $5,000 may be purchased 
at the sender's option. However, document reconstruction insurance 
coverage is limited to a maximum of $500 per shipment. Return receipt 
service is available, at no additional charge, for EMS shipments that 
are sent to a limited number of countries. See 211.4. Country specific 
maximum weight limits range from 22 pounds to 70 pounds. See the 
Individual Country Listings. Although EMS shipments are supposed to 
receive the most expeditious handling available in the destination 
country, they are not subject to a postage refund guarantee if a 
delivery delay occurs.

141.4  Global Priority Mail

    Global Priority Mail is an accelerated airmail service that 
provides customers with a reliable and economical means of sending 
correspondence, documents, printed matter, and light-weight merchandise 
items to the foreign destinations that are listed in 231.42. GPM items 
receive priority handling within the U.S. Postal Service and the postal 
administration of the country of destination. Senders can pay flat-rate 
postage by placing their contents into a standardized GPM envelope; or 
they can elect to pay variable weight postage by affixing a GPM sticker 
to a tyvek envelope, box, or other customer-furnished packaging. The 
maximum weight limit for GPM items is 4 pounds. Special services, such 
as registry, return receipt, recorded delivery, and insurance, are not 
available in combination with GPM service.

141.5  Airmail

    Subject to the following definitions, airmail service may be used 
to send both letter-post items and parcel post packages to most foreign 
countries. Letter-post is a generic term for mailpieces of differing 
shapes, sizes, and contents, which weigh four pounds or less, that are 
subject to the provisions of the Universal Postal Union Convention. 
Letter-post items may contain any mailable matter that is not 
prohibited by the destination country. At the sender's option, special 
services, such as registry, return receipt, and recorded delivery, may 
be added on a country-specific basis.

    Note: The letter-post classification encompasses all of the 
classes of international mail (i.e., letters and letter packages, 
post and postal cards, aerogrammes, printed matter, and small 
packets) that were formerly categorized as LC (letters and cards) 
and AO (other articles) respectively. Parcel post, which is 
otherwise referred to as CP mail, is differentiated from letter-post 
because it is governed by the provisions of the UPU Postal Parcels 
Agreement. That classification is primarily designed to accommodate 
larger and heavier shipments, whose size and/or weight transcend the 
established limitations for letter-post items. It also affords 
senders the opportunity to obtain optional mailing services, such as 
insurance coverage and return receipt, which would otherwise be 
unavailable.

141.6  Economy Mail

    Mailpieces that are classified as letter-post or parcel post can 
also be entered as economy mail. Under that classification, they are 
subject to the same regulatory requirements and conditions of mailing 
as the airmail items. The substantive differences between the two 
levels of service primarily relate to mode of transportation (air or 
surface), speed of service, and price.

142  Envelope and Card Specifications

142.1  Color

    Only light-colored envelopes and cards that do not interfere with 
the reading of the address and postmark should be used. Do not use 
brilliant colors.

142.2  Quality

    Envelopes and cards should be constructed of paper strong enough to 
withstand normal handling. Highly glazed paper or paper with an overall 
design is not satisfactory.

142.3  Shape

    Rectangular.

142.4  Minimum Size

    a. Length: 5\1/2\ inches.
    b. Height: 3\1/2\ inches.

142.5  Window Envelopes

    Window envelopes may be used under the following conditions:
    a. The address window must be parallel with the length of the 
envelope.
    b. The address window must be in the lower portion of the address 
side.
    c. Nothing but the name, address, and any key number used by the 
mailer may appear through the address window.
    d. The return address should appear in the upper-left corner. If 
there is no return address and the delivery address does not show 
through the window, the piece will be handled as undeliverable mail.
    e. The address disclosed through the window must be on white paper 
or paper of a very light color.
    f. When used for registered mail, window envelopes must conform 
with the conditions in DMM S911.3.7.
    g. Open panel envelopes, i.e., those in which the panel is not 
covered with a transparent material, are not acceptable in 
international mail.

142.6  Bordered Envelopes and Cards

    Envelopes and cards that have green-colored bars or red-and blue-
stripped borders may be used for the sending of airmail letter-post 
items.

143  Official Mail

143.1  Mailings by Federal Agencies

    Official mail (sent by federal agencies and departments listed in 
USPS Handbook DM-103, Official Mail) that bears the indicia prescribed 
in DMM E060.6.0 through E060.8.0 may be sent to foreign destinations. 
Such items are subject to the postage payment requirements, weight and 
size limits, customs form requirements, and general conditions for 
mailing that otherwise apply to the class and category of the 
international mail being sent.

143.2  USPS Mailings

    International mailpieces that are sent by or on behalf of the U.S. 
Postal Service must bear the prescribed G-10 permit indicia. USPS 
official mail is subject to a 66-pound weight limit

[[Page 57887]]

except for Express Mail International Service (EMS) shipments going to 
Austria, Haiti, and Serbia-Montenegro and Priority Mail Global 
Guaranteed (PMGG) shipments going to all authorized destination 
countries, which have a 70-pound weight limit.

143.3  Mail of a Former President and Surviving Spouse of a Former 
President

    All nonpolitical mail of former United States Presidents, and of 
the surviving spouse of a former President, must be accepted without 
prepayment of postage if it bears the written signature of the sender, 
or a facsimile signature and the words ``POSTAGE AND FEES PAID'' in the 
upper-right corner of the address side.

143.4  General Secretariat of the Organization of American States 
(OAS)

    a. Ordinary (unregistered) economy mail and airmail letter-post 
items bearing the return address of the OAS General Secretariat and 
weighing not more than 4 pounds are accepted without postage when 
addressed to the OAS member countries listed in 143.4c.
    b. Airmail service for items other than letter-post items and other 
special services may not be provided for OAS General Secretariat 
official mail without the prepayment of air postage or the fee for the 
special service requested.
    c. The following countries are members of the Organization of 
American States (OAS):

Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Bahamas
Barbados
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
St. Christopher and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago
United States
Uruguay
Venezuela

143.5  Pan American Sanitary Bureau Mail

    a. Ordinary (unregistered) economy mail and all letter-post items 
bearing the return address of the bureau and weighing not more than 4 
pounds is accepted without postage affixed when addressed to an OAS 
member country listed in 143.4c or to Cuba.
    b. Airmail service for items other than letter-post items and other 
special services may not be provided for bureau official mail without 
prepayment of air postage or of the fee for the special service 
requested.

150  Postage

151  Postage Rates

    See Individual Country Listings.

152  Payment Methods

152.1  Prepayment

    Each item must be fully prepaid to ensure prompt dispatch and to 
avoid assessment of charges against the addressee. For the treatment of 
shortpaid and unpaid mail, see 420.

152.2  Stamps

    a. Postage and fees for special services (see chapter 3) may be 
paid by means of U.S. postage stamps, postage meter stamps, or postage 
validation imprinter (PVI) labels. PVIs are acceptable for all 
international mail transactions.
    b. Precanceled stamps may be used under the conditions applicable 
to domestic mail (see DMM P023).
    c. Airmail stamps may not be used on economy items.
    d. Postal customers may affix nondenominated postage stamps (e.g., 
the ``G'' stamp) to international mailpieces, except for those that 
bear a uniquely domestic rate marking, such as First-Class Presort, 
Bulk Rate, Presorted Standard, or Nonprofit Organization. The 
nondenominated Breast Cancer Research Semipostal stamp, which has a 
postage value that is equivalent to the domestic rate for a 1-ounce 
First-Class letter, may also be used for international mailing 
purposes. See DMM P022.1.6.

    Note: See DMM P022.2.2 for stamps not valid as postage.

152.3  Permit Imprint

152.31  Conditions of Use

    Postage may be paid by permit imprints, subject to the general 
conditions stated in DMM P040 and P710.2.4. Postage charges are 
computed on PS Form 3651, International Statement of Mailing with 
Permit Imprints, or other postage statements as required.

152.32  Minimum Number of Pieces

    A single mailing must consist of not less than 200 pieces identical 
in size and weight and addressed to foreign destinations, unless 
otherwise specified.

    Note: The pieces comprising the mailing do not have to be 
addressed to a single country.

    Exception: See 293.2.

152.33  Required Format

    Permit imprints for international mail must be prepared in one of 
the forms shown in Exhibit 152.3. No variations or additions such as 
Bulk Rate, Presorted Standard, Enhanced Carrier Route Sort, Automation 
Rate, or Nonprofit Organization are allowed.

152.4  Publishers' Periodicals

    Postage on publishers' periodicals (Periodicals Mail) mailed by 
publishers or registered news agents who are domestic Periodicals Mail 
permit holders may be paid as provided in 242.22 and 242.23.

Exhibit 152.3  Permit Imprints

    [Exhibit not included.]

153  Placement of Postage

    a. Postage stamps and postage-paid impressions must be applied to 
the address side of mail in the upper-right corner. The postage meter 
stamp, postage validation imprinter (PVI) label, or permit may be 
affixed directly on the mailpiece or on the wrapper when plastic wrap 
is used.
    b. Nonpostage stamps, labels resembling postage stamps, or 
impressions resembling postage-paid impressions must not be placed on 
the address side of international mailpieces.

154  Remailed Items

    New postage is required when mailpieces are reentered after having 
been returned to the sender by a foreign postal administration.

2  Conditions for Mailing

210  Priority Mail Global Guaranteed

* * * * *

220  Express Mail International Service

221  Description

221.1  General

    Express Mail International Service (EMS) is a reliable high-speed 
mail service available to certain countries (see Individual Country 
Listings for service availability). There is no service guarantee for 
Express Mail International Service. Express Mail International is 
available at designated postal facilities for nonscheduled expedited 
services to

[[Page 57888]]

addresses located in countries that offer Express Mail International 
Service.

221.2  Allowable Contents

    Any item not prohibited in international mail is allowed in EMS. 
Refer to the ``Country Conditions for Mailing'' in the Individual 
Country Listings for individual country prohibitions. International 
postal money orders are admissible in EMS. However, they are only 
negotiable if the proper form is used. The following items are 
prohibited in all EMS shipments: coins; banknotes; currency notes 
(paper money); securities of any kind payable to bearer; traveler's 
checks; platinum, gold, and silver (manufactured or not); precious 
stones; jewelry; and other valuable articles.

221.3  Insurance and Indemnity

    Express Mail International Service items are insured against loss, 
damage, or rifling at no additional cost. Indemnity will be paid by the 
U.S. Postal Service as provided in DMM S010 and S500. However, Express 
Mail International Service items are not insured against delay in 
delivery. Neither indemnity payments nor postage refunds will be made 
in the event of delay.

221.31  EMS Merchandise Insurance

    Express Mail merchandise insurance coverage against loss, damage, 
or rifling is provided up to $500 at no additional charge. Additional 
insurance coverage above $500 may be purchased at the sender's option. 
The fee for optional Express Mail International Service merchandise 
insurance coverage is $1.00 for each $100 or fraction thereof, up to a 
maximum of $5,000 per shipment. See the Individual Country Listings for 
the applicable Express Mail insurance fees.

221.32  Purchase of Additional Insurance

    When a mailer wants to insure an EMS merchandise shipment in an 
amount more than $500, the insurance fee is entered in the block marked 
``Insurance'' on the mailing label. Coverage is limited to the actual 
value of the contents, regardless of the fee paid, or the highest 
insurance value increment for which the fee is fully paid, whichever is 
lower. See DMM S500.

221.33  Document Reconstruction Insurance

    Nonnegotiable EMS documents are insured against loss, damage, or 
rifling at no additional cost to the mailer. Document reconstruction 
insurance coverage is limited to a maximum of $500 per shipment. 
Additional coverage beyond the $500 indemnity limit is not available. 
See DMM S010 and S500.

    Note: EMS indemnity payments are subject to the provisions of 
DMM S010, DMM S500, and IMM 935. Neither indemnity payments nor 
postage refunds are payable for delayed delivery.

221.4  Return Receipt Service

    Return Receipt service is available for Express Mail International 
items only to the following countries at no additional charge (see 340 
for preparation procedures):

Argentina
Australia
Bahrain
Belgium
Germany
Greece
Guinea-Bissau
Hong Kong
Korea, Republic of (South)
Kuwait
Liechtenstein
Pakistan
Qatar
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tunisia

222  Postage

222.1  Rates

222.11  Country Rates

    See the Individual Country Listings for countries that offer 
Express Mail International Service.

222.12  Express Mail Corporate Account Rates

    Express Mail International Service (EMS) rates will be reduced by 5 
percent for all payments made through an Express Mail corporate account 
(EMCA) or through the federal agency payment system. The discount 
applies only to the postage portion of EMS rates. It does not apply to 
the pickup service charge, additional merchandise insurance coverage 
fees, or shipments made under an International Customized Mail 
agreement.

222.2  Payment of Postage

222.21  Methods of Payment

    Express Mail International Service items may be paid by postage 
stamps, postage validation imprinter (PVI) labels, postage meter 
stamps, or through the use of an Express Mail corporate account.

222.22  Application for Corporate Account

    A written application is required before mailing can be made under 
a corporate account (see DMM P500).

222.23  Official Mail

222.231  Mailings by Federal Agencies

    Express Mail International Service shipments that are entered by 
federal agencies and departments are subject to the same postage 
payment requirements, weight and size limits, customs form 
requirements, and general conditions for mailing as EMS shipments that 
are originated by nongovernmental entities.

222.232  USPS Mailings

    EMS shipments mailed by U.S. Postal Service entities must bear the 
G-10 permit indicia that is prescribed for all USPS official mail. 
There is a 66-pound weight limit for USPS-originated EMS shipments 
going to all destination countries, unless the destination country has 
a higher weight limit. See 143.2.

222.24  Pickup Service

    On-call and scheduled pickup services are available for an added 
charge of $10.25 for each pickup stop, regardless of the number of 
pieces picked up. Only one pickup fee will be charged if domestic 
Express Mail, domestic Priority Mail, international parcel post, and/or 
domestic Parcel Post is picked up at the same time. No pickup fee will 
be charged when international Express Mail is picked up during a 
delivery stop or during a scheduled stop made to collect other mail not 
subject to a pickup fee. Pickup service is provided in accordance with 
DMM D010.

223  Weight and Size Limits

223.1  Weight Limits

    See the Individual Country Listings for countries that offer 
Express Mail International Service.

223.2  Size Limits

    a. Maximum length: 36 inches.
    b. Maximum length and girth combined: 79 inches.

    Note: For exceptional size limits, see Individual Country 
Listings for countries that offer Express Mail International 
Service.

224  Preparation Requirements

224.1  Preparation by Sender

    a. Complete the ``From'' and ``To'' portions of Label 11-B, Express 
Mail Post Office to Addressee, for each piece of mail and affix the 
completed label to each piece.

[[Page 57889]]

    b. Prepare and affix the appropriate customs form to the piece of 
mail. See the Individual Country Listings for countries that offer 
Express Mail International Service for required customs declarations.

224.2  Preparation by Acceptance Employee

    a. Check the address label to ensure that the sender has completed 
the ``From'' and ``To'' portions.
    b. Verify that customer has properly completed the appropriate 
customs declaration form, if required.
    c. Enter the originating facility ZIP Code; date and time received; 
weight; merchandise insurance fee, if applicable (see 211.52); total 
postage; and initial. Ensure that the correct amount of postage is 
affixed to the mailpiece.
    d. Give the Customer Receipt copy to the mailer and retain the 
Finance Copy. Peel off the backing of the remaining portion and affix 
it to the item.
    e. After acceptance, place each item in the appropriate working 
pouch and forward it to the international exchange office authorized to 
dispatch Express Mail International Service to that destination. (See 
Handbook T-5, International Mail Operators.)

224.3  Customs Forms Required

    See the Individual Country Listings for countries that offer 
Express Mail International Service. Mailers are responsible for 
determining customs requirements and complying with them. Mailers 
should confirm before mailing merchandise whether an import license is 
required for that class of goods.

