[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 233 (Monday, December 5, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75786-75794]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31079]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 20


International Product and Price Changes

AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM[supreg]), to 
reflect the prices, product features, and classification changes to 
Competitive Services, as established by the Governors of the Postal 
Service.

DATES: Effective Date: January 22, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Klutts at (813) 877-0372.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: New prices are available under Docket Number 
CP2012-2 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's Web site at http://www.prc.gov.
    This final rule describes the international price and 
classification changes and the corresponding mailing standards changes 
for the following Competitive Services:
 Global Express Guaranteed[supreg] (GXG[supreg])
 Express Mail International[supreg] (EMI)
 Priority Mail International[supreg] (PMI)
 International Priority AirmailTM (IPA[supreg])
 International Surface Air Lift[supreg] (ISAL[supreg])
 Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to One Addressee (M-bags)
 International Extra Services:
    [cir] Certificate of Mailing
    [cir] International Postal Money Orders and Money Order Inquiry Fee
    [cir] International Insurance for EMI and PMI service
    [cir] Customs Clearance and Delivery
    [cir] Registered MailTM Service
    [cir] Restricted Delivery Service
    [cir] Return Receipt Service
    [cir] Pickup On Demand[supreg] Service
    New prices are located on the Postal Explorer[supreg] Web site at 
http://pe.usps.com.

Global Express Guaranteed

    Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) is an international expedited 
delivery service provided through an alliance with FedEx 
Express[supreg]. The price increase for retail GXG service averages 6.0 
percent. In addition, the Postal Service is making the following 
product features and classification changes:

Commercial Base Pricing

    The commercial base price for customers that prepare and pay for 
GXG shipments via permit imprint when

[[Page 75787]]

used in conjunction with Global Shipping Software (GSS), online at 
USPS.com[supreg], or by registered end-users using an authorized PC 
Postage[supreg] vendor will be a variable discount (based on the item's 
weight and price group) of up to 10 percent below the retail price. 
Previously, an across-the-board discount of 10 percent applied 
regardless of weight or price group. As a result, we will remove the 
GXG price tables in the Individual Country Listing of the IMM and refer 
customers to Notice 123--Price List for the applicable commercial plus, 
commercial base or retail price for GXG service.

Commercial Plus Pricing

    To provide additional options for customers, we are authorizing 
published commercial plus prices as a new price tier for GXG service. 
Mailers who qualify for this option will receive a variable discount 
(based on the item's weight and price group) of up to 17 percent below 
the retail price. To qualify for commercial plus pricing, customers 
must tender at least $100,000 per year of international expedited 
products. For this purpose, ``international expedited products'' 
includes any combination of Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail 
International, or Priority Mail International items. Postage payment 
options for commercial plus pricing are permit imprint when used in 
conjunction with GSS and registered end-users using an authorized PC 
Postage vendor. As with commercial base prices, the commercial plus 
price is applied to each item but does not apply to any other charges 
or fees.

Legal-Size Envelope

    To provide additional mailing options for customers, the Postal 
Service introduces a new legal-size GXG envelope. The new larger 
envelope, which measures 15 inches by 9\1/2\ inches, enables customers 
to ship legal-size documents without folding them. Like our other 
USPS[supreg]-produced GXG envelopes, the price will be based on the 
actual weight and price group of the mailpiece--the dimensional-weight 
price is not applicable when using this envelope.

Express Mail International

    Express Mail International (EMI) service provides reliable, high-
speed service to approximately 190 countries with a money-back, date-
certain delivery guarantee to select destinations. The price increase 
for retail Express Mail International service averages 11.6 percent. In 
addition, the following product features and classification changes are 
made:

Commercial Base Pricing

    The commercial base price for customers that prepare and pay for 
Express Mail International shipments via permit imprint when used in 
conjunction with GSS, online at USPS.com, or by registered end-users 
using an authorized PC Postage vendor will be a variable discount 
(based on the item's weight and price group) of up to 8 percent below 
the retail price. Previously, an across-the-board discount of 8 percent 
applied regardless of weight or price group. As a result, we will 
remove the Express Mail International price tables in the Individual 
Country Listing of the IMM and refer mailers to Notice 123--Price List 
for the applicable commercial plus, commercial base or retail price for 
Express Mail International service.

