[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 102 (Thursday, May 26, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30542-30544]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13029]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Adult Signature Services
AGENCY: Postal Service\TM\.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) 503.8,
to add a new extra service called Adult Signature. This new service has
two available options: Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature
Restricted Delivery.
DATES: Effective July 5, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Key at 202-268-7492 or Richard
Daigle at 202-268-6392.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 28, 2011, the Postal Regulatory
Commission (PRC) approved Adult Signature as a new extra service which
will provide a method for customers to obtain a signature (upon
delivery) from an adult recipient who is 21 years of age or older. This
new extra service will be available only to commercial and online
mailers beginning June 5, 2011.
This is the first time the Postal Service is offering a service
that includes verification of the age of the recipient at the time of
delivery. These services will be available to commercial and online
customers using Express Mail[supreg], Priority Mail[supreg] (including
Critical Mail\TM\), Parcel Select[supreg] barcoded nonpresort, and
Parcel Select Regional Ground mailpieces. The requirements for the two
service offerings are:
Adult Signature Required--requires the signature of
someone 21 years of age or older at the recipient's address.
Adult Signature Restricted Delivery--requires the
signature of a specific addressee (or authorized agent), who must be 21
years of age or older.
Prior to signing for the mailpiece, the recipient must show a
government-issued photo identification that includes his or her date of
birth. Adult Signature mailpieces cannot be left at the address without
first obtaining the signature of an adult who is 21 years of age or
older.
Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
are only available for customers who pay for postage and applicable
fees using any of these methods:
Click-N-Ship[supreg].
USPS[supreg]-approved PC Postage[supreg] (registered end-
users only).
Permit imprint, if the customer electronically submits
postage statements and mailing documentation.
USPS-approved Information-Based Indicia (IBI) postage
meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking and
electronically transmit transactional data to USPS.
Technical specifications for privately printed Adult Signature
labels are located in the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode
Specification and the addendum to Publication 91, Addendum for
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) and 3-digit Service Type Code,
available on the RIBBS[supreg] Web site at http://ribbs.usps.gov.
Additionally, in combination with Express Mail or Priority Mail and
postage paid by Click-N-Ship or PC Postage, Adult Signature will
provide an optional delivery method for the mailing of cigarettes and
smokeless tobacco under the ``Exception for Certain Individuals''
standard as described in DMM section 601.11.
All other requirements and conditions related to mailing cigarettes
and smokeless tobacco products under the Prevent All Cigarette
Trafficking Act (PACT) of 2009 remain in effect; such as:
Each shipment must be presented via a face-to-face
transaction with a postal employee.
No Pickup on Demand or Carrier Pickup options are
available.
Each package must bear its own unique exception package
markings.
While the minimum age to purchase tobacco in the state or locality
where the shipment is tendered or delivered may be different from age
21, if Adult Signature is used, the recipient must be 21 years of age.
The Postal Service adopts the following changes to Mailing
Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.
See 39 CFR 111.1.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows:
PART 111--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692-
1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219,
3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.
0
2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail
Manual (DMM)
* * * * *
200 Commercial Letters and Cards
* * * * *
220 Priority Mail
223 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
3.2 Additional Standards for Critical Mail Letters
[Delete the reference number and heading of 3.2.1, Definition, in
its entirety, and move the text from 3.2.1 under 3.2.]
[Delete item 3.2.2, Extra Service with Critical Mail Letters, in
its entirety.]
* * * * *
300 Commercial Flats
* * * * *
320 Priority Mail
323 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
3.2 Additional Standards for Critical Mail Flats
[Delete the reference number and heading of 3.2.1, Definition, in
its entirety, and move the text from 3.2.1 under 3.2.]
[Delete item 3.2.2, Extra Service with Critical Mail Flats, in its
entirety.]
* * * * *
500 Additional Mailing Services
503 Extra Services
1.0 Extra Services for Express Mail
1.1 Available Services
* * * * *
[Renumber current items 1.1.5 through 1.1.8 as 1.1.6 through 1.1.9
and add new 1.1.5 as follows:]
1.1.5 Adult Signature
Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
are available with Express Mail for mailers who pay commercial or
online postage
[[Page 30543]]
and applicable fees and produce qualified shipping labels that bear an
Intelligent Mail package barcode.
* * * * *
3.0 Certified Mail
* * * * *
3.2 Basic Information
* * * * *
3.2.3 Additional Services
[Revise 3.2.3 as follows:]
The following services may be combined with Certified Mail if the
applicable standards for the services are met and additional service
fees are paid:
a. Return receipt (not available for Adult Signature).
b. Restricted delivery (not available for Adult Signature).
c. Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
(available only for Priority Mail, but not Critical Mail).