230  Global Priority Mail

231  Description

231.1  General

    Global Priority Mail is an expedited airmail letter-post service 
providing fast, reliable, and economical delivery of all mailable items 
not over 4 pounds. Global Priority Mail items receive priority handling 
in the United States and in destination countries. Service is available 
only to destination countries identified in 231.42, from post offices 
identified in 231.41.

231.2  Allowable Contents

    All items which may be sent as letter-post mail (see 241.1) are 
accepted in Global Priority Mail, provided that the contents are 
mailable and fit securely in the envelope or box. Items must fit 
comfortably within the envelope or box without distorting or bursting 
the container. Do not use excessive tape to keep the envelope or box 
from bursting. Use only one piece of tape to secure the flap. Global 
Priority Mail items may contain dutiable merchandise unless the country 
of destination specifically prohibits dutiable merchandise in letters. 
Any item that is prohibited in international mail is prohibited in 
Global Priority Mail. Refer to the ``Country Conditions of Mailing'' in 
the Individual Country Listings for individual country prohibitions.

231.3  Service Standards

    Global Priority Mail is accepted at all USPS retail locations. 
There is a four-day delivery objective for GPM items that are deposited 
at postal locations that are linked to the USPS Eagle network (see 
Exhibit 231.41). When GPM items are tendered at ``off-net'' locations 
(all other locations), it generally requires an additional 1-2 business 
days to obtain delivery in the destination country. (Note: GPM mailings 
consisting of 200 or more identical pieces, which bear a permit 
imprint, must be deposited at a locally designated business mail entry 
unit.) Within each of the listed service areas, prepaid GPM items may 
be tendered to a letter carrier, deposited in an Express Mail street 
collection box, or placed in a post office or lobby mail drop.

231.4  Service Areas

231.41  Origins

    Global Priority Mail service is available only through the 
designated post offices and the additional post offices listed in 
Exhibits 231.41a and b. Pickup Service is available for an additional 
fee. (See 236.3.)

Exhibit 231.41a  GPM Acceptance Locations Linked to the Eagle 
Network (``On-Net'')

    [Exhibit not included. Formerly Exhibit 226.32a.]

Exhibit 231.41b GPM Acceptance Locations Not Linked to the Eagle 
Network (``Off-Net'')

    [Exhibit not included. Formerly Exhibit 226.32b.]

231.42  Destinations

    Global Priority Mail service is available to the destination 
countries listed below. Those countries that have service only to 
designated locations are identified with a footnote. [Table not 
included.]

Exhibit 231.42 GPM Locations--China

    [Exhibit not included. Formerly Exhibit 226.2.]

232  Postage

232.1  Rates

232.11  Flat-Rate Envelope Postage Rates

    Each Global Priority Mail flat-rate envelope is charged at a flat 
rate. The rate is based on the geographic rate zone regardless of its 
actual weight. Postage is required for each piece. (See Exhibit 
232.11.)

                                Exhibit 232.11--Flat-Rate Envelope Postage Rates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Rate group 4
                                   Rate group 1    Rate group 2                     (Australia,
            Envelope                 (Canada)        (Mexico)      Rate group 3     Japan, New     Rate group 5
                                                                                     Zealand)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small...........................           $4.00           $4.00           $5.00           $5.00           $5.00
Large...........................            7.00            7.00            9.00            9.00            9.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

232.12  Variable-Weight Option Postage Rates

    Global Priority Mail variable-weight rates are calculated in half-
pound (or fraction thereof) increments based on the weight of each 
piece (up to 4 pounds) and the destination geographic rate zone. Each 
GPM mailpiece that is paid for on that basis must have a variable-
weight sticker affixed to the address side or be enclosed in a USPS-
furnished flat-size (Tyvek) envelope or cardboard box that is 
specifically intended for the transmittal of GPM items. (See Exhibit 
232.12.)

[[Page 57890]]



                              Exhibit 232.12--Variable-Weight Option Postage Rates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Rate group 4
                                   Rate group 1    Rate group 2                     (Australia,
     Weight not over (lbs.)          (Canada)        (Mexico)      Rate group 3     Japan, New     Rate group 5
                                                                                     Zealand)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 .5.............................           $6.00           $7.00           $9.00           $8.00           $8.00
1...............................            8.00            9.00           11.00           10.00           12.00
1.5.............................            9.00           10.00           13.00           12.00           14.00
2...............................           11.00           12.00           16.00           15.00           17.00
2.5.............................           12.00           13.00           19.00           18.00           20.00
3...............................           14.00           15.00           22.00           21.00           23.00
3.5.............................           16.00           17.00           24.00           23.00           25.00
4...............................           18.00           19.00           27.00           26.00           28.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

232.2  Payment of Postage

232.21  Methods of Payment

    Nonidentical-weight piece mailings must have the applicable postage 
affixed by adhesive stamps, meter stamps, or, if presented at a post 
office, postal validation imprinter (PVI labels). Identical-weight 
piece mailings may be paid by meter stamps, adhesive stamps, PVI 
labels, or permit imprint, subject to certain standards. To use a 
permit imprint, a mailing must consist of 200 or more identical-weight 
pieces. Mailers may use a permit imprint with nonidentical pieces only 
if authorized by the USPS under a Manifest Mailing System (MMS), as 
specified in DMM P710.

232.22  Permit Imprint Content and Format

    All permit imprints on Global Priority Mail must show city and 
state, ``Global Priority Mail,'' ``U.S. Postage Paid,'' and permit 
number. They may show the mailing date, amount of postage paid, or the 
number of ounces.

232.23  Postage Meter Stamps

    At a minimum, a meter stamp must show in the postmark the month, 
day, and year; city and state designation of the licensing post office; 
the number; and the amount of postage. See DMM P030.4.6.

233  Preparation Requirements

233.1  Addressing

    All items must bear the complete delivery address of the addressee 
and the full name (no abbreviations) of the destination country. See 
122.

233.2  Packaging

    Flat-rate Global Priority Mail must be enclosed in a designated 
USPS envelope (EP-15A or EP-15B). Variable-weight Global Priority Mail 
must be tendered in a USPS Tyvek envelope (EP-15GP), a USPS Global 
Priority Mail box (O1099), or have a Global Priority Mail sticker (DEC-
10) affixed to the address side of the mailpiece. (GPM mailing supplies 
can be obtained by calling 800-222-1811.) Unmarked pieces are subject 
to regular airmail letter-post rates and treatment.

233.3  Customs Form Required

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         If the GPM mailpiece weighs                    And it contains              Required customs form(s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 16 ounces..........................  Documents; business papers; or    No form required.
                                                non-dutiable printed matter.
                                               Dutiable printed matter or        Affix a completed PS Form 2976
                                                merchandise items with a value    (green label) to the exterior
                                                under $400..                      of the mailpiece.
                                               Merchandise items with a value    Place a completed PS Form 2976-
                                                of $400 or more.                  A inside the packaging. Affix
                                                                                  the upper-left section of PS
                                                                                  Form 2976 (green label) to the
                                                                                  exterior of the mailpiece.
16 ounces or more............................  Documents; business papers;       Affix a completed PS Form 2976
                                                dutiable and non-dutiable         (green label) to the exterior
                                                printed matter; or merchandise    of the mailpiece.
                                                items with a value under $400.
                                               Merchandise items with a value    Place a completed PS Form 2976-
                                                of $400 or more.                  A inside the packaging. Affix
                                                                                  the upper-left section of PS
                                                                                  Form 2976 (green label) to the
                                                                                  exterior of the mailpiece.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: GPM customers who send flat-rate envelopes or variable-
weight option mailpieces that weigh 16 ounces or more, bear a permit 
imprint, and contain correspondence, business papers, or nondutiable 
printed matter are eligible for the known mailer exemption that is 
referenced in 123.62.

234  Size and Weight Limits

234.1  Size Limits

234.11  Flat-Rate Envelope Sizes

    a. Small--6 x 10 inches.
    b. Large--9\1/2\ x 12\1/2\ inches.

234.12  Package Sizes for Variable-Weight Option

    a. Minimum length and height: 5\1/2\ x 3\1/2\ inches.
    b. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inches.
    c. Maximum length: 24 inches.
    d. Maximum length, height, and depth (thickness) combined: 36 
inches.

234.13  Rolls

    a. Minimum length: 4 inches.
    b. Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6\3/4\ inches.
    c. Maximum length: 36 inches.
    d. Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42 inches.

234.14  Global Priority Mail Tyvek Envelope

    The dimensions of the Global Priority Mail Tyvek envelope are 12 x 
15\1/2\ inches.

234.2  Weight Limit

    All Global Priority Mail items are subject to a 4-pound weight 
limit.

[[Page 57891]]

235  Special Services

    Mailers may obtain certificates of mailing (see 310). No other 
special services, such as registry, insurance, restricted delivery, 
return receipt, or recorded delivery, are available.

236  Mail Entry

236.1  Preparation

    Unless otherwise instructed by USPS acceptance personnel, customers 
who tender Global Priority Mail at a business mail entry unit (BMEU) 
must separate the items by destination rate group and by flat-rate 
envelope size (i.e., small or large), if applicable. Mailpieces that 
bear a permit imprint or a postage meter impression must be faced in 
the same direction.

236.2  Deposit of Mail

    Global Priority Mail flat-rate envelopes and variable-weight option 
mailpieces, which bear either stamped or metered postage, may be 
deposited wherever Express Mail is accepted. This includes acceptance 
by a retail employee at a post office counter; acceptance by a letter 
carrier while a delivery route is being served; deposit into an Express 
Mail street collection box if the mailpiece weighs less that 16 ounces; 
or by telephoning 800-222-1811 to request pickup at the customer's 
premises. Global Priority Mail that bears a permit imprint must be 
deposited at a business mail entry unit or other acceptance point that 
is authorized by the postmaster. Global Priority Mail that bears a 
meter stamp or impression must be deposited at a location that is under 
the jurisdiction of the licensing post office, except as permitted 
under DMM P030.

236.3  Pickup Service

    On call and scheduled pickup services are available for Global 
Priority Mail acceptance cities. There is a charge of $10.25 for each 
pickup stop, regardless of the number of pieces picked up. (See DMM 
D010 for standards of pickup service.) Pickup service is not available 
for GPM items that bear a permit imprint and that are paid for through 
an advance deposit account.

240  Letter-Post

241  Description

241.1  Definition

    The letter-post classification encompasses all of the classes of 
international mail: letters and letter packages, post and postal cards, 
aerogrammes, printed matter, and small packets that were formerly 
categorized as LC (letters and cards) and AO (other articles).

241.2  Mailable Matter

    Any article that is otherwise acceptable and not prohibited by the 
country of destination, subject to applicable weight and size limits, 
may also be mailed at the letter-post rate, either airmail or economy.

242  Postage

242.1  Rates

    See Individual Country Listings for airmail and economy rates.

242.2  Payment of Postage

    Mailers of letter-post items may pay postage with postage stamps, 
postage meter stamps, postage validation imprinter (PVI) label, and by 
permit imprint.

243  Weight and Size Limits

243.1  Weight Limit

    The weight limit is 4 pounds.

243.2  Size Limits

243.21  Envelopes and Packages

    a. Minimum length and height: 5\1/2\ x 3\1/2\ inches.
    b. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inch.
    c. Maximum length: 24 inches.
    d. Maximum length, height, depth (thickness) combined: 36 inches.

243.22  Rolls

    a. Minimum length: 4 inches.
    b. Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6\3/4\ inches.
    c. Maximum length: 36 inches.
    d. Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42 inches.

243.23  Cards

    Unenclosed cards exceeding the size limits for post cards are 
admissible at the letter-post rate if they do not exceed 4\3/4\ x 9-\1/
4\ inches.

243.24  Nonstandard Surcharge

    A surcharge of $0.11 per article will be assessed on all outbound 
air and economy letter-post items weighing 1 ounce or less if:
    a. Its length exceeds 11\1/2\ inches.
    b. Its height exceeds 6\1/8\ inches.
    c. Its thickness exceeds \1/4\ inch.
    d. Its length divided by its height results in an aspect ratio that 
is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.

244  Preparation Requirements

244.1  Addressing

    See 122.

244.2  Marking

    a. Whenever items, because of their size and manner of preparation, 
may be mistaken for items of another class, the sender should add the 
word ``LETTER'' or ``LETTRE'' on the address side.
    b. The sender should mark ``AIRMAIL/PAR AVION'' or affix Label 19-
A, Par Avion Air Mail, or Label 19-B, Air Mail Par Avion, on front and 
back of items paid at the airmail letter-post rate.

244.3  Sealing

    Unregistered letter-post items may be sealed at the sender's 
option. Registered items must be sealed. (See 334.4 for sealing 
requirements for registered mail.)

244.4  Packaging

    Items prepaid at the letter-post rate of postage must be placed in 
envelopes or prepared in package form.

244.5  Customs Forms Required

244.51  Dutiable Merchandise

    a. Any merchandise sent to another country may be subject to duty 
under the customs regulations of that country. The Postal Service does 
not maintain or provide information concerning the assessment of 
customs duty.
    b. Letter-post items may contain dutiable merchandise unless the 
country of destination prohibits dutiable merchandise in letters. (See 
Individual Country Listings.)
    c. When mailing articles that may be dutiable, sender must comply 
with 123.61 and with special instructions under ``Customs Forms 
Required'' and ``Observations'' in Individual Country Listings.

244.52  Nondutiable Merchandise

    Nondutiable merchandise may be mailed (at the sender's risk) to 
countries that do not accept dutiable merchandise. The Postal Service 
assumes no responsibility for the treatment such items may receive in 
the country of destination.

    Note: Because PS Form 2976 described in 123.61, generally 
denotes dutiable contents, it should be omitted from letter-post 
mail when the sender knows the contents are not dutiable, unless the 
item weighs 16 ounces or more.

250  Postcards and Aerogrammes

251   Description

251.1  Postal Cards/Postcards

251.11  Definition

    Postal cards and postcards consist of single cards sent without a 
wrapper or envelope. Folded (double) cards must be

[[Page 57892]]

mailed in envelopes at the letter-post rate of postage.

251.12  Reply-Paid Cards

    Reply-paid cards are not accepted in international mail, except as 
provided in 132.2.

251.13  Specifications

    Postcards must be made of cardboard or paper that meets the 
material and color specifications in 142.

251.14  Privately Manufactured Postcards

    Privately manufactured postcards, except picture postcards, must 
bear the heading Postcard.

251.15  Permitted Attachments

    The following may be glued on the left half of the address side of 
a card, or on the side opposite the address side, if they are made of 
paper or other thin material and adhere completely to the card:
    a. Clippings of any kind.
    b. Illustrations or photographs.
    c. Labels other than address labels.
    d. Stamps of any kind, except stamps likely to be confused with 
postage stamps, must not be placed on the address side of the card.
    e. Address labels or address tabs that may be glued to the address 
side of the card.

251.16  Nonpermitted Attachments

    The following must not be attached to cards:
    a. Cloth, embroidery, or spangles.
    b. Samples of merchandise.

251.2  Aerogrammes

251.21  Definition

    Aerogrammes are letter sheets that can be folded into the form of 
an envelope and sealed. Tape or stickers must not be used to seal 
aerogrammes.

251.22  Postage

    Aerogrammes (bearing imprinted postage) are sold at all post 
offices. Approved aerogrammes (without imprinted postage) obtained from 
private firms must have aerogramme-rate postage affixed. However, 
privately printed aerogrammes sent to Canada and Mexico may bear the 
appropriate airmail letter-post postage rate.

251.23  Available Service

    Aerogramme service is available to all countries. Registry is 
available for aerogrammes. Recorded delivery service is available for 
aerogrammes if that service is available to the country of destination. 
See Individual Country Listings.

251.24  Enclosures

    Enclosures are not permitted in aerogrammes. Aerogrammes that 
contain enclosures are treated as airmail letters and are subject to 
air letter postage rates. Aerogrammes with enclosures on which postage 
has not been paid at airmail letter rates must be returned to the 
sender for the deficiency or treated in accordance with 423.