Commercial Plus Pricing

    To provide additional options for customers we are authorizing 
published commercial plus prices as a new price tier for Express Mail 
International service. Mailers who qualify for this option will receive 
a variable discount (based on the item's weight and price group) up to 
15 percent below the retail price. To qualify for commercial plus 
pricing, customers must tender at least $100,000 per year of 
international expedited products. For this purpose, ``international 
expedited products'' includes any combination of Global Express 
Guaranteed, Express Mail International, or Priority Mail International 
items. Postage payment options for commercial plus pricing are permit 
imprint when used in conjunction with GSS and registered end-users 
using an authorized PC Postage vendor. As with commercial base prices, 
the commercial plus price is applied to each item but does not apply to 
any other charges or fees.

Permit Imprint--Retail Price Paid via a Permit Imprint

    To ensure compliance with various federal regulations, the current 
option to enter Express Mail International items at a Business Mail 
Entry Unit (BMEU) bearing a permit imprint (paid through an Express 
Mail corporate account), will no longer be available. The option for 
mailers to present Express Mail International items (paid through an 
Express Mail corporate account) to a retail facility for acceptance and 
processing remains available.

Flat Rate Boxes

    Building on the success of current Priority Mail International Flat 
Rate packaging, we are introducing two versions of a new Express Mail 
International Flat Rate Box. Both boxes have the same cubic capacity of 
approximately \1/3\ cubic foot and have a maximum weight allowance of 
20 pounds. The top-loading box (EM-FRB1) has inside dimensions that 
measure 11 inches by 8\1/2\ inches by 5\1/2\ inches. Due to size 
constraints, postage payment options for the EM-FRB1 are limited to 
online postage payment methods, or a permit imprint (used in 
conjunction with GSS). The side-loading box (EM-FRB2) has inside 
dimensions that measure 13\5/8\ inches by 11\7/8\ inches by 3\3/8\ 
inches. All postage payment options are available for the side-loading 
box. These options include, postage stamps, USPS postage validation 
imprinter (PVI) labels, postage meter stamps, online postage payment 
methods, a permit imprint (used in conjunction with GSS), or through 
the use of an Express Mail corporate account (EMCA). Customers pay a 
flat rate of $59.95 to Canada and $74.95 for all other countries that 
accept Express Mail International.6

Flat Rate Envelopes

    For consistency, we are updating the IMM to reflect a 20-pound 
maximum weight limit for the Express Mail International Flat Rate 
Envelopes to match the newly introduced Express Mail International Flat 
Rate Boxes.

Tonga

    Via a formal request from the country of Tonga, we will offer 
Express Mail International service to this destination assigned to 
Price Group 6. The maximum weight is 66 pounds, and the maximum 
insurance limit is $5,000.

Priority Mail International

    Priority Mail International (PMI) offers economical prices for 
reliable delivery of documents and merchandise, typically within 6 to 
10 business days to many major destinations. The price increase for 
retail Priority Mail International service averages 8.7 percent. In 
addition, the following product features and classification changes are 
made:

Commercial Base Pricing

    The commercial base price for customers that prepare and pay for 
Priority Mail International shipments via permit imprint when used in 
conjunction with GSS, online at USPS.com, or by registered end-users 
using an authorized PC Postage vendor

[[Page 75788]]

will receive a variable discount (based on the item's weight and price 
group) of up to 5 percent below the retail price. Previously, an 
across-the-board discount of 5 percent applied regardless of weight or 
price group. As a result, we will remove the Priority Mail 
International price tables in the Individual Country Listing of the IMM 
and refer customers to Notice 123--Price List for the applicable 
commercial plus, commercial base or retail price for Priority Mail 
International service.