* * * * *
4.0 Insured Mail
* * * * *
4.2 Basic Information
* * * * *
4.2.4 Additional Services
[Revise the introductory text of 4.2.4 as follows:]
Insuring an item for more than $200.00 allows customers to purchase
restricted delivery or return receipt. The following services may be
combined with insurance if the applicable standards for the services
are met and additional service fees are paid:
* * * * *
[Add new item 4.2.4f as follows:]
f. Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
are available for insured Express Mail, Priority Mail (including
Critical Mail), Parcel Select barcoded nonpresort, and Parcel Select
Regional Ground.
* * * * *
[Renumber 8.0 through 14.0 as new 9.0 through 15.0 and add new 8.0
as follows:]
8.0 Adult Signature
8.1 Prices
8.1.1 Adult Signature Fees and Postage
The fees for Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature
Restricted Delivery are in addition to postage and other fees, and are
charged per piece. See Notice 123--Price List.
8.1.2 Postage
The Adult Signature Required or Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
fee must be paid in addition to the correct postage. The fee and
postage may be paid with:
a. Click-N-Ship.
b. PC Postage.
c. Permit imprint, if the customer electronically submits postage
statements and mailing documentation.
d. IBI postage meter.
8.1.3 Refund
Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
fees are refunded only if the USPS fails to provide the service.
8.2 Basic Information
8.2.1 Description
Adult Signature provides electronic confirmation of the delivery or
attempted delivery of the mailpiece and, upon request, the recipient's
signature. The service has two options: Adult Signature Required and
Adult Signature Restricted Delivery. The recipient must furnish proof
of age via a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued
photo identification that lists age or date of birth prior to delivery.
The USPS maintains a record of delivery (which includes the recipient's
signature) for a specified period of time.
8.2.1.1 Adult Signature Required
Adult Signature Required provides delivery to a person who is
confirmed to be 21 years of age or older. Upon delivery, an adult who
is 21 years of age or older must provide a driver's license, passport,
or other government-issued photo identification that lists age or date
of birth and provide a signature for receipt of the mailpiece.
8.2.1.2 Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
Adult Signature Restricted Delivery provides the same service as
Adult Signature Required with the additional restriction of limiting
delivery to a specific addressee or authorized agent who is 21 years of
age or older. If the specific addressee is not 21 years of age or
older, the mailpiece will be returned to sender.
8.2.2 Obtaining Service
Customers may obtain Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature
Restricted Delivery by paying postage (see 8.1.2) and producing
qualified shipping labels with Intelligent Mail package barcodes.
8.2.3 Eligible Matter
Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
are available for:
a. Express Mail.
b. Priority Mail (including Critical Mail).
c. Parcel Select barcoded nonpresort.
d. Parcel Select Regional Ground.
8.2.4 Ineligible Matter
Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
are not available for:
a. First-Class Mail.
b. Standard Mail.
c. Package Services.
d. Periodicals.
e. Parcel Select destination entry, NDC Presort, and ONDC presort
pieces.
f. Mail addressed to restricted APO, FPO, and DPO destinations.
g. Mail addressed to the Department of State in accordance with
703.3.
h. Mail addressed to ZIP Codes in the following U.S. territories or
Freely Associated States:
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TWO-LETTER STATE
ZIP CODE ABBREVIATION CITY TERRITORY, POSSESSION OR FREELY ASSOCIATED STATE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
96939............................... PW..................... PALAU.................. PALAU.
96940............................... PW..................... PALAU.................. PALAU.
96941............................... FM..................... POHNPEI................ FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA.
96942............................... FM..................... CHUUK.................. FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA.
96943............................... FM..................... YAP.................... FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA.
96944............................... FM..................... KOSRAE................. FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA.
96960............................... MH..................... MAJURO................. MARSHALL ISLANDS.
96970............................... MH..................... EBEYE.................. MARSHALL ISLANDS.
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[[Page 30544]]
8.2.5 Confirmation of Delivery
Confirmation of delivery information for Adult Signature is
available as follows:
a. Information by article number can be retrieved at http://www.usps.com or by calling 800-222-1811. A letter providing evidence of
delivery may be provided via fax, e-mail, or mail upon request.
b. Letters providing evidence of delivery can be obtained in CD-ROM
or Signature Extract File formats. For additional information, see
Publication 80, Bulk Proof of Delivery Program.
8.2.6 Additional Services
Adult Signature may also be combined with:
a. Certified Mail (available with Priority Mail, but not Critical
Mail).
b. Insured Mail.
c. Hold for Pickup.