251.3  Aerogrammes of Private Manufacture

251.31  Authorization

    Individuals or firms may be authorized by the Postal Service to 
manufacture aerogrammes, without imprinted postage, for their own use 
or for sale to the public.

251.32  Approval

    Before engaging in production, the applicant must apply for an 
aerogramme permit, submit three printed samples of the proposed 
aerogramme, and obtain authorization from: Manager, Pricing Costing and 
Classification, International Business, U.S. Postal Service, 475 
L'Enfant Plz SW 370 IBU, Washington, DC 20260-6500.
    A sample format may be obtained from that office.

251.33  Specifications for Submitted Samples

    The samples submitted for approval and the final printing of the 
aerogrammes must be on 18-pound paper (500 sheets, 17  x  22 inches) of 
light blue color as well as the texture equivalent to the regular 
three-flap aerogramme issued by the U.S. Postal Service. No artificial 
slippery finish, such as a silicon plastic, is permitted. The sheets, 
when folded, must measure 7\1/4\  x  3\9/16\ inches and have three 
sealing flaps. Samples submitted for approval need not have the flaps 
gummed, but the areas to be gummed must be identified. The sheets must:
    a. Bear the printed endorsements that appear on the address and 
reverse sides of the aerogramme issued by the Postal Service.
    b. Contain the printed return address of the applicant, or lines on 
which the return address may be written if the sheets are to be 
reproduced for sale to the public.
    c. Bear the words ``AUTHORIZED FOR MAILING AS AN AEROGRAMME--P.S. 
PERMIT NO. * * *'' (the number to be filled in when issued).
    These words must be printed in small, clear type and appear on the 
lower edge of the address side (when the sheet is folded for mailing). 
The permit number will be issued at the time the aerogramme is 
approved.

252  Postage Rates

Postal Cards/Postcards
Canada: $0.50
Mexico: $0.50
All other countries: $0.70
Aerogrammes
All countries: $0.70

253  Weight and Size Limits

253.1  Weight Limits

    Postcards weigh approximately the same as postal cards. See 142.

253.2  Size Limits

253.21  Postcards

    a. Minimum: 3\1/2\  x  5\1/2\ inches.
    b. Maximum: 4\1/4\  x  6 inches.

    Note: See 243.23 for larger cards.

253.22  Aerogrammes

    The size limit for an aerogramme is 7\1/4\  x  3\9/16\ inches.

254  Preparation Requirements

254.1  Addressing

    See 122.

254.2  Marking--Postal Cards/Postcards

254.21  Airmail

    The sender should mark postcards Par Avion or affix Label 19-A, Par 
Avion Air Mail, or Label 19-B, Air Mail Par Avion, on the left side on 
the front.

254.22  Right Half of Postcard

    The right half of the address side of a card must be reserved for 
the address of the addressee and postal notations or labels.

254.23  Left Half and Reverse Side

    The sender may use the left half of the address side of the card 
and the reverse side for a message or permissible attachments described 
in 231.15. The sender must use the upper-left half of the address side 
for his or her return address. (Unless they bear the name and address 
of the sender, undeliverable cards are disposed of in the country of 
destination.)

254.3  Sealing Aerogrammes

    Tape or stickers must not be used to seal aerogrammes.

260  Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to One Addressee (M-Bags)

261  General Description

261.1  Definition

    Direct sacks of printed matter to a single foreign addressee, which 
are also

[[Page 57893]]

known as M-bags, are subject to the following conditions of mailing:
    Minimum weight: 11 pounds. (Note: M-bags weighing less than 11 
pounds may be admitted, provided that the sender pays the applicable 
11-pound postage rate.)
    Maximum weight: 66 pounds (including the tare weight of the sack).
    Availability: All destinations that are referenced in the 
Individual Country Listings.
    Identification: PS Tag 158, M-Bag Addressee Tag, must be completed 
and attached to the neck of the sack.
    Postage: The applicable airmail, economy (formerly surface), or 
International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) postage must be affixed to PS Tag 
158.
    Special services: Certificate of mailing and recorded delivery are 
available. Registry, insurance, return receipt, and restricted delivery 
are not available.

261.2  Allowable Contents

261.21  Printed Matter

    Printed matter is admissible in M-bags. Printed matter is defined 
as paper on which words, letters, characters, figures, images, or any 
combination thereof, not having the character of a bill or statement of 
account, or of actual or personal correspondence, have been reproduced 
by any process other than handwriting or typewriting. Articles that 
meet the printed matter definition include newspapers, magazines, 
journals, books, sheet music, catalogues, directories, commercial 
advertising, and promotional matter.

261.22  Merchandise

    Articles of merchandise may be enclosed in M-bags under the 
following conditions:
    a. The merchandise items being sent are limited to disks, tapes, 
and cassettes; commercial samples shipped by manufacturers and 
distributors; or other non-dutiable commercial articles or 
informational materials that are not subject to resale.
    b. The merchandise items relate to the printed matter (see 261.21) 
with which they are being mailed.
    c. The merchandise items are affixed to or are otherwise combined 
with the accompanying printed matter.
    d. The weight of each mailpiece or package, which contains 
merchandise in combination with printed matter, may not exceed 4 
pounds.
    e. The M-bag must be accompanied by a fully completed PS Form 2976, 
Customs--CN 22 (Old C1) and Sender's Declaration.

262  Postage

262.1  Rates

    See the Individual Country Listings for airmail and economy M-bag 
rates, and 293.71 for International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) M-bag 
rates.

262.2  Payment of Postage

262.21  Stamps

    Postage is calculated on the weight of the sack's contents. It is 
payable by affixing postage stamps, meter stamps, or a postage 
validation imprinter (PVI) label to PS Tag 158, M-Bag Addressee Tag.

262.22  By Indicia

    If a publisher or registered news agent prepares a direct sack of 
publishers' periodicals (Periodicals Mail matter) for one addressee and 
desires to pay the postage from money on deposit with the postmaster, 
the postage must be computed at the per-copy rate based on the report 
on PS Form 3541-N, Postage Statement--Periodicals Nonprofit Rates, or 
PS Form 3541-R, Postage Statement--Periodicals Regular and Science-of-
Agriculture Rates. In lieu of stamped or metered postage, the 
accompanying M-bag tag must bear the applicable Periodicals Mail 
indicia.

    Note: The $0.25 per pound postage rate discount that is 
available to publishers or registered news agents who ``drop ship'' 
their mail at the New Jersey International and Bulk Mail Center 
(NJI&BMC) does not apply to M-bags.

263  Weight and Size Limits

263.1  Weight Limits

    The minimum weight limit is 11 pounds and the maximum weight limit 
is 66 pounds, including the tare weight of the sack.

    Note: M-bags weighing less than 11 pounds may be admitted, 
provided that the sender pays the applicable 11-pound postage rate.

263.2  Size Limits

    There are no defined size limits so long as articles being sent can 
be enclosed in the mailbag.

264  Preparation Requirements

264.1  Marking

    Printed matter, or printed matter in combination with merchandise 
items, must be placed into one or more individual packages bearing the 
name and address of the sender and addressee. Each package must be 
marked ``POSTAGE PAID--M-BAG.''

264.2  Sacking and Labeling

264.21  Equipment

    The sacks and mailing tags (i.e., PS Tag 158) needed for M-bag 
entry can be obtained from the local post offices. Airmail pouches, if 
available, will be furnished to customers who intend to utilize that 
type of M-bag service.

264.22  Tagging

    PS Tag 158, M-Bag Addressee Tag, must be completed and attached to 
the neck of the sack. It must bear the requisite amount of stamped or 
metered postage or the sender's authorized permit imprint or indicia 
(see 262.2).

264.23  Multiple Sacks to One Addressee

    If multiple sacks are sent to the same foreign addressee, PS Tag 
158 must be marked with an identifiable fraction such as \1/5\, \2/5\, 
\3/5\, etc.

264.24  Country Destination Name

    The post office must label the sack with the name of the country of 
destination in large letters and the name of the U.S. dispatching 
exchange office in small letters (for example, Great Britain via New 
York), and send it to that exchange office for dispatch to destination.

264.3  Customs Forms Required

    M-bags containing merchandise items (see 261.22) or printed matter 
that is known to be dutiable in the country of destination must be 
accompanied by a fully completed PS Form 2976, Customs--CN 22 (Old C1) 
and Sender's Declaration.

270  Matter for the Blind

271  Description

    Matter for the blind in international mail is limited to:
    a. Books, periodicals, and other matter (including unsealed 
letters) impressed in Braille or other special type for the use of the 
blind.
    b. Plates for embossing literature for the blind.
    c. Discs, tapes, or wires bearing voice recordings and special 
paper intended solely for the use of the blind, provided they are sent 
by or addressed to an officially recognized institution for the blind.
    d. Sound recordings or tapes that are mailed by a blind person.
    e. Those items listed in DMM E040.2.0.

272  Postage Rates

    Surface: Free.
    Air: No separate airmail rates are provided for matter for the 
blind. If

[[Page 57894]]

airmail service is desired, use airmail letter-post, air parcel post, 
or other category that meets service request. These items are subject 
to the weight, size, and preparation requirements of the category of 
mail selected.

273  Weight and Size Limits

273.1  Weight Limit

    The weight limit is 15 pounds.

273.2  Size Limits

273.21  Envelopes and Packages

    a. Minimum length and height: 5\1/2\  x  3\1/2\ inches.
    b. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inch.
    c. Maximum length: 24 inches.
    d. Maximum length, height, depth (thickness) combined: 36 inches.

273.22  Rolls

    a. Minimum length: 4 inches.
    b. Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6\3/4\ inches.
    c. Maximum length: 36 inches.
    d. Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42 inches.

274  Preparation Requirements

274.1  Addressing

    See 122.

274.2  Marking

274.21  Matter for the Blind Sent as Surface Mail

    For surface mail accepted as matter for the blind, the word 
``FREE'' must be placed in the upper-right corner, immediately above 
the words ``MATTER FOR THE BLIND.''

274.22  Name of Officially Recognized Institution

    The officially recognized institution for the blind must appear in 
the address or the return address for the following items:
    a. Disks, tapes, or wires bearing voice recordings.
    b. Special paper intended solely for the use of the blind.

274.3  Sealing

    Matter for the blind must not be sealed, even if registered.

274.4  Packaging

274.41  Subject to Postal Inspection

    Matter for the blind is subject to postal inspection (see ASM 274), 
and must be prepared in such a way that the contents are protected but 
inspection of the contents is not hindered.

274.42  Types of Containers

    The items must be placed in wrappers, in rolls, between cardboard, 
or in bags, boxes, unsealed envelopes, or containers. Dangerous 
fasteners may not be used. The articles may also be tied with string or 
twine in a manner that will permit them to be easily untied.

280  Parcel Post

281  General

    Parcel post resembles domestic zone-rated Standard Mail (B) mail. 
Merchandise is permitted, but written communications having the nature 
of current and personal correspondence are not permitted.

    Note: Parcel post is the only class of mail that may be insured 
(see 322).

282  Postage

282.1  Rates

    See Individual Country Listings.

282.2  Mailing Locations

    Parcels should be presented for mailing at a post office window.

282.3  Pickup Service

    Scheduled pickup service is available for an added charge of $8.25 
for each pickup stop regardless of the number of pieces picked up. Only 
one pickup fee will be charged if domestic Express Mail, international 
Express Mail, domestic Priority Mail, and/or domestic Parcel Post is 
also picked up at the same time. No pickup fee will be charged when 
international parcel post is picked up during a delivery stop or during 
a scheduled stop made to collect other mail not subject to a pickup 
fee. Pickup service is provided in accordance with DMM D010.

283  Weight and Size Limits

283.1  Weight Limits

    See Individual Country Listings.

283.2   Size Limits

283.21  Rectangular Parcels

    a. Minimum length and width: 5\1/2\ x 3\1/2\ inches.
    b. Maximum length: 42 inches.
    c. Maximum length and girth combined: 79 inches.

283.22   Circular Parcels

    Maximum girth (measured along diameter): 64 inches.

283.23   Exceptional Size Limits

    Rectangular-shaped parcels with dimensions that exceed the standard 
42-inch (maximum length) and 79-inch (maximum length and girth 
combined) size limits can be sent to Belgium, Canada, Germany, Great 
Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Macao, Sweden, and 
Switzerland. See the relevant Individual Country Listings, under the 
heading ``Size Limits,'' for the exceptional size limits that apply to 
parcels addressed to each of those destination countries.

284  Preparation Requirements

284.1  Addressing

    See 122. Name and address of sender and addressee should also be 
recorded on a separate slip enclosed in the parcel.

284.2  Marking

    For air
 parcels, the accepting clerk must place Label 19-A or Label 19-B on 
the address side, below and to the left of the name of the country of 
destination. To preclude an airmail parcel from being handled as 
surface mail, accepting clerks may also put the written endorsement or 
Label 19-A or Label 19-B on the back lower left of the parcel.

284.3   Sealing

284.31  Requirements

    All international parcels must be sealed.

284.32   Sealing Materials

    Senders must seal their own parcels. Wax, gummed-paper tape, nails, 
screws, wire, metal bands, or other materials may be used to seal 
parcels. The seal must be sufficient to allow detection of tampering.

284.4   Packaging

284.41  Packaging Requirements

    Every parcel must be securely and substantially packed. In packing, 
the sender must consider the nature of the contents, the climate, the 
length of the journey, and the numerous handlings involved in the 
conveyance of international mail.

284.42   Types of Containers

    Ordinary paperboard containers are not acceptable. Parcels must be 
packed in one of the following:
    a. Canvas or similar material.
    b. Double-faced corrugated or solid (minimum 275-pound test) fiber 
boxes or cases.
    c. Strong wooden boxes made of lumber at least \1/2\ inch thick or 
plywood of at least three plies.

284.43   Use of Wrapping Paper

    Heavy wrapping paper or waterproof paper is permitted only as the 
outside covering of a carton.

284.44   Boxes With Screwed or Nailed Lids

    If otherwise acceptable, boxes with screwed- or nailed-on lids and 
bags closed by sewing may be used. Heavy

[[Page 57895]]

objects, such as cans of food, must be surrounded with other contents 
or packing material in order to prevent their shifting within the 
parcel. For illustrations or recommended packing procedures, see DMM 
C010.

284.45  Customs Forms Required

    All parcel post packages must bear PS Form 2976-A.

284.46   Nonpostal Documentation

    Forms required by nonpostal export regulations are described in 
chapter 5.

290  Commercial Services

291  [Reserved]

292  International Priority Airmail Service

292.1   Description

292.11  General

    International Priority Airmail (IPA) service is as fast as or 
faster than regular international airmail service. It is available to 
bulk mailers of all letter-post items that are prepared by the sender 
in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter. Separate rates 
are provided for presorted mail and nonpresorted mail with drop 
shipment and volume discounts available.

292.12  Qualifying Mail

    Any item of the letter-post classification, as defined in 141.5 and 
141.6, qualifies, including aerogrammes and post cards. Items do not 
have to be of the same size and weight to qualify.

292.13  Minimum Quantity Requirements

292.131  Worldwide Nonpresort Mail

    The mailer must have a minimum of 11 pounds of mail in the total 
mailing. The minimum does not apply to each country destination.

292.132  Presort Mail

    The mailer must have a minimum of 11 pounds of presorted mail to a 
single rate group, including Canada, to qualify for the presort rate 
for that rate group.

    Note: Mail that cannot be made up in direct country packages 
(292.452a), in direct country sacks (292.461), or in trays 
(292.465a) does not qualify for the presort rates and is subject to 
the worldwide nonpresort rates.

292.14  Dutiable Items

    Dutiable items may be sent in accordance with the applicable rules 
in this subchapter for those classes of mail. Parcel post (CP) items, 
either ordinary or insured, may not be mailed as International Priority 
Airmail.