Commercial Plus Pricing

    To provide additional price options for customers, we are 
authorizing published commercial plus prices as a new price tier for 
Priority Mail service. Mailers who qualify for this option will receive 
a variable discount (based on the item's weight and price group) of up 
to 10 percent below the retail price. To qualify for commercial plus 
pricing, customers must tender at least $100,000 per year of 
international expedited products. For this purpose, ``international 
expedited products'' includes any combination of Global Express 
Guaranteed, Express Mail International, or Priority Mail International 
items. Postage payment options for commercial plus pricing are permit 
imprint when used in conjunction with GSS and registered end-users 
using an authorized PC Postage vendor. As with commercial base prices, 
the commercial plus price is applied to each item but does not apply to 
any other charges or fees.

Permit Imprint--Retail Price Paid via a Permit Imprint

    To ensure compliance with various federal regulations, the current 
option to enter Priority Mail International items at a BMEU bearing a 
permit imprint as postage payment, will no longer be available. The 
option for mailers to present Priority Mail International items at a 
retail facility for acceptance and processing remains available. 
Payment can be paid at the retail facility with a postage validation 
imprinter (PVI) label, or the mailer can prepay postage with a postage 
meter stamp or postage stamps.

International Priority Airmail

    International Priority Airmail (IPA) service, including IPA M-bags, 
is a commercial service designed for business mailers for volume 
mailings of all First-Class Mail International postcards, letters, 
large envelopes (flats), and packages (small packets) weighing up to 4 
pounds. The overall price increase for IPA service averages 1.0 
percent.

International Surface Air Lift

    International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) service, including ISAL M-
bags, is a commercial service, which provides expedited dispatch and 
transportation for mailers of volume mailings of all First-Class Mail 
International postcards, letters, large envelopes (flats), and packages 
(small packets) weighing up to 4 pounds. The overall price increase for 
ISAL service averages 13.7 percent.

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

    Airmail M-bags are direct sacks of printed matter sent to a single 
foreign addressee at a single address. The price increase for Airmail 
M-bags averages 3.5 percent.

International Extra Services

    Depending on country destination and mail type, customers may 
continue to add a variety of extra services to their outbound 
shipments. The price increase for competitive extra services averages 
5.0 percent.
    For our competitive offerings, we revised the prices for the 
following international extra services:
     Express Mail International insurance
     Priority Mail International insurance
     Certificate of mailing
     International postal money orders
     Money order inquiry fee
     Customs clearance and delivery
     Registered Mail service
     Restricted delivery service,
     Return receipt service
     Pickup On Demand service
    The Postal Service hereby adopts the following changes to Mailing 
Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail 
Manual (IMM), which 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.

    Accordingly, 39 CFR Part 20 is amended as follows:

PART 20--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 20 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, 407, 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, International Mail Manual (IMM), as follows:
* * * * *

2 Conditions for Mailing

210 Global Express Guaranteed

* * * * *

213 Prices and Postage Payment Methods

* * * * *
    [Revise the title and text of 213.6 to read as follows:]

213.6 Commercial Prices

213.61 Commercial Base Prices

    Global Express Guaranteed commercial base prices are generally less 
than Global Express Guaranteed retail prices when postage is paid using 
any of the online methods described in 213.7 or a permit imprint under 
213.8. Commercial base pricing does not apply to participating retail 
Post Office locations. See Notice 123--Price List, for the applicable 
price.

213.62 Commercial Plus Prices

213.621 General

    For approved mailers, Global Express Guaranteed commercial plus 
prices are generally less than Global Express Guaranteed commercial 
base prices when postage is paid by a registered end-user of a USPS-
approved PC Postage product, or a permit imprint under 213.8. 
Commercial plus pricing does not apply to participating retail Post 
Office locations. See Notice 123-Price List, for the applicable price.

213.622 Commercial Plus Pricing--Eligibility

    To qualify for commercial plus pricing, customers must agree to all 
terms and conditions in a standardized agreement with the Postal 
Service and tender at least $100,000 per year of international 
expedited products. For this purpose, ``international expedited 
products'' includes any combination of Global Express Guaranteed, 
Express Mail International, or Priority Mail International items.