1. Express Mail (commercial mail only, see 413.4.2.4 and
413.4.3.4).
2. Priority Mail (excluding Critical Mail).
3. Parcel Select barcoded nonpresort.
4. Parcel Select Regional Ground.
8.3.0 Basic Delivery Standards
Items with Adult Signature require a recipient who is 21 years of
age or older to sign at the time of delivery.
8.3.1 Additional Delivery Conditions
Mail endorsed ``Adult Signature Required'' is delivered to anyone
who is confirmed to be 21 years of age or older and provides a
signature at the time of delivery. Mail endorsed ``Adult Signature
Restricted Delivery'' is delivered only to the addressee or authorized
agent who is confirmed to be 21 years of age or older. If the specific
addressee is not 21 years of age or older, the mailpiece will be
returned to sender. Conditions in 7.4 also apply to Adult Signature
Restricted Delivery items.
8.3.2 Identification
The USPS requires a driver's license, passport, or other
government-issued photo identification that lists age or date of birth
to provide proof of age for Adult Signature Required or proof of age
and identity for Adult Signature Restricted Delivery.
8.3.3 Agent Authorization
An addressee who regularly receives any mail that includes a
restricted delivery may authorize an agent to accept mail on their
behalf by using Form 3801 or by letter to the postmaster. The
authorized agent must be 21 years of age or older. The addressee must
make the notation ``this authorization is extended to include Adult
Signature Restricted Delivery mail'' on Form 3801 (in the area for
signatures of authorized agents) or in the letter to the postmaster. If
the Post Office has no standing delivery order or letter on file, a
Form 3849, completed by the addressee, may be left for this
authorization. The addressee enters the name of the agent on the back
of Form 3849 in the space provided and signs the form. For receipt of
the article, the agent must sign on the back of the form.
8.4.0 Privately Printed Labels
Technical specifications for privately printed Adult Signature
labels is located in the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Specification
and the addendum to Publication 91, Addendum for Intelligent Mail
Package Barcode (IMpb) and 3-digit Service Type Code, available on the
RIBBS Web site at http://ribbs.usps.gov.
8.5.0 Where To Mail
Except for shipments of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco by certain
individuals under 601.11, which requires mailers to present items at a
retail counter, mailers may deposit mailpieces (not bearing a permit
imprint) with Adult Signature at a Post Office lobby drop, collection
box, or with a USPS carrier. Mail bearing a permit imprint must be
deposited and accepted at the Post Office that issued the permit, at a
time and place designated by the postmaster, except as otherwise
provided for plant-verified drop shipments.
8.6.0 Firm Sheets--Three or More Pieces
If three or more mailpieces are presented for mailing at one time,
the mailer may use Form 3877. Privately printed or computer-generated
firm sheets that contain the same information as Form 3877 may be used
if approved by the local postmaster. The mailer may omit columns on
Form 3877 that are not applicable to Adult Signature. Required elements
are the package identification code (PIC), address, 5-digit destination
ZIP Code, and applicable fees. To obtain firm sheets receipted by the
USPS, the mailer must present the firm sheets with the mailpieces at
the time of mailing. Alterations must be initialed by the mailer and
accepting postal employee. All unused portions of the addressee column
must be obliterated with a diagonal line.
* * * * *
508 Recipient Services
* * * * *
7.0 Hold for Pickup
* * * * *
7.2 Basic Information
* * * * *
7.2.6 Extra Services
Hold for Pickup may be combined with:
* * * * *
[Insert new items 7.2.6d as follows:]
d. Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
* * * * *
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services
601 Mailability
* * * * *
11.0 Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
* * * * *
11.6 Exception for Certain Individuals
* * * * *
11.6.2 Mailing
* * * Each mailing under the ``certain individuals'' exception
must:
[Revise 11.6.2a as follows:]
a. Be entered as Priority Mail with an Adult Signature extra
service (see 503.8), Express Mail with an Adult Signature extra service
or Express Mail with Hold for Pickup service (waiver of signature and
pickup services not permitted); unless shipped to APO/FPO/DPO addresses
under 11.6.4.
* * * * *
700 Special Standards
703 Nonprofit Standard Mail and Other Unique Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Department of State Mail
* * * * *
3.2 Conditions for Authorized Mail
* * * * *
3.2.6 Extra Services
* * * (Mailers may request other extra services under 503.)
* * * * *
[Add new item 3.2.6f as follows:]
f. Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
* * * * *
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to
reflect these changes.
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 2011-13029 Filed 5-25-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P