292.15  Deposit

292.151  Full Service

    Mailings must be deposited and accepted at a business mail entry 
unit of the post office where the mailer holds an advance deposit 
account or postage meter license.

292.152  Drop Shipment

    To qualify for the drop shipment rates, the mailer must tender the 
mail to one of the locations in 292.153. The mailer must pay postage at 
the drop shipment location either through an advance deposit account or 
postage meter license at the serving post office. As an alternative, 
mailers who are participating in a PVDS program (see DMM P750) may have 
the mail verified, accepted, and paid for at the mailer's plant or at 
the origin post office serving the mailer's plant if authorized under 
DMM P750.2.2. Plant-verified drop shipment mail must be transported by 
the mailer to the drop shipment location and the mail accompanied by PS 
Form 8125, Drop Shipment Clearance Document.

292.153  Drop Shipment Locations

    Drop shipment rates are available from the following offices:
New York:
John F Kennedy Airport Mail Ctr, U.S. Postal Service, John F Kennedy 
International Airport, Bldg 250, Jamaica, NY 11430-9998
Florida:
Miami International Service Ctr*, U.S. Postal Service, 11690 NW 25th 
St, Miami FL 33172-1702
Miami Processing and Distribution Ctr, U.S. Postal Service, 2200 NW 
72nd Ave, Miami FL 33152-9997
Texas:
Dallas International Service Ctr, U.S. Postal Service, 15050 Trinity 
Blvd, Fort Worth TX 76155-3203
Illinois:
Chicago O'Hare International Annex, U.S. Postal Service, 514 Express 
Center Dr, Chicago IL 60688-9998
California:
San Francisco ISC, U.S. Postal Service, 2650 Bayshore Blvd, Daly City, 
CA 94013-1631
Worldway Airport Mail Ctr, U.S. Postal Service, 21750 Arnold Center Rd, 
Carson, CA 90810-9998

*Only plant-verified mail is transported to these facilities by the 
mailer.

292.16  Special Services Not Available

    Items sent in this service may not be registered.

292.2  Postage

292.21  Rates

292.211  General

    There are two rate options for International Priority Airmail 
service: a presort rate option that has eight rate groups, and a 
worldwide nonpresort rate. For both options, there are full service 
rates for mail deposited at offices other than the drop shipment 
offices listed in 292.153, and drop shipment rates for mail deposited 
at one of the drop shipment offices. The per-piece rates and per-pound 
rates are shown in Exhibit 292.11. The per-piece rate applies to each 
piece regardless of its weight. The per-pound rate applies to the net 
weight (gross weight minus tare weight of sack) of the mail for the 
specific rate group. Fractions of a pound are rounded to the next whole 
pound for postage calculation.

         Exhibit 292.211.--International Priority Airmail Rates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Drop      Full
                                                Per    shipment  service
                 Rate group                    piece      per      per
                                                         pound    pound
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 (Canada)..................................    $0.25     $2.60    $3.60
2 (Mexico)..................................     0.12      4.60     5.60
3...........................................     0.20      4.25     5.25
4...........................................     0.20      5.50     6.50
5...........................................     0.12      4.60     5.60
6...........................................     0.12      4.75     5.75
7...........................................     0.12      6.25     7.25
8...........................................     0.12      7.25     8.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide...................................     0.20      7.00     8.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------

291.212  Volume Discount

    Mailers who spend $2 million or more on IPA and ISAL in the 
preceding postal fiscal year may receive discounts as follows:
    a. $2 million to $5 million: 5 percent discount.
    b. Over $5 million to $10 million: 10 percent discount.
    c. Over $10 million: 15 percent discount.
    Mailers entitled to these discounts must place the full per-piece 
rate on each piece of mail if payment is by postage meter or mailer-
precanceled stamps. The discount is calculated on the postage 
statement.

292.213  Qualifying for Volume Discounts

    To qualify for volume discounts, mailers must apply in writing to:

[[Page 57896]]

Manager Marketing and Sales, International Business, U.S. Postal 
Service, 475 L'Enfant Plz SW 370 IBU, Washington DC 20260-6500.
    The manager evaluates all requests and informs the mailer and the 
post office(s) of mailing whether discounts are approved and the level 
of discount. Mailers must supply the following information:
    a. Postal fiscal year for the qualifying mail.
    b. Permit number(s) and post office(s) where the permits are held.
    c. Total revenue for the postal fiscal year.
    d. Post office(s) where the discount is to be claimed.
    The combined IPA and ISAL revenue is counted toward the discounts. 
The Postal Service will count as revenue to qualify for the volume 
discounts only postage paid by the permit holder. If a permit holder 
has more than one account, or accounts in several cities, then these 
revenues may be combined to qualify for discounts. Agents who prepare 
mail for the owner of the mail and mail paid by the owner's permit may 
not be included in the revenue to qualify for the discounts. Customers 
may be required to substantiate their request by providing copies of 
all postage statements for the appropriate postal fiscal year. All 
decisions of the Manager, Mail Order are final.

292.214  Availability

    IPA service is available to all foreign countries, as listed in 
Exhibit 292.452, which shows the rate group assigned to each country.

292.215  Presort Rates

    To qualify for the presort rates (see Exhibit 292.211), a mailing 
must consist of a minimum of 11 pounds to a specific rate group. This 
minimum applies to each rate group and not to the entire mailing. 
Within a rate group, all mail addressed to an individual country must 
be sorted into direct country packages of 10 or more pieces (or 1 pound 
or more of mail) and/or sacked in direct country sacks of 11 pounds or 
more. Mail that cannot be made up into direct country packages or 
direct country sacks must be sent at the worldwide nonpresort rates.

    Note: There are separate preparation requirements for mail to 
Canada. See 292.465.

292.216  Separation by Rate Group

    The mailer must specify the rate group on the back of PS Tag 115, 
International Priority Airmail, with 1 (Canada), 2 (Mexico), 3, 4, 5, 
6, 7, 8, or WW (Worldwide), and must physically separate the sacks by 
rate group at the time of mailing.

292.217  Computation of Postage

    Postage is computed on PS Form 3652, Postage Statement--
International Priority Airmail. Postage at the worldwide nonpresort 
rate is calculated by multiplying the number of pieces in the mailing 
by the applicable per-piece rate, multiplying the net weight (in whole 
pounds) of the entire mailing by the applicable per-pound rate, and 
then adding the two totals together. Postage at the presorted rates is 
calculated by multiplying the number of pieces in the mailing destined 
for countries in a specific rate group by the appropriate per-piece 
rate, multiplying the net weight (in whole pounds) of those pieces by 
the corresponding per-pound rate, and then adding the two totals 
together. Volume discounts are calculated on the postage statement.

292.22  Postage Payment Methods

292.221  General

    a. Postage Meter or Permit Imprint. Postage must be paid by postage 
meter, permit imprint, or mailer-precanceled stamps (see DMM P023.3.0) 
or a combination. Postage charges are computed on PS Form 3652.
    b. Piece Rate Portion. The applicable per-piece postage must be 
affixed to each piece by meter unless postage is paid by permit imprint 
(see 292.223).
    c. Pound Rate Portion. Postage for the pound rate portion must be 
paid either by meter stamp(s) attached to the postage statement or from 
the mailer's authorized permit imprint advance deposit account.

292.222  Postage Meter

    a. Postage Endorsement. When postage is paid by meter or mailer-
precanceled stamps, each piece must be legibly endorsed with the words 
``INTERNATIONAL PRIORITY AIRMAIL.''
    b. Specifications for Endorsement. The endorsement required in 
292.222a must appear on the address side of each piece and must be 
applied by a printing press, hand stamp, or other similar printing 
device. It must be printed above the name of the addressee and to the 
left or below the postage, or it may be printed adjacent to the meter 
stamp in either the postal inscription slug area or ad plate area. If 
the postal endorsement appears in the ad plate area, no other 
information may be printed in the ad plate. The endorsement may not be 
typewritten or hand-drawn. The endorsement is not considered adequate 
if it is included as part of a decorative design or advertisement.
    c. Unmarked Pieces. Unmarked pieces lacking the postage endorsement 
required by 292.222a are subject to the airmail letter-post single 
piece rates.
    d. Drop Shipment of Metered Mail. Mailers who want to enter metered 
IPA mail at a post office other than where the meter is licensed must 
obtain a drop shipment authorization. To obtain an authorization, the 
mailer must submit a written request to the postmaster at the office 
where the mail will be entered (see DMM D072).

292.223  Permit Imprint

    Mailers may use a permit imprint for mailings that contain 
identical weight pieces. Any of the permit imprints shown in Exhibit 
152.3 are acceptable. The postage charges are computed on PS Form 3652 
and deducted from the advance deposit account. Permit imprints must not 
denote Priority Mail, bulk mail, nonprofit, or other domestic or 
special rate mail. Mailers may use permit imprint with nonidentical 
weight pieces only if authorized to use postage mailing systems under 
DMM P710, P720, or P730.

292.3  Weight and Size Limits

    See 243 for the weight and size limits for letter-post items sent 
in this service. Items may not weigh more than 4 pounds.

292.4  Preparation Requirements for Individual Items

292.41  Addressing

    International Priority Airmail is subject to the addressing 
requirements contained in 122.
    a. Exception: International Priority Airmail items destined for 
Canada must have the applicable alphanumeric postcode included in the 
delivery address. See 122.1k for the address formatting requirements 
that generally apply to mailpieces sent to Canada.
    b. Exception: International Priority Airmail in direct country 
sacks (see 292.461) is not subject to the interline addressing 
requirement that is specified in 122.1d. At the sender's risk, the 
English translation of the destination post office or city name may be 
omitted from printed addresses that are in Russian, Greek, Arabic, 
Hebrew, Cyrillic, Japanese, or Chinese characters. An English 
translation of the country name (e.g., Japan) is still required on the 
individual mailpieces.

292.42  Marking

292.421  Airmail

    The sender should mark ``PAR AVION'' or ``AIR MAIL'' on the address

[[Page 57897]]

side of each piece. Use of bordered airmail envelopes is optional and 
may be used for items sent in this service if the envelope contains the 
``AIR MAIL'' endorsement.

292.422  Packages

    Items that might be mistaken for another class of mail because of 
their size, weight, or appearance should be marked ``LETTER'' on the 
address side.

292.43  Sealing

    Any item sent in this service may be sealed at the option of the 
sender.

292.44  Packaging

    All items must be placed in envelopes or prepared in package form.

292.45  Sortation Requirements for IPA

292.451 Worldwide Nonpresorted Mail

    a. Working Packages. IPA mail paid at the nonpresorted rate must be 
made up into working packages. Letters and flats must be packaged 
separately, although nonidentical pieces may be commingled within each 
of these categories. Pieces that cannot be packaged because of their 
physical characteristics must be placed loose in the sack.
    b. Facing of Nonpresorted Mail Within Package. All pieces in the 
working packages must be faced the same way.

292.452  Presorted Mail

    a. Direct Country Packages. When there are 10 or more pieces or 1 
pound or more of mail for the same country (except Great Britain), it 
must be made up into a country package. Great Britain requires a finer 
sortation. At the mailer's option, a finer breakdown by city or postal 
code may be made based on sortation information provided by the postal 
administration of the destination country.
    b. Country Package Label.
    (1) The label (facing slip) for country packages that contain 10 or 
more pieces to a specific country (except for Great Britain and Mexico) 
must be completed as follows:
    Line 1: Foreign Exchange Office.
    Line 2: Country of Destination.
    Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location.
    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1150 Vienna Flug
Austria
RBA Company Washington DC
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) See Exhibit 284.522 for Direct Country Package Label and PS Tag 
178, CN 35 Par Avion, for information.

Exhibit 292.452  Foreign Exchange Office and Country Rate Groups

    [Exhibit not included, except rate groups. Formerly Exhibit 
284.522.]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Country                                IPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afghanistan....................................................       8
Albania........................................................       5
Algeria........................................................       8
Andorra........................................................       3
Angola.........................................................       8
Anguilla.......................................................       6
Antigua and Barbuda............................................       6
Argentina......................................................       6
Armenia........................................................       8
Aruba..........................................................       6
Ascension......................................................       5
Australia......................................................       4
Austria........................................................       3
Azerbaijan.....................................................       8
Bahamas........................................................       6
Bahrain........................................................       8
Bangladesh.....................................................       8
Barbados.......................................................       6
Belarus........................................................       5
Belgium........................................................       3
Belize.........................................................       6
Benin..........................................................       8
Bermuda........................................................       6
Bhutan.........................................................       8
Bolivia........................................................       6
Bosnia-Herzegovina.............................................       5
Botswana.......................................................       8
Brazil.........................................................       6
British Virgin Islands.........................................       6
Brunei Darussalam..............................................       7
Bulgaria.......................................................       5
Burkina Faso...................................................       8
Burma (Myanmar)................................................       8
Burundi........................................................       8
Cambodia.......................................................       7
Cameroon.......................................................       8
Canada.........................................................       1
Cape Verde.....................................................       8
Cayman.........................................................       6
Central African Republic.......................................       8
Chad...........................................................       8
Chile..........................................................       6
China..........................................................       7
Colombia.......................................................       6
Comoros Islands................................................       8
Congo (Brazzaville), Republic of the...........................       8
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the...................       8
Costa Rica.....................................................       6
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)....................................       8
Croatia........................................................       5
Cuba...........................................................       6
Cyprus.........................................................       8
Czech Republic.................................................       5
Denmark........................................................       3
Djibouti.......................................................       8
Dominica.......................................................       6
Dominican Republic.............................................       6
Ecuador........................................................       6
Egypt..........................................................       8
El Salvador....................................................       6
Equatorial Guinea..............................................       8
Eritrea........................................................       8
Estonia........................................................       5
Ethiopia.......................................................       8
Falkland Islands...............................................       6
Faroe Islands..................................................       5
Fiji...........................................................       7
Finland........................................................       3
France (Includes Corsica & Monaco).............................       3
French Guiana..................................................       6
French Polynesia (Includes Tahiti).............................       7
Gabon..........................................................       8
Gambia.........................................................       8
Georgia, Republic of...........................................       8
Germany........................................................       3
Ghana..........................................................       8
Gibraltar......................................................       3
Great Britain and Northern Ireland.............................       3
Greece.........................................................       3
Greenland......................................................       3
Grenada........................................................       6
Guadeloupe.....................................................       6
Guatemala......................................................       6
Guinea.........................................................       8
Guinea-Bissau..................................................       8
Guyana.........................................................       6
Haiti..........................................................       6
Honduras.......................................................       6
Hong Kong......................................................       7
Hungary........................................................       5
Iceland........................................................       3
India..........................................................       8
Indonesia (Includes East Timor)................................       7
Iran...........................................................       8
Iraq...........................................................       8
Ireland........................................................       3
Israel.........................................................       3
Italy..........................................................       3
Jamaica........................................................       6
Japan..........................................................       4
Jordan.........................................................       8
Kazakhstan.....................................................       8
Kenya..........................................................       8
Kiribati.......................................................       7
Korea, Dem. People's Rep. of (North)...........................       7
Korea, Republic of (South).....................................       7
Kuwait.........................................................       8
Kyrgyzstan.....................................................       5
Laos...........................................................       7
Latvia.........................................................       5
Lebanon........................................................       8
Lesotho........................................................       8
Liberia........................................................       8
Libya..........................................................       8
Liechtenstein..................................................       3
Lithuania......................................................       5
Luxembourg.....................................................       3
Macao..........................................................       5
Macedonia, Republic of.........................................       5
Madagascar.....................................................       8
Malawi.........................................................       8
Malaysia.......................................................       7
Maldives.......................................................       8
Mali...........................................................       8
Malta..........................................................       8
Martinique.....................................................       6
Mauritania.....................................................       8
Mauritius......................................................       8
Mexico.........................................................       2
Moldova........................................................       8
Mongolia.......................................................       7
Montserrat.....................................................       6
Morocco........................................................       8
Mozambique.....................................................       8
Namibia........................................................       8
Nauru..........................................................       7
Nepal..........................................................       7
Netherlands....................................................       3
Netherlands Antilles...........................................       6
New Caledonia..................................................       7
New Zealand....................................................       4