213.623 Commercial Plus Pricing--Approval

    Mailers meeting the minimum revenue thresholds under 213.622 must 
complete an agreement with the Postal Service by contacting their 
account manager, or USPS Global Business via email at 
[email protected] for a commitment agreement form or for additional 
information.

[[Page 75789]]

213.7 Online Postage Payment Method

213.71 Online Prices

    [Revise 213.71 to read as follows:]
    For selected destination countries, Global Express Guaranteed items 
qualify for discounted prices (equal to the commercial base price or 
commercial plus price) when mailers use one of the following online 
shipping methods:
    a. Commercial Base Price: Click-N-Ship service; or registered end-
users of USPS-approved PC Postage products.
    b. Commercial Plus Price: Registered end-users of a USPS-approved 
PC Postage products.
    The commercial base or commercial plus price is automatically 
applied to each shipment when using one of the postage payment methods 
above. The discount applies only to the postage portion of the Global 
Express Guaranteed price. It does not apply to any other charges or 
fees, such as fees for Pickup on Demand service, insurance, or 
shipments made under a customized agreement.
    [Renumber current 213.72 through 213.75 as new 213.73 through 
213.76 and add new 213.72 to read as follows:]

213.72 Markings Requirements

    Global Express Guaranteed mailpieces claiming the commercial base 
or commercial plus price paid with PC Postage must bear the appropriate 
price marking, printed on the piece or produced as part of the PC 
Postage indicia. Mailers must place the applicable marking directly 
above, directly below, or to the left of the postage using one of the 
following formats:
    a. Commercial Base Price, Commercial Base Pricing, or ComBasPrice.
    b. Commercial Plus Price, Commercial Plus Pricing, or ComPlsPrice.
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 213.73) to read as 
follows:]

213.73 Determining Online Prices

    For each addressed mailpiece, refer to Notice 123--Price List, for 
the applicable commercial base or commercial plus price.
* * * * *

213.8 Permit Imprint

213.81 Permit Imprint--General

    [Revise 213.81 to read as follows:]
    Global Express Guaranteed items paid with a permit imprint through 
an advance deposit account is permitted only when requirements for 
commercial base prices or commercial plus prices (see 213.82) are 
followed. Postage paid with a permit imprint is subject to the general 
conditions in IMM 152.4 and in DMM 604 and 705. See Notice 123--Price 
List, for the applicable prices.
    [Revise the title and introduction text of 213.82 to read as 
follows:]

213.82 Permit Imprint--Commercial Base or Commercial Plus Prices

    Global Express Guaranteed commercial base or commercial plus prices 
are generally less than Global Express Guaranteed retail prices when 
postage is paid using a permit imprint. The commercial base or 
commercial plus price applies only to the postage portion of Global 
Express Guaranteed prices. See Notice 123--Price List, for the 
applicable price. In addition, customers must meet the following 
requirements: * * *
* * * * *

220 Express Mail International

221 Description and Physical Characteristics

* * * * *
    [Revise 221.3 to read as follows:]

221.3 Express Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes

    Only USPS-produced Express Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes 
are eligible for the Flat Rate price and are charged a flat rate 
regardless of destination. The maximum weight is 20 pounds. See the 
Individual Country Listings for countries that offer Express Mail 
International service.
    [Renumber current 221.4 as new 221.5 and insert new 221.4 to read 
as follows:]

221.4 Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes

    Only USPS-produced Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes are 
eligible for the Flat Rate price and are charged a flat rate regardless 
of destination. The maximum weight is 20 pounds. See the Individual 
Country Listings for countries that offer Express Mail International 
service.
* * * * *

222 Eligibility

* * * * *
    [Renumber current 222.4 through 222.7 as new 222.5 through 222.8 
and insert new 222.4 as follows:]

222.4 Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes

    Only USPS-produced Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes are 
eligible for Flat Rate pricing as defined in Exhibit 222.4. The 
contents must fit securely and must be entirely confined within the 
box. The box flaps must be able to close within the prefabricated 
folds. Tape may be applied to the flap and seams for closure or 
reinforcement, provided the design of the container is not enlarged by 
opening the sides and taping or reconstructing the container in any 
way. All other Express Mail International standards and customs 
requirements apply.