[[Page 57898]]

 
Nicaragua......................................................       6
Niger..........................................................       8
Nigeria........................................................       8
Norway.........................................................       3
Oman...........................................................       8
Pakistan.......................................................       8
Panama.........................................................       6
Papua New Guinea...............................................       7
Paraguay.......................................................       6
Peru...........................................................       6
Philippines....................................................       7
Pitcairn Island................................................       7
Poland.........................................................       5
Portugal (Includes Azores & Madeira Islands)...................       3
Qatar..........................................................       8
Reunion........................................................       8
Romania........................................................       5
Russia.........................................................       5
Rwanda.........................................................       8
Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis........................       6
Saint Helena...................................................       8
Saint Lucia....................................................       6
Saint Pierre & Miquelon........................................       6
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines...............................       6
San Marino.....................................................       3
Sao Tome and Principe..........................................       5
Saudi Arabia...................................................       8
Senegal........................................................       8
Serbia-Montenegro (Yugoslavia).................................       5
Seychelles.....................................................       8
Sierra Leone...................................................       8
Singapore......................................................       7
Slovak Republic (Slovakia).....................................       5
Slovenia.......................................................       5
Solomon Islands................................................       7
Somalia........................................................       8
South Africa...................................................       8
Spain (Includes Canary Islands)................................       3
Sri Lanka......................................................       8
Sudan..........................................................       8
Suriname.......................................................       6
Swaziland......................................................       8
Sweden.........................................................       3
Switzerland....................................................       3
Syria..........................................................       8
Taiwan.........................................................       7
Tajikistan.....................................................       8
Tanzania.......................................................       8
Thailand.......................................................       7
Togo...........................................................       8
Tonga..........................................................       7
Trinidad and Tobago............................................       6
Tristan da Cunha...............................................       8
Tunisia........................................................       8
Turkey.........................................................       5
Turkmenistan...................................................       5
Turks and Caicos Islands.......................................       6
Tuvalu.........................................................       7
Uganda.........................................................       8
Ukraine........................................................       8
United Arab Emirates...........................................       8
Uruguay........................................................       6
Uzbekistan.....................................................       8
Vanuatu........................................................       7
Vatican City...................................................       3
Venezuela......................................................       6
Vietnam........................................................       7
Wallis and Futuna Islands......................................       7
Western Samoa..................................................       7
Yemen..........................................................       8
Zambia.........................................................       8
Zimbabwe.......................................................       8
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    c. Country Packages to Great Britain. When there are 10 or more 
pieces or 1 pound or more per separation, International Priority 
Airmail to Great Britain must be sorted into packages in the following 
manner:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Exchange office  (Line 1
                Separation                          bundle label)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONDON CITY...............................  LONDON TOWN.
SCOTLAND..................................  GLASGOW FWD.
NORTHERN IRELAND..........................  BELFAST FWD.
ALL OTHER GREAT BRITAIN...................  GREAT BRITAIN, GREAT
                                             BRITAIN.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONDON TOWN
Great Britain
Mailer, Mailer Location
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    d. Facing of Pieces Within Country Package. All pieces in the 
country package must be faced in the same direction and a facing slip 
identifying the contents of the package must be placed on the address 
side of the top piece of each package in such a manner that it will not 
become separated from the package.

    Note: The pressure-sensitive labels and optional endorsement 
lines used domestically for presort mail are prohibited for 
International Priority Airmail.

292.452  Physical Characteristics and Requirements for Packages

    a. Thickness. Packages of letter-size mail should be no thicker 
than approximately a handful of mail (4 to 6 inches thick).
    b. Securing Packages. Each package must be securely tied. Placing 
rubber bands around the length and then the girth is the preferred 
method of securing packages of letter-size mail. Plastic strapping 
placed around the length and then the girth is the preferred method of 
securing packages of flat-size mail.
    c. Separation of Packages. Letter-size and flat-size mail must be 
packaged separately.

292.46  Sacking Requirements

292.461   Direct Country Sack (11 Pounds or More)

    a. General. When there are 11 or more pounds of mail addressed to 
the same country (including Great Britain), the mail must be packaged 
and enclosed in blue international airmail sacks and labeled to the 
country with PS Tag 178, Airmail Bag Label LC (CN 35/AV 8) (white). All 
types of mail, including letter-size packages, flat-size packages, and 
loose items, can be commingled in the same sack for each destination 
and counted toward the 11-pound minimum.
    b. Direct Country Sack Tags. Direct country sacks must be labeled 
with PS Tag 178. The tag is white and specially coded to route the mail 
to a specific country and airport of destination. The blocks on the tag 
for date, weight, and dispatch information must be completed by the 
Postal Service and may not be completed by the mailer. The mailer must 
complete the ``To'' block showing the destination country. PS Tag 115, 
International Priority Airmail, must also be affixed to the direct 
country sacks. PS Tag 115 is a ``Day-Glo'' pink tag that identifies the 
mail to ensure it receives priority handling. The mailer must designate 
on the back of PS Tag 115 the applicable rate group, using 1 (Canada), 
2 (Mexico), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or WW (Worldwide).

292.462  Mixed Direct Country Package Sacks

    a. General. The direct country packages containing 10 or more 
pieces or 1 pound or more of mail destined to a specific country that 
cannot be made up in direct country sacks must be enclosed in orange 
Priority Mail sacks unless other equipment is specified by the 
acceptance office.
    b. Mixed Direct Country Sack Label. The sack label must be 
completed as follows. (See Exhibit 292.462 for list of U.S. 
International Exchange Offices.)
Line 1: Appropriate U.S. Exchange Office and Routing Code
Line 2: Contents--DRX
Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location
    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMC SEATTLE WA 980
INT'L PRIORITY AIRMAIL--DRX
ABC STORE SEATTLE WA
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exhibit 292.462  Labeling of IPA Mail to USPS Exchange Offices

    [Exhibit not included. Formerly Exhibit 284.622.]

292.463  Worldwide Nonpresort Mail Sacks

    a. General. The working packages of mixed country mail and loose 
items must be enclosed in orange Priority Mail sacks unless other 
equipment is specified by the acceptance office. Nonpresorted letter-
size mail may be presented in trays if authorized by the acceptance 
office.

    Note: Working packages of mixed country mail cannot be enclosed 
in mixed direct country package sacks.

    b. Worldwide Nonpresort Mail Sack Label. The sack label must be 
completed as follows:

[[Page 57899]]

Line 1: Appropriate U.S. Exchange Office and Routing Code
Line 2: Contents--WKG
Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location
    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC MIAMI FL 33112
INT'L PRIORITY AIRMAIL--WKG
ABC COMPANY MIAMI FL
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    See Exhibit 292.462 for list of U.S. International Exchange 
Offices.

292.464  Tags and Weight Maximum for Sacks

    a. PS Tag 115 and PS Tag 178. All IPA sacks (direct country, mixed 
direct country package sacks, and worldwide nonpresort mail sacks) must 
be labeled with PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail. PS Tag 115 
is a ``Day-Glo'' pink tag that identifies IPA mail to ensure that it 
receives priority treatment. PS Tag 178 (see 292.461) is a dispatching 
tag to be used only for direct country sacks. PS Tag 178 is white and 
specially coded to route the mail to a specific country and airport of 
destination. The Postal Service must complete the blocks on the tag for 
date, weight, and dispatch information. The mailer must complete only 
the ``To'' block showing the destination country. Postal tags and sacks 
are available from the post office.
    b. Sack Weight Maximum. The maximum weight of the sack and contents 
must not exceed 66 pounds.

292.465  Preparation Requirements for Canada

    To qualify for the presort rates for Canada, a mailer must have at 
least 11 pounds of mail for Canada. This includes letter-size, flat-
size, and package-size items even though such items are prepared in 
separate equipment. If the mailing contains less than 11 pounds of mail 
for Canada, or if the mailer chooses to do so, mail for Canada is 
included in the worldwide nonpresort rate mail with mail for other 
countries. Worldwide nonpresort mail for Canada is prepared in 
accordance with 292.463. The preparation requirements of presorted mail 
to Canada follow.
    a. Letter-Size Mail and Flat-Size Mail. Letter-size items are 
prepared in letter trays, either half-size or full-size, depending on 
volume. Flat-size items are prepared in flat trays. All items must be 
faced in the same direction, and all trays must be full enough to keep 
the mail from mixing during transportation. Do not prepare the content 
of the tray in packages. The mailer must label each tray to show the 
destination in Canada and the dispatching U.S. international exchange 
office in the following format:
Line 1: Canadian Destination, U.S. Exchange Office Code
Line 2: Contents
Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location
    Example:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
TORONTO ON FWD 11430
IPA
ABC COMPANY NEW YORK NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the mailer must complete PS Tag 115, International 
Priority Airmail. Write ``Canada'' on the reverse and tape the tag to 
the tray sleeve. All trays must be banded.
    b. Packages. Items that cannot be prepared in trays because of 
their size or shape must be placed loose in blue airmail sacks. Use PS 
Tag 115, International Priority Airmail, and label to either Toronto or 
Vancouver, as appropriate. Attach a completed PS Tag 178. See 292.461b.

Exhibit 292.465

    Canadian Labeling Information [Exhibit not included. Formerly 
Exhibit 284.65.]

292.47  Customs Forms Requirements

    See 123.

293  International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) Service

293.1  Definition

    International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) is a bulk mailing system that 
provides fast, economical international delivery of letter-post items. 
The cost is lower than airmail and the service is much faster than 
surface mail. ISAL shipments are flown to the foreign destinations and 
entered into that country's surface or nonpriority mail system for 
delivery.

293.2  Qualifying Mail and Minimum Quantity Requirements

    Letter-post mail as defined in 241 that meets all applicable 
mailing standards may be sent in this service. There is a minimum 
volume requirement of 50 pounds per mailing except for the Direct 
Shipment option, which requires a minimum 750 pounds to a single 
country destination. Mail is prepared as (1) direct country sacks when 
there are 11 pounds or more to a single country or required country 
separation; (2) mixed country package sacks when there are 10 or more 
pieces or at least 1 pound of mail to a single country, but less than 
11 pounds; and (3) residual mail when there are fewer than 10 pieces or 
less than 1 pound of mail to a single country. Residual mail may not 
exceed 10 percent, by weight, of the mail presented in direct country 
sacks, M-bags, and mixed country package sacks. Qualifying residual 
mail is subject to the appropriate ISAL rate (Full Service, Direct 
Shipment, M-Bag, or Dropship ISC).

    Note: A package is defined as 10 or more pieces of mail to the 
same country separation or 1 pound or more regardless of the number 
of pieces. Packages of letter-size pieces of mail should be no 
thicker than approximately a handful of mail (4 to 6 inches). 
Packages of flat-size mail may be thicker than 6 inches but must not 
weigh more than 11 pounds.

293.3  Service Options

293.31  Availability

    ISAL service is available to the foreign countries listed in 
Exhibit 293.71 from all post offices where bulk mail is accepted and 
from the Drop Shipment ISCs listed in 293.32.

293.32 Drop Shipment ISAL International Service Centers

    ISAL deposited at the following Drop Shipment ISAL ISCs qualify for 
the Drop Shipment ISC rates shown in 293.71:
New York:
    JOHN F KENNEDY AIRPORT MAIL CTR, US POSTAL SERVICE, JOHN F KENNEDY 
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, BLDG 250, JAMAICA, NY 11430-9998
Florida:
    MIAMI INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CTR*, US POSTAL SERVICE, 11690 NW 25TH 
ST, MIAMI, FL 33172-1702
    MIAMI PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION CTR, US POSTAL SERVICE, 2200 NW 
72ND AVE, MIAMI, FL 33152-9997
Texas:
    DALLAS INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CTR, US POSTAL SERVICE, 15050 TRINITY 
BLVD, FORT WORTH, TX 76155-3203
Illinois:
    CHICAGO OHARE INTERNATIONAL ANNEX, US POSTAL SERVICE, 514 EXPRESS 
CENTER DR, CHICAGO, IL 60688-9998
California:
    SAN FRANCISCO ISC, US POSTAL SERVICE, 2650 BAYSHORE BLVD, DALY 
CITY, CA 94013-1631
    WORLDWAY AIRPORT MAIL CTR, US POSTAL SERVICE, 21750 ARNOLD CENTER 
RD, CARSON, CA 90810-9998

    Only plant-verified mail is transported to these facilities by 
the mailer.

293.4  Special Services

    The special services described in chapter 3 are not available for 
items sent by ISAL.

[[Page 57900]]

293.5  Customs Documentation

    See 123 for the requirements for customs forms.

293.6  Permits

    Mailers depositing mail at a Drop Shipment ISC must maintain an 
advance deposit account at that city if postage is paid by advance 
deposit account.

293.7  Postage

293.71  Rates

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Drop         Direct
                      Rate group                          Per piece   shipment per  shipment per  Full service   M-bag drop   M-bag direct   M-bag full
                                                                          pound         pound       per pound     shipment      shipment       service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 (Canada)............................................         $0.25         $2.15         $2.65         $3.15         $1.40         $1.50         $1.50
2 (Mexico)............................................          0.12          3.20          3.70          4.20          1.50          1.60          1.60
3.....................................................          0.20          2.50          3.00          3.50          1.50          1.75          1.75
4.....................................................          0.20          2.75          3.25          3.75          2.50          2.50          2.50
5.....................................................          0.12          3.45          3.95          4.45          2.00          2.25          2.25
6.....................................................          0.12          3.40          3.90          4.40          2.00          2.25          2.25
7.....................................................          0.12          3.50          4.00          4.50          2.25          2.50          2.50
8.....................................................          0.12          5.50          6.00          6.50          3.00          3.25          3.25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exhibit 293.71  International Surface Air Lift Service Network 
Countries and Rates

    [Exhibit not included except rate groups. Formerly Exhibit 246.71.]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   ISAL
                            Country                                rate
                                                                  group
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albania........................................................        5
Algeria........................................................        8
Angola.........................................................        8
Argentina......................................................        6
Armenia........................................................        8
Aruba..........................................................        6
Australia......................................................        4
Austria........................................................        3
Bahrain........................................................        8
Bangladesh.....................................................        8
Belgium........................................................        3
Belize.........................................................        6
Benin..........................................................        8
Bolivia........................................................        6
Brazil.........................................................        6
Bulgaria.......................................................        5
Burkina Faso...................................................        8
Burundi........................................................        8
Cameroon.......................................................        8
Canada.........................................................        1
Central African Republic.......................................        8
Chile..........................................................        6
China..........................................................        7
Colombia.......................................................        6
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the...................        8
Costa Rica.....................................................        6
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)....................................        8
Cuba...........................................................        6
Czech Republic.................................................        5
Denmark........................................................        3
Dominican Republic.............................................        6
Ecuador........................................................        6
Egypt..........................................................        8
El Salvador....................................................        6
Estonia........................................................        5
Ethiopia.......................................................        8
Fiji...........................................................        7
Finland........................................................        3
France (Includes Corsica & Monaco).............................        3
French Guiana..................................................        6
Gabon..........................................................        8
Germany........................................................        3
Ghana..........................................................        8
Gibraltar......................................................        3
Great Britain and Northern Ireland.............................        3
Greece.........................................................        3
Guatemala......................................................        6
Guyana.........................................................        6
Haiti..........................................................        6
Honduras.......................................................        6
Hong Kong......................................................        7
Hungary........................................................        5
Iceland........................................................        3
India..........................................................        8
Indonesia (Includes East Timor)................................        7
Iran...........................................................        8
Ireland........................................................        3
Israel.........................................................        3
Italy..........................................................        3
Jamaica........................................................        6
Japan..........................................................        4
Jordan.........................................................        8
Kenya..........................................................        8
Korea, Republic of (South).....................................        7
Kuwait.........................................................        8
Lebanon........................................................        8
Liechtenstein..................................................        3
Lithuania......................................................        5
Luxembourg.....................................................        3
Madagascar.....................................................        8
Malaysia.......................................................        7
Mali...........................................................        8
Mauritania.....................................................        8
Mauritius......................................................        8
Mexico.........................................................        2
Morocco........................................................        8
Mozambique.....................................................        8
Netherlands....................................................        3
Netherlands Antilles...........................................        6
New Zealand....................................................        4
Nicaragua......................................................        6
Niger..........................................................        8
Nigeria........................................................        8
Norway.........................................................        3
Oman...........................................................        8
Pakistan.......................................................        8
Panama.........................................................        6
Papua New Guinea...............................................        7
Paraguay.......................................................        6
Peru...........................................................        6
Philippines....................................................        7
Poland.........................................................        5
Portugal (Includes Azores & Madeira Islands)...................        3
Qatar..........................................................        8
Reunion........................................................        8
Romania........................................................        5
Russia.........................................................        5
Saudi Arabia...................................................        8
Senegal........................................................        8
Singapore......................................................        7
South Africa...................................................        8
Spain (Includes Canary Islands)................................        3
Sri Lanka......................................................        8
Sudan..........................................................        8
Suriname.......................................................        6
Sweden.........................................................        3
Switzerland....................................................        3
Syria..........................................................        8
Taiwan.........................................................        7
Tanzania.......................................................        8
Thailand.......................................................        7
Togo...........................................................        8
Tonga..........................................................        7
Trinidad and Tobago............................................        6
Tunisia........................................................        8
Turkey.........................................................        5
Uganda.........................................................        8
United Arab Emirates...........................................        8
Uruguay........................................................        6
Venezuela......................................................        6
Yemen..........................................................        8
Zambia.........................................................        8
Zimbabwe.......................................................        8
------------------------------------------------------------------------

293.72  Full Service Rates

    ISAL mailings presented at any post office that accepts bulk mail, 
other than a Drop Shipment ISC listed in 293.32, and not eligible for 
the direct shipment rate, are paid at the full-service rates. Postage 
for regular ISAL is paid on a per-piece and a per-pound basis. M-bags 
are subject to the M-bag pound rate only.

293.73  Direct Shipment Rates

    Mailers are eligible for the direct shipment rates from the 
acceptance post office (except Drop Shipment ISCs) when the Postal 
Service is able to arrange direct transportation from the origin office 
to the destination country. To qualify, mailers must present a

[[Page 57901]]

minimum of 750 pounds to each destination country. Mailers must contact 
the post office of mailing at least 14 days before the first desired 
mailing date. A postal employee must complete PS Form 3655, 
International Surface Airlift (ISAL) Direct Shipment Option Advisement 
and Confirmation of Transactions, and fax it to the distribution 
network office (DNO) to obtain a contract for transportation. If the 
DNO cannot arrange direct transportation, the direct shipment rate does 
not apply. The Postal Service may cancel direct shipment rates and 
service when direct transportation is no longer available.

293.74  Drop Shipment ISC Rates

    ISAL mailings transported by the mailer to the Dropship ISCs listed 
in 293.32 are eligible for the Drop Shipment ISC rate.

293.75  Volume Discount

293.751  General

    Mailers who spend $2 million or more combined on ISAL and IPA in 
the preceding postal fiscal year may receive discounts off the rates 
shown in 293.71:

a. Over $2 million to $5 million: 5 percent discount.
b. Over $5 million to $10 million: 10 percent discount.
c. Over $10 million: 15 percent discount.

    Mailers entitled to these discounts must place the full per-piece 
rate on each piece of mail if payment is by postage meter or mailer-
precanceled stamps. The discount is calculated on the postage 
statement.

293.752  Qualifying for Volume Discounts

    To qualify for volume discounts, mailers must apply in writing to:

MANAGER MARKETING AND SALES, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, US POSTAL SERVICE, 
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW, 370 IBU, WASHINGTON, DC 20260-6500.
    The manager evaluates all requests and informs the mailer and the 
post office(s) of mailing whether discounts are approved and the level 
of discount. Mailers must supply the following information:

a. The postal fiscal year for the qualifying mail.
b. The permit number(s) and post office(s) where the permits are held.
c. The total revenue for the postal fiscal year.
d. The post office(s) where the discount is to be claimed.

    The combined ISAL and IPA revenue is counted toward the discounts. 
The Postal Service will count as revenue to qualify for the volume 
discounts postage paid by only a permit holder. If a permit holder has 
more than one account, or accounts in several cities, then these 
revenues may be combined to qualify for discounts. Agents who prepare 
mail for the owner of the mail and mail paid by the owner's permit may 
not be included in the revenue to qualify for the discounts. Customers 
may be required to substantiate their request by providing copies of 
all mailing statements for the appropriate postal fiscal year. All 
decisions of the Manager, Mail Order are final.

293.76  Payment Methods

293.761  Postage Meter, Permit Imprint, or Precanceled Stamps

    Postage must be paid by postage meter, permit imprint, or mailer-
precanceled stamps. Postage is computed on PS Form 3650, Statement of 
Mailing--International Surface Air Lift. PS Form 3650 is required for 
all ISAL mailings.

293.762  Piece Rate

    The applicable per-piece postage must be affixed to each piece 
(except M-bags, see 293.723) by meter or mailer-precanceled stamps, 
unless postage is paid by permit imprint. Mailers may use permit 
imprint only with identical weight pieces unless authorized under the 
postage mailing systems in DMM P710, P720, or P730. All of the permit 
imprints for printed matter shown in Exhibit 152.3 are acceptable.

293.763  Pound Rate

    Postage for the pound rate portion must be paid either by meter 
stamp(s) attached to the finance copy of the postage statement or from 
the mailer's advance deposit account.

293.8  Weight and Size Limits

    Any item sent by ISAL must conform to the weight and size limits 
for letter-post as described in 243.

293.9  Preparation Requirements

293.91  Addressing

    International Surface Air Lift mail is subject to the addressing 
requirements contained in 122.
    a. Exception: International Priority Airmail items destined for 
Canada must have the applicable alphanumeric post code included in the 
delivery address. See 122.1k for the address formatting requirements 
that generally apply to mailpieces sent to Canada.
    b. Exception: International Surface Air Lift mail in direct country 
sacks (see 293.942a) is not subject to the interline addressing 
requirement that is specified in 122.1d. At the sender's risk, the 
English translation of the destination post office or city name may be 
omitted from printed addresses that are in Russian, Greek, Arabic, 
Hebrew, Cyrillic, Japanese, or Chinese characters. An English 
translation of the country name (e.g., Russia) is still required on the 
individual mailpieces.

293.92  Marking

    For publishers' periodicals (Periodicals Mail), the imprint 
authorized under 244.211c(2) or 244.211c(3) may be used. Individual 
items paid by meter postage or mailer-precanceled stamps must be 
endorsed ``International Surface Air Lift'' or ``ISAL.''

293.93  Sealing and Packaging

    Any item sent in this service may be sealed at the option of the 
sender.

293.94  Makeup Requirements for ISAL

293.941  Packaging

    The following guidelines apply:
    a. General. All ISAL mail must be prepared in packages within sacks 
as appropriate. A package is defined as 10 or more pieces of mail to 
the same country or separation or 1 pound or more regardless of the 
number of pieces. Packages of letter-size mail pieces should be no 
thicker than approximately a handful of mail (4 to 6 inches). Packages 
of flat-size mail may be thicker than 6 inches but must not weigh more 
than 11 pounds. Packages and sacks must be prepared and labeled as 
described below. All mailpieces in a package must be ``faced'' in the 
same direction (i.e., arranged so that the addresses read in the same 
direction, with an address visible on the top piece). Pieces that 
cannot be bundled because of their physical characteristics may be 
placed loose in the sack.
    b. Thickness. Packages of letter-size mail should be no thicker 
than approximately a handful of mail (4 to 6 inches). Packages of flat-
size mail may be thicker than 6 inches but must not weigh more than 11 
pounds. Each package must be securely tied. Placing rubber bands around 
the length and then the girth is the preferred method of securing 
packages of letter-size mail. Plastic strapping placed around the 
length and then the girth is the preferred method of securing packages 
of flat-size mail.
    c. Direct Country Packages. When there are 10 or more pieces or 1 
pound or more to the same country, then such pieces must be prepared as 
a direct country package. If there is less than 11

[[Page 57902]]

pounds of mail to the same country, then the direct country package 
must be labeled with a facing slip showing the destination country or 
country separation. The facing slip must be placed on the address side 
of the top piece of each package in such a manner that it will not 
become separated from the package. The pressure-sensitive labels and 
optional endorsement lines used domestically for presort mail are 
prohibited for International Surface Air Lift Mail.
    d. Residual Packages. If there is not enough mail to prepare a 
direct country package (fewer than 10 pieces or less than 1 pound), the 
mail is considered residual mail. When there are fewer than 10 pieces 
to the same country, then such pieces should be combined in packages 
with other mail for countries within the same rate group that similarly 
have fewer than 10 pieces. Such mixed country packages must be labeled 
with a facing slip marked ``Residual, Rate Group ____.'' The designated 
rate group (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8) must be inserted as appropriate. 
The facing slip must be placed on the address side of the top piece of 
each package in such a manner that it will not become separated from 
the package. The pressure-sensitive labels and optional endorsement 
lines used domestically for presort mail are prohibited for 
International Surface Air Lift Mail.
    Exception: The 10-piece criterion is when there are fewer than 10 
pieces to the same country and those pieces weigh more than 11 pounds. 
Such mailpieces should be packaged together as a direct country package 
and placed in a direct country sack. Pieces that cannot be packaged 
because of their physical characteristics may be placed loose in the 
sack.

293.942  Sacking

    Once packages of ISAL mail are prepared, the packages are then 
placed into one of three types of designated sacks:
    a. Direct Country Sack. Prepare a direct country sack if there are 
at least 11 pounds of mail to the same country. The mail must be 
packaged and enclosed in a gray plastic ISAL sack and labeled to the 
country with PS Tag 155, Surface Airlift Mail. The maximum weight of a 
direct country sack must not exceed 66 pounds.
    b. Mixed Country Package Sack. Prepare a mixed country package sack 
for those direct country packages where there is less than 11 pounds of 
mail to the same country. The mail must be packaged as direct country 
packages, identified with a facing slip showing the destination country 
or country separation, and enclosed in a green pouch labeled to the 
dropship ISAL service center. PS Tag 155 also must be attached to the 
sack. Prepare a mixed country package sack for each of the respective 
rate groups for which there is a direct country package and label as 
follows:

Rate group 1--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 2--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 3--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 4--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 5--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 6--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 7--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 8--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003

    c. Residual Sack. Prepare a residual sack for those packages of 
mail that contain fewer than 10 pieces or less than 1 pound of mail to 
any one country (residual packages). The mail must be packaged as 
residual packages, appropriately identified with a facing slip, and 
enclosed in a green pouch labeled to the Drop Shipment ISAL service 
center. PS Tag 155 also must be attached to the sack. The mailer must 
prepare a residual sack for each of the respective rate groups for 
which there is a residual package and label it as follows:

Rate group 1--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 2--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 3--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 4--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 5--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 6--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 7--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 8--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003

293.943  Sack Labeling

    Depending on the type of sack, labels are prepared as follows:
    a. Direct Country Sack. For a direct country sack, use a gray 
plastic ISAL sack. Use PS Tag 155 to label each sack with the 
destination country's name. Mailers must complete four blocks on PS Tag 
155:
    (1) To (Pour) Block: Enter the name of the ISAL country foreign 
exchange office, its three-letter exchange office code, and the 
country's name. See Exhibit 293.71 for the name of the foreign exchange 
office and its three-letter exchange office code. As an example, for 
Ireland, this block will be as follows:
Dublin DUB Ireland
    (2) Customer Permit No. Block: Enter permit number.
    (3) Kg. Block: Enter the combined weight of the sack and its 
contents in kilograms (1 pound = 0.4536 kilogram).
    (4) Date Block: Enter date as shown on PS Form 3650, Statement of 
Mailing--International Surface Air Lift. After completing the above 
items on PS Tag 155, attach it to the neck of the sack.
    b. Mixed Country Package Sack. For a mixed country package sack, 
use a domestic green nylon pouch and label it to the appropriate Drop 
Shipment ISAL service center as follows:

Rate group 1--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 2--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 3--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 4--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 5--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 6--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 7--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 8--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003

    Labels are prepared as follows:
    Content:

Line 1: Drop Shipment ISAL Service Center
Line 2: ISAL DRX
Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location

    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMC KENNEDY--JFK 003
ISAL DRX
ABC COMPANY, NEW YORK, NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the mixed country package sack label, use Content 
Identification Number (CIN) 753.
    In addition, use PS Tag 155 to label each sack with the appropriate 
Drop Shipment ISAL service center. Mailers must complete four blocks on 
PS Tag 155:
    (1) To (Pour) Block: Enter the name of the Drop Shipment ISAL 
service center and rate group:

Rate group 1--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 2--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 3--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 4--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 5--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 6--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 7--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 8--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003

    (2) Customer Permit No. Block: Enter your permit.
    (3) Kg. Block: Enter the combined weight of the sack and its 
contents in kilograms (1 pound = 0.4536 kilogram).
    (4) Date Block: Enter date as shown on PS Form 3650. After 
completing the above items on PS Tag 155, attach it to the sack.
    c. Residual Sack. For a residual sack, use a domestic green nylon 
pouch and label it to the appropriate Drop Shipment ISAL service center 
as follows:

Rate group 1--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 2--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 3--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 4--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 5--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 6--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 7--AMC San Francisco 941

[[Page 57903]]

Rate group 8--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003

    Labels are prepared as follows:
    Content:

Line 1: Drop Shipment ISAL Service Center
Line 2: ISAL WKG
Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location
    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMC KENNEDY--JFK 003
ISAL WKG
ABC COMPANY, NEW YORK, NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the residual sack label, use CIN 754.
    In addition, use PS Tag 155 to label each sack with the appropriate 
Drop Shipment ISAL service center. Mailers must complete three blocks 
on PS Tag 155:
    (1) To (Pour) Block: Enter the name of the Drop Shipment ISAL 
service center and rate group:

Rate group 1--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 2--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 3--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 4--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 5--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003
Rate group 6--AMC Miami 33159
Rate group 7--AMC San Francisco 941
Rate group 8--AMC Kennedy--JFK 003

    (2) Customer Permit No. Block: Enter your 10-digit ISAL permit or 
customer identification number.
    (3) Kg. Block: Enter the combined weight of the sack and its 
contents in kilograms (1 pound = 0.4536 kilogram).
    (4) Date Block: Enter date as shown on PS Form 3650. After 
completing the above items on PS Tag 155, attach it to the sack.

293.944  Sack Separation

    When presenting an ISAL shipment to the Postal Service, the mailer 
must physically separate the sacks of mail by type (direct, mixed, 
residual) and rate group (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) at time of mailing.

293.945  Direct Sacks to One Addressee (M-Bags) for ISAL

    M-bags may be sent in the ISAL service to all ISAL destination 
countries. Weight, makeup, sacking, and sorting requirements must 
conform to 260. PS Tag 158 must show the complete address of the 
addressee and the sender. PS Tags 155 and 158 must be attached securely 
to the neck of each sack. M-bags may not contain small packets.

293.95  Mailer Notification

    Mailers who wish to mail shipments that weigh over 750 pounds but 
who are not eligible for direct shipment rates must notify the ISAL 
coordinator at the office of mailing at least 14 days before the 
planned date of mailing. Specific country information and weight per 
country must be provided. No prior notification is required for mailers 
with 750 pounds or less.

294  Publishers' Periodicals

294.1  Description

294.11  Definition

    Publishers' periodicals are domestically approved Periodicals Mail 
publications. See DMM E211.

294.12  Eligibility

    Publishers' periodicals may be mailed only by publishers and 
registered news agents. When mailed by individuals, this type of 
publication is subject to regular printed matter postage rates.

294.2  Postage

294.21  Rates

    See Individual Country Listings for rates.

294.22  Special Rates

    There are no unique international postage rates that specifically 
apply to either nonprofit organizations or to classroom publications. 
If otherwise qualified, those categories of senders may enter their 
mail at publishers' periodicals rates. See 294.62 for the conditions of 
mailing governing a postage rate discount for publishers or registered 
news agents who drop ship their mail at the New Jersey International 
and Bulk Mail Center (NJI&BMC).

294.23  Sample Copies

    Complete sample copies may be mailed at the rates for publishers' 
periodicals, whether or not the number of such sample copies exceeds 10 
percent of the subscriber copies.

294.24  Single Copies Mailed to Countries Other Than Canada

    Single copies of publishers' periodicals addressed to all countries 
except Canada must be placed in wrappers or envelopes.

294.25  Single Copies Mailed to Canada

    Single copies of publishers' periodicals may be entered without 
envelopes or wrappers, provided the mailing is sorted and packaged in 
the manner prescribed in 294.4. The exemption from the wrapper 
requirement is not applicable to copies addressed for delivery at 
Canadian overseas military post offices (CFPOs).

242.26  Payment of Postage

    Postage on publishers' periodicals mailed by the publisher or by a 
registered news agent may be paid (1) by means of postage stamps or 
postage meter stamp, or (2) from deposits of money made with the 
postmaster by the publisher or news agent. When the postage is paid 
from money on deposit with the postmaster, the postage charges are 
computed on PS Form 3541-N, Postage Statement--Periodicals Nonprofit 
Rates, or on PS Form 3541-R, Postage Statement--Periodicals Regular and 
Science-of-Agriculture Rates, filed by the publisher or news agent and 
completed by the postmaster.

294.27  Postage on Mailings While Application Pending

    Postage at the regular printed matter rates must be paid for 
mailings of publications on which an application for Periodicals Mail 
privileges is pending. When the application is approved, postage 
charges should be adjusted on reported mailings based on rates for 
publishers' periodicals and according to the general procedure provided 
in DMM E216.

294.28  Per Copy Rate of Postage

    Postage at the per-copy rate must be charged on all individually 
addressed copies of publishers' periodicals. All copies reported on PS 
Forms 3541-N or 3541-R, whether addressed or unaddressed, are subject 
to a per-copy rate. If a publisher or registered news agent prefers, he 
or she may pay postage on unaddressed copies to be mailed in bulk 
packages by affixing the appropriate postage to the wrappers of the 
packages.

294.3  Weight and Size Limits

 294.31  Weight Limit

    The weight limit for individually addressed items is 4 pounds.

294.32  Size Limits

294.321  Envelopes and Packages

    a. Minimum length and height: 5\1/2\ x 3\1/2\ inches.
    b. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inch.
    c. Maximum length: 24 inches.
    d. Maximum length, height, depth (thickness) combined: 36 inches.

294.322  Rolls

    a. Minimum length: 4 inches.
    b. Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6\3/4\ inches.
    c. Maximum length: 36 inches.
    d. Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42 inches.

[[Page 57904]]

294.4  Makeup Requirements for Publishers' Periodicals

294.41  Sortation

    Publishers' periodicals must be sorted into city and country 
packages as follows:
    a. City packages must be prepared when six or more copies are 
addressed to the same city. Packages may be prepared by foreign 
alphanumeric postal codes. Each package must bear a facing slip showing 
the city and country of destination. Packages that destinate in Canada 
must be prepared using the Canadian postal codes that are specified in 
Exhibit 294.43a (standard entry) or Exhibit 294.43b (drop shipment at 
NJI&BMC). At the mailer's option, a finer presort based on Canadian 
postal codes may be used.
    b. When six or more copies for the same country remain after the 
city packages are prepared, country packages must be prepared. Each 
country package must bear a facing slip showing the country of 
destination.
    c. Copies remaining after city and country packages are prepared 
are residual copies. Residual copies must be packaged and bear a facing 
slip marked ``MIXED WORKING FOREIGN.'' The packages must be labeled to 
the appropriate international exchange office or, for Canadian-bound 
mail, a concentration center as instructed by the post office of 
mailing.
    d. All pieces in a package must have the address side facing up. 
Each package must be securely banded or tied with rubber bands or 
string to withstand handling without breakage or damage and to prevent 
injury to postal personnel or damage to sorting equipment.
    e. Single copies of publications addressed for delivery in Canada, 
which are not enclosed in wrappers or envelopes under 294.25, must be 
included in packages that are protected with cardboard, fiberboard, or 
other protective covering. The package label (facing slip) must bear 
these notations:

``OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE''
``Periodicals Mail Postage Paid At * * *''
    or, as applicable,
``Periodicals Mail Postage Paid At * * * And Additional Mailing 
Offices.''

    Note: Under DMM C200.12.3, the simplified endorsement 
``PERIODICALS MAIL'' may be placed on the package label (facing 
slip) in lieu of either of the above.

294.42  Sacking and Labeling

294.421  Country Sacks and Labels (Except Canada)

    Publishers' periodicals must be sacked and labeled when there are 
11 pounds of mail to a particular country or country separation. All 
city and country packages must be included in the same country sack. 
See Exhibit 294.52 for separations, city, and routing ZIP Codes. Each 
sack must be labeled to show the destination, contents (``NEWS'' or 
``PER''), and entry post office as follows:

Label color: Blue
Format:
    Line 1: Destination exchange office code and routing ZIP Code for 
applicable USPS exchange office
    Line 2: Contents (``NEWS'' or ``PER'') and ``AO''
    Line 3: City and state of post office of mailing and ZIP Code
    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAN CHINA 945
PER AO
Alexandria VA 22315
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: Two or more separations are required when publishers' 
periodicals are mailed to China, Great Britain, Japan, and Mexico 
(see Exhibit 294.42). For each of those four countries, the 
destination exchange office name is used along with the city code 
and the country name.

    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PEK BEIJING CHINA 945
PER AO
Alexandria VA 22315
------------------------------------------------------------------------

294.422  Residual Sacks

    After the required country sacks are prepared, the remaining city, 
country, and residual packages must be sacked and labeled to the 
international exchange office as directed by the entry post office. 
Each sack must be labeled as follows:

Label color: Pink
Format:
    Line 1: International exchange office and routing ZIP Code for 
applicable USPS exchange office
    Line 2: Contents (``NEWS'' or ``PER''), ``AO'' and ``Mixed Working 
Foreign''
    Line 3: City and state of post office of mailing and ZIP Code
    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN CTR NJ 099
NEWS AO MIXED WORKING FOREIGN
ALEXANDRIA VA 22315
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: See 294.62 for a sacking exception for residual mail that 
is applicable only to publishers or registered news agents who drop 
ship their mail at the New Jersey International and Bulk Mail Center 
(NJI&BMC).

Exhibit 294.42  Publishers' Periodicals--All Countries (Except 
Canada) Labeling and Routing Information

    [Exhibit not included. Formerly Exhibit 244.52.]

294.43  Canadian Sacks

    Sacks of publishers' periodicals for delivery in Canada must be 
sorted by the Canadian post code designations that are specified in 
Exhibit 294.43a (standard entry) or Exhibit 294.43b (drop shipment at 
NJI&BMC) and labeled in the following manner:

Label color: White or Terra-Cotta
Format:
    Line 1: Name of destination office in Canada is left-justified; 
routing ZIP Code for applicable USPS exchange office is right-justified
    Line 2: Content designation (i.e., ``NEWS'' or ``PER'') followed by 
``AO''
    Line 3: City, state, and ZIP Code of U.S. post office of mailing
    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTTAWA ON FWD 099
PER AO
BETHESDA MD 20815
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Residual mail for Canada is prepared under 294.422, except it is 
labeled to the local concentration center. See 294.62 for a sacking 
exception for residual mail that is only applicable to publishers or 
registered news agents who drop ship their mail at the New Jersey 
International and Bulk Mail Center (NJI&BMC).

Exhibit 294.43a  Publishers' Periodicals--Canada Labeling and 
Routing Information (Standard Entry)

    [Exhibit not included. Formerly Exhibit 244.53a.]

Exhibit 294.43b  Publishers' Periodicals--Canada Labeling and 
Routing Information (Drop Shipment at NJI&BMC)

    [Exhibit not included. Formerly Exhibit 244.53b.]

294.44  Physical Characteristics and Requirements for Sacks

    Sacks must meet these requirements:
    a. Maximum Weight. No more than 66 pounds of mail may be placed in 
any one sack. The weight of tying, wrapping, and packaging materials is 
included in determining the weight of the mail enclosed in a sack.
    b. Sacks. Disposable gray plastic sacks are recommended, however, 
other appropriate equipment may be provided by the post office.

[[Page 57905]]

    c. Labels. Handbook PO-423, Requisitioning Labels, contains 
instructions for ordering labels. Mailers may also preprint labels if 
they are of the colors specified and used by the Postal Service.

294.5  Customs Forms Required

    Printed matter known to be dutiable in the country of destination 
must have a green customs label (PS Form 2976) affixed to the address 
side of the articles. (See 123 for detailed requirements for customs 
documentation.) This requirement is applicable to dutiable printed 
matter mailed in a direct sack (M-bags) (see 260).

294.6  Mailing Locations

294.61 Standard Entry

    Surface mail that is entered at publishers' periodicals rates must 
be prepared in accordance with the provisions of 244.5 and tendered at 
a post office or other location that has been designated by the local 
postmaster.

294.62  Drop Shipment

    A publisher or registered news agent who deposits publishers' 
periodicals directly at the New Jersey International & Bulk Mail Center 
(NJI&BMC), under a drop shipment authorization, is eligible for a $0.25 
per pound postage rate discount, when the following conditions of entry 
are met:
    a. The mailer must obtain a drop shipment authorization (PS Form 
8125, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance) 
from the post office of original/additional entry, the business mail 
entry unit (BMEU), or the detached mail unit (DMU) where their mailing 
records are maintained.
    b. The mailer must bring their sorted publishers' periodicals to 
the postal location referenced in 292.62a, where USPS acceptance 
employees will check the statement of mailing to ensure proper 
application of the $0.25 per pound drop ship discount; confirm funds 
availability; and verify compliance with the prescribed mail makeup 
requirements.
    c. Publishers' periodicals that are to be drop shipped at the 
NJI&BMC are subject to the mail makeup requirements contained in 294.41 
and 294.42, except as specified below.
    Exception: A drop shipment customer who has fewer than 11 pounds of 
publishers' periodicals for a particular country or country separation 
is required to place those residual mailpieces into a country-specific 
``skin'' sack rather than aggregating them into a mixed working foreign 
sack, as specified in 294.422. Residual bundles or packages that are 
placed into a skin sack are subject to the sorting, sacking, and 
labeling requirements for country sacks that are contained in 294.41 
(except 294.41c) and 294.421, for all countries, except Canada, and in 
294.43, for Canada only.
    d. A publisher or agent who has a minimum of 250 pounds of mail for 
a single destination country may dispense with the use of sacks by 
placing the requisite presorted bundles or packages onto a strapped or 
shrink-wrapped pallet. To be admissible, a palletized load of 
discounted publishers' periodicals must conform to the mailing 
standards contained in DMM M041; adhere to the mail preparation 
requirements referenced in DMM M045, and be placarded (labeled) in 
accordance with the provisions of DMM M031.4.0.
    e. Once the acceptance process is completed, the verified 
mailpieces and accompanying paperwork will be turned back to the 
publisher or agent who will transport the sacks or pallets to the 
NJI&BMC. Prior to bringing their mail to that postal facility, the 
publisher or agent must schedule a drop shipment appointment through 
the appropriate appointment control center as specified in DMM 
E652.3.4. The relevant statement of mailing and drop shipment 
authorization (i.e., PS Form 8125) must be presented at the time of 
entry.
    f. Publishers' periodicals that are enclosed in direct sacks of 
printed matter to one addressee (M-bags) are not subject to the $0.25 
per pound postage discount that is referenced in this section. See 
245.222 for the postage payment procedures governing M-bags.

295  Books and Sheet Music

295.1  Description

295.11  Definition

    This classification encompasses:
    a. Books (including books issued to supplement other books) that 
have the following characteristics:
    (1) Eight or more printed pages.
    (2) Consist wholly of reading matter or scholarly bibliography, or 
reading matter with incidental blank spaces for notations.
    (3) Contains no advertising matter other than incidental 
announcements of books, in the form of book pages, and other bound and 
loose enclosures that are permissible under the provisions of DMM 
E620.4.4. Advertising includes paid advertising and publishers' own 
advertising in display, classified, or editorial style.
    b. Printed sheet music.

295.12  Minimum Quantity Requirements

    To qualify for this service mailers must have a minimum of 50 
pounds of mail or 200 pieces.

295.2  Postage

295.21  Rates

    See Individual Country Listings for rates.

295.22  Postage Payment Methods

    Nonidentical weight piece mailings must have the applicable postage 
affixed meter stamps. Identical-weight piece mailings may be paid by 
meter stamps, or permit imprint subject to certain standards. Mailers 
may use a permit imprint with nonidentical pieces only if authorized by 
the USPS under a Manifest Mailing System (MMS), as specified in DMM 
P710. All mailings are reported on PS Form 3651, Postage Statement--
International Permit Imprint Mail.

295.3  Weight and Size Limits

295.31  Weight Limit

    The weight limit for individually addressed items is 4 pounds.

295.32  Size Limits

295.321  Envelopes and Packages

    a. Minimum length and height: 5\1/2\  x  3\1/2\ inches.
    b. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inch.
    c. Maximum length: 24 inches.
    d. Maximum length, height, depth (thickness) combined: 36 inches.

295.322  Rolls

    a. Minimum length: 4 inches.
    b. Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6\3/4\ inches.
    c. Maximum length: 36 inches.
    d. Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42 inches.

295.4  Makeup Requirements for Publishers' Periodicals

295.41  Endorsements

    The sender must endorse the address side ``BOOKS'' or ``SHEET 
MUSIC'' on all items containing books or sheet music and paid at those 
rates.

295.42  Sortation

    Books and sheet music must be sorted into country packages as 
follows:
    a. Country packages must be prepared when six or more copies are 
addressed to the same country. Packages may be prepared according to 
foreign alphanumeric postal codes. Each package must bear a facing slip 
showing the country of destination. Packages that

[[Page 57906]]

destinate in Canada must be prepared using the Canadian postal codes 
that are specified in Exhibit 295.43. At the mailer's option, a finer 
presort based on Canadian postal codes may be used.
    b. Copies remaining after country packages are prepared are 
residual copies. Residual copies must be packaged and bear a facing 
slip marked ``MIXED WORKING FOREIGN.'' The packages must be labeled to 
the appropriate international exchange office or, for Canada-bound 
mail, a concentration center as instructed by the post office of 
mailing.
    c. All pieces in a package must have the address side facing up. 
Each package must be securely banded or tied with rubber bands or 
string to withstand handling without breakage or damage and to prevent 
injury to postal personnel or damage to sorting equipment.

295.43  Sacking and Labeling

295.431  Country Sacks and Labels (Except Canada)

    Books and sheet music must be sacked and labeled when there are 11 
pounds of mail to a particular country or country separation. All 
country packages must be included in the same country sack. See Exhibit 
294.42 for separations, city, and routing ZIP Codes. Each sack must be 
labeled to show the destination, contents, and entry post office as 
follows:

    Label color: Blue
Format:
    Line 1: Destination exchange office code and country routing ZIP 
Code
    Line 2: Contents ``AO''
    Line 3: City and state of post office of mailing and ZIP Code
    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAN CHINA 945
AO
ALEXANDRIA VA 22315
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: Two or more separations are required for mail to China, 
Great Britain, Japan, and Mexico (see Exhibit 295.42). For each of 
those four countries, the destination exchange office name is used 
along with the city code and the country name.

    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PEK BEIJING CHINA 945
AO
ALEXANDRIA VA 22315
------------------------------------------------------------------------

295.432  Residual Sacks

    After the required country sacks are prepared, residual packages 
must be sacked and labeled to the international exchange office as 
directed by the entry post office. Each sack must be labeled as 
follows:

    Label color: Pink
Format:
    Line 1: International exchange office and routing ZIP Code
    Line 2: Contents ``AO'' and ``Mixed Working Foreign''
    Line 3: City and state of post office of mailing and ZIP Code
    Example:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN CTR NJ 099
AO MIXED WORKING FOREIGN
ALEXANDRIA VA 22315
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exhibit 295.432  Books and Sheet Music--All Countries (Except 
Canada) Labeling and Routing Information

    [Exhibit not included. Same as former 244.52.]

295.44  Canadian Sacks

    Sacks of books or sheet music for delivery in Canada must be sorted 
by the Canadian post code designations that are specified in Exhibit 
295.43 and labeled in the following manner:

Label color: White or Terra-Cotta
Format:
    Line 1: Name of destination office in Canada is left-justified; 
routing ZIP Code for applicable USPS exchange office is right-justified
    Line 2: Content designation ``AO''
    Line 3: City, state, and ZIP Code of U.S. post office of mailing
    Example:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTTAWA ON FWD 099
AO
BETHESDA MD 20815
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Residual mail for Canada is prepared under 295.422, except it is 
labeled to the local concentration center.

Exhibit 295.44  Publishers' Periodicals--Canada Labeling and 
Routing Information (Standard Entry)

    [Exhibit not included. Same as former 244.53a.]

295.45  Physical Characteristics and Requirements for Sacks

    Sacks must meet these requirements:
    a. Maximum Weight. No more than 66 pounds of mail may be placed in 
any one sack. The weight of tying, wrapping, and packaging materials is 
included in determining the weight of the mail enclosed in a sack.
    b. Sacks. Disposable gray plastic sacks are recommended; however, 
other appropriate equipment may be provided by the post office.
    c. Labels. Handbook PO-423, Requisitioning Labels, contains 
instructions for ordering labels. Mailers may also preprint labels if 
they are of the colors specified and used by the Postal Service.

295.5  Customs Forms Required

    Printed matter known to be dutiable in the country of destination 
must have a green customs label (PS Form 2976) affixed to the address 
side of the articles. (See 123 for detailed requirements for customs 
documentation.) This requirement is applicable to dutiable printed 
matter mailed in a direct sack (M-bags).

296  [Reserved]

297  International Customized Mail

297.1  Description

    International Customized Mail (ICM) service is an international 
business mail service that is available only pursuant to an ICM service 
agreement between the Postal Service and a mailer meeting the 
requirements in 292. The Postal Service provides ICM service on a 
mailer-specific basis pursuant to the terms and conditions stipulated 
in a particular ICM service agreement.

297.2  Qualifying Mailers

    To qualify for ICM service, a mailer must be capable, on an 
annualized basis, of either (1) tendering at least 1 million pounds of 
international mail to the Postal Service, or (2) paying at least $2 
million in international postage to the Postal Service. The mailer must 
also be capable of tendering all of its ICM mail to the Postal Service.

297.3  ICM Service Agreements

    Each ICM service agreement must set forth the following:
    a. The term of the agreement, including any renewal options.
    b. The type of mail to be tendered by the mailer.
    c. The destination country or countries.
    d. The services to be provided by the Postal Service, including any 
speed-of-delivery targets.
    e. Minimum volume commitments for each service.
    f. Postage and method of payment.
    g. Weight and size limits.
    h. Preparation requirements.
    i. Makeup requirements.
    j. Any other obligations of either party.
    k. The location from which the mailer is required to tender its 
items to the Postal Service.

297.4  Postal Bulletin Notifications

    Within 30 days of entering into an ICM service agreement, the 
Postal Service must publish the following

[[Page 57907]]

information about the agreement in the Postal Bulletin:
    a. The term of the agreement, including any renewal options.
    b. The type of mail involved.
    c. The destination country or countries.
    d. A brief description of each of the services to be provided by 
the Postal Service.
    e. Minimum volume commitments for each service.
    f. A brief description of any worksharing to be performed by the 
mailer.
    g. The agreed-upon rate for each service at the volume level 
committed to by the mailer.

3  Special Services

310  Certificate of Mailing

* * * * *

312  Availability

    Customers can purchase a certificate of mailing when they send 
unregistered letter-post, post/postal cards, matter for the blind, and 
uninsured parcel post or require a duplicate of an original certificate 
that pertained to a previously mailed item. A certificate of mailing 
cannot be obtained in combination with registered mail, insured parcel 
post, recorded delivery, or bulk mailings of 200 pieces or more that 
bear a permit imprint.
* * * * *

313   Fees

313.1  Individual Pieces

    The fee for certificates of mailing for ordinary letter-post and 
ordinary parcel post is $0.75 per piece, whether the item is listed 
individually on PS Form 3817, Certificate of Mailing, or on firm 
mailing bills. Additional copies of PS Form 3817 or firm mailing bills 
are available for $0.75 per page. PS Form 3877, Firm Mailing Book for 
Accountable Mail, or forms printed at the mailer's expense may be used 
for certificates of three or more pieces of mail of any class presented 
at one time. If mailer-printed forms are used instead of PS Form 3877, 
these forms must contain, at a minimum, the same information as PS Form 
3877. The fee is $0.25 per article.

313.2  Bulk Pieces

    Identical pieces of ordinary letter-post mail that are paid for 
with regular postage stamps, precanceled stamps, or meter stamps are 
subject to the following certificate of mailing fees:

 
 
 
Up to 1,000 pieces..............................................   $3.50
Each additional 1,000 pieces or fraction........................     .40
Duplicate copy..................................................     .75
 

* * * * *

320  Insurance

* * * * *

322  Availability

    Insurance is available only for parcel post and only to certain 
countries. See Individual Country Listings. Insurance is not available 
for letter-post items.
* * * * *

330  Registered Mail

* * * * *

332  Availability

    Customers can purchase registered mail service when they send 
letter-post, post/postal cards, and matter for the blind. Registered 
mail service is not available in combination with parcel post or M-bags 
to one addressee. See Individual Country Listings for country-specific 
prohibitions and restrictions on registered mail service usage.

333  Fees and Indemnity Limits

333.1  Registration Fees

    The registry fee for all countries is $7.25.
    Exception: See the Individual Country Listing for Canada.
* * * * *

334  Processing Requests

* * * * *

334.2  Marking

    The accepting clerk must enter the following endorsements and 
special markings on each registered item:
    a. Affix Label 200 as noted above. All registered mail of U.S. 
origin must bear a Label 200.
    [Items b and c are unchanged.]
* * * * *

334.3  Postmarking

334.31  Placement

    Postmark registered items twice on the back, on the crossing of the 
upper and lower flaps. If return receipts are used, postmark partially 
on the receipt and partially on the flaps of the letter. Items sealed 
on the address side must be postmarked on the address side.
* * * * *

334.33  Registered Printed Matter or Small Packets

    [Delete.]

334.4  Sealing

334.41  Sender's Responsibility

    Senders must securely seal letter-post items presented for 
registration. * * *
* * * * *

334.43  Registered Printed Matter or Small Packets

    [Delete.]
* * * * *

340   Return Receipt

* * * * *

343  Fee

    The fee for a return receipt is $1.50, and must be paid in addition 
to postage and other applicable charges. ***
* * * * *

350  Restricted Delivery

* * * * *

353  Fee

    Fee is $3.20 and is in addition to postage and other applicable 
fees.
* * * * *
    [Delete 360, 370, and 380. Renumber 385 as 360.]

360  Recorded Delivery

* * * * *

362  Availability

    Recorded delivery service is available in conjunction with the 
mailing of letter-post items, post/postal cards, aerogrammes, matter 
for the blind, and M-bags. Recorded delivery is not available to all 
countries. See the Individual Country Listing.

363  Recorded Delivery Fee

    The recorded delivery fee is $2.10 and is in addition to postage 
and other special service fees, if applicable.
* * * * *
    [Renumber 390, Supplemental Services, as 370.]

370  Supplemental Services

* * * * *

371  International Money Orders

* * * * *

371.3  Fees

    There are two fees for international money orders:
    a. The fee for money orders payable in countries that accept the 
pink International Postal Money Order Form (MP1) is $3.25 per money 
order. * * *
    [Item b is unchanged.]
* * * * *

372  International Reply Coupons

* * * * *

372.3  Selling Price and Rate of Exchange

    a. The selling price of a reply coupon in the United States is 
$1.75. * * *
    b. International reply coupons purchased in foreign countries are

[[Page 57908]]

exchangeable at U.S. post offices toward the purchase of postage 
stamps, postage meter stamps, postage validation imprinter (PVI) 
labels, and embossed stamped envelopes (including aerogrammes) at the 
rate of $0.80 per coupon, irrespective of the country where they were 
purchased.
* * * * *

373  International Business Reply Service

* * * * *

373.4  Fees

    The fees for IBRS are as follows:
    a. Envelopes up to 2 ounces: $1.20.
    b. Cards: $0.80.

    Note: The fee for each returned IBRS envelope and card includes 
the per piece charge that is applied to domestic business reply and 
subject to QBRM accounting procedures. It is not necessary for the 
sender to obtain a separate international business reply permit to 
have IBRS items processed through their advance deposit account.

* * * * *

4  Treatment of Outbound Mail

* * * * *

420  Shortpaid and Unpaid Mail

* * * * *

422.2  No Return Address

422.21  Letter-Post and Postcards

    Unpaid letter-post and postcards with no return address must be 
forwarded to the appropriate exchange office. * * *
* * * * *

423  Shortpaid Mail

423.2  Exceptions

* * * * *

423.21  Letter-Post and Postcards

    Shortpaid letter-post and postcards with no return address must be 
forwarded to the exchange office. Imprint with stock rubber stamp R-
1300-4, Postage Due . . . Cents. Do not enter the amount of the 
deficiency.
    Exception: For shortpaid letter-post and postcards to Canada having 
no return address, enter double the amount of the deficiency.

423.22  Printed matter and Small Packets

    [Delete.]

423.23  Parcels

    [Renumber as 423.22.]

423.24  Express Mail International Service Shipments

    [Renumber as 423.23.]
* * * * *

430  Improperly Prepared Mail

* * * * *

433  Oversized Cards

    Return oversized cards (those exceeding 9\1/4\  x  4\3/4\) to the 
sender. If the sender is unknown, dispatch cards to the exchange 
office.

434  Reply-Paid Cards

    a. Reply-paid cards, except International Business Reply items, are 
not accepted as international mail.
    [Item b is unchanged.]
* * * * *

440  Special Services Mail

* * * * *

442  Special Delivery

    [Delete.]
* * * * *

443  Special Handling

    [Delete.]
* * * * *

5  Nonpostal Export Regulations

* * * * *

550  Dried Whole Eggs

* * * * *

552  Charges

    A charge of $0.75 will be made for each certificate of mailing, or 
for each package if a single certificate covers more than one package. 
* * *
* * * * *

560  Tobacco Seeds and Tobacco Plants

* * * * *

562  Charges

    A charge of $0.75 will be made for each permit presented by the 
sender and for each package when a single permit covers more than one 
package. * * *
* * * * *

6  Special Programs

* * * * *
    [Delete 620. Renumber 630 as 620.]

620  Postal Qualified Wholesaler Program

* * * * *

7  Treatment of Inbound Mail

711  Customs Examination of Mail Believed to Contain Dutiable or 
Prohibited Articles

* * * * *

711.3  Examination of Registered Mail and Sealed Letters

    The postmaster or other designated employee must be present when 
registered mail and sealed letters (except unregistered sealed letter 
mail bearing a green customs label) are opened by customs officers for 
examination. After customs treatment, the customs officer will repack 
and reseal the mail.
* * * * *

712  Customs Clearance and Delivery Fee

* * * * *

712.3  Amount of USPS Fee

    The USPS fee for customs clearance and delivery for each dutiable 
item is $4.50.
* * * * *

713  Treatment of Dutiable Mail at Delivery Office

* * * * *

713.4  Payment of Duty

* * * * *

713.43  Registration of Items to Be Returned to the United States

* * * * *

713.432  Certification by Postal Service Personnel

    [In item c, change ``$0.50'' to ``$0.75.'']
* * * * *

730  Shortpaid Mail to the United States

731  Computation of Postage Due

    a. [Unchanged.]
    b. [Change ``$0.42'' to ``$0.45.'']
    c. [Unchanged.]
    d. [Unchanged.]
* * * * *

740  Irregular Mail

* * * * *
    [Delete 742.  Renumber 743, 744, and 745 as 742, 743, and 744 
respectively.]

742  Stamps Not Affixed

* * * * *

750  Special Services

* * * * *
    [Delete 755 and 756. Renumber 757 as 755.]

755  Recorded Delivery

* * * * *
    [Delete 760. Renumber 770 through 790 as 760 through 780, 
respectively.]

760  Forwarding

* * * * *

762  Mail of Domestic Origin

* * * * *

[[Page 57909]]

762.2  Undeliverable Domestic Mail Bearing U.S. Postage and a 
Foreign Return Address

    a. [Unchanged.]
    b. [Unchanged.]
    c. [Change ``letter class'' to ``First-Class.'']
    d. [Unchanged.]
* * * * *

770  Undeliverable Mail

* * * * *

771  Mail of Domestic Origin

* * * * *

771.5  Return Charges for Letter-Post Mail

    The following charges must be collected from the sender for mail 
returned to the United States by foreign postal services:
    a. The return charge paid by publishers or registered news agents 
who originally mailed publishers' periodicals to Canada is the same as 
the economy (surface) letter-post postage rate for an item of the same 
weight mailed from the United States to Canada. The airmail letter-post 
rate may be used if it is less than the economy letter-post rate. See 
Individual Country Listings for fees.
    b. [Unchanged.]
    c. [Unchanged.]
    d. For economy letter-post the return charge is the same as economy 
(surface) letter-post postage rate for an item of the same weight 
mailed from the United States to the original country of destination. 
The airmail letter-post rate may be used if it is less than the economy 
letter-post rate. See the Individual County Listings for fees.
    e. [Unchanged.]
* * * * *

772  Mail of Foreign Origin

772.1 Marking

* * * * *

772.14  Method of Return

    Undeliverable airmail letters and cards and all letter-post items 
marked ``PRIORITY'' are returned to origin by air. All parcels and 
other items are returned by surface. Any ``AIRMAIL'' or ``PAR AVION'' 
endorsements or label must be obliterated on undeliverable items 
returned by surface.
* * * * *

772.4  Storage Charges

    [Delete.]
* * * * *

9  Inquiries, Indemnities, and Refunds

* * * * *

920  Inquiries and Claims

* * * * *

922  Filing of Inquiries

922.1  Time Limits

    Inquiries concerning letter-post mail and parcel post are accepted 
within six months from the day following the date of mailing.
* * * * *

928  Processing Inquiries

* * * * *

928.2  Mail Exchanged With Countries Other Than Canada

928.21  Forms Used

928.211  PS Form 542, Inquiry About a Registered Article or an 
Insured Parcel or an Ordinary Parcel

* * * * *
    d. The loss, rifling, damage, or delay of outbound or inbound 
ordinary letter-post mail.
* * * * *

928.3  Mail Exchanged With Canada

* * * * *

928.35  Recorded Delivery Service

    For inquiries related to the loss, total damage, or rifling of 
letter-post and matter for the blind items for which the recorded 
delivery fee has been paid:
* * * * *

940  Postage Refunds

941  Postage Refunds for Letter-Post and Parcel Post

941.1  General

    A refund may be made when postage, special service fees, or other 
charges have been paid on letter-post and parcel post items:
* * * * *

Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 00-24274 Filed 9-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-U