    Note:  The USPS-produced Express Mail International Flat Rate 
Box, Item EM-FRB1, is nonmailable when paid at the retail price 
using shipping Label 11-B, Express Mail Post Office to Addressee, 
due to size constraints, and to ensure compliance with IMM 
123.61b.This standard does not apply when payment is made using a 
permit imprint under 223.22, or online postage under 223.24.

    Exhibit 222.4

Eligible Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes

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                                      Inside dimensions (L-W-  Outside dimensions (L-W-
                Item                             H)                       H)                    Item No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Express Mail International Flat Rate  11'' x 8\1/2\'' x 5\1/   11\1/4\'' x 8\3/4\'' x   EM-FRB1*
 Box.                                  2\''.                    6''.
Express Mail International Flat Rate  13\5/8\'' x 11\7/8\'' x  14'' x 12'' x 3\1/2\''.  EM-FRB2
 Box.                                  3\3/8\''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Nonmailable when paid at the retail price using shipping Label 11-B, Express Mail Post Office to Addressee.

* * * * *

223 Prices and Postage Payment Methods

    [Revise 223.1 to read as follows:]

223.1 Prices

223.11 Availability and Price Application--General

    Except under 223.14 and 223.15, Express Mail International 
shipments are charged postage for each addressed piece according to its 
weight and country price group. For shipments presented in Express Mail 
pouches under an Express Mail Custom Designed Service agreement, each 
pouch is considered an addressed piece. See the Individual Country 
Listings for

[[Page 75790]]

countries that offer Express Mail International service. Refer to 
Notice 123--Price List for applicable Express Mail International 
prices.

223.12 Commercial Base Prices

    Express Mail International commercial base prices are generally 
less than Express Mail International retail prices when postage is paid 
using a permit imprint under 223.222 or the online methods described in 
223.241.

223.13 Commercial Plus Prices

    For approved mailers, Express Mail International commercial plus 
prices are generally less than Express Mail International commercial 
base prices when postage is paid by a registered end-user of a USPS-
approved PC Postage product, or a permit imprint under 223.222.

223.131 Commercial Plus Pricing--Eligibility

    To qualify for commercial plus pricing, customers must agree to all 
terms and conditions in a standardized agreement with the Postal 
Service and tender at least $100,000 per year of international 
expedited products. For this purpose, ``international expedited 
products'' includes any combination of Global Express Guaranteed, 
Express Mail International, or Priority Mail International items.

223.132 Commercial Plus Pricing--Approval

    Mailers meeting the minimum revenue thresholds under 223.131 must 
complete an agreement with the Postal Service by contacting their 
account manager, or USPS Global Business via email at 
[email protected] for a commitment agreement form or for additional 
information.

223.14 Express Mail International Flat Rate Envelope Prices

    Only USPS-produced Express Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes 
are eligible for a flat rate price regardless of the destination. The 
maximum weight is 20 pounds. Postage is required for each piece (see 
Notice 123--Price List). A domestic Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope 
with prepaid postage may also be used for an Express Mail International 
item provided that appropriate additional postage is added before 
mailing.

223.15 Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes Prices

    Only USPS-produced Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes are 
eligible for a flat rate price regardless of the destination. The 
maximum weight is 20 pounds. Postage is required for each piece (see 
Notice 123--Price List).

223.2 Postage Payment Methods

* * * * *

223.22 Permit Imprint

223.221 Permit Imprint--General

    Payment for Express Mail International shipments paid with a permit 
imprint through an advance deposit account is permitted only when 
requirements for commercial base prices or commercial plus prices (see 
223.222) are followed. Postage paid with a permit imprint is subject to 
the general conditions in IMM 152.4 and in DMM 604 and 705. See Notice 
123--Price List, for the applicable prices.
    [Revise the title and introductory text of 223.222 to read as 
follows:]

223.222 Permit Imprint--Commercial Base or Commercial Plus Prices

    Express Mail International commercial base and commercial plus 
prices are generally less than Express Mail International retail prices 
when postage is paid using a permit imprint. The commercial base price 
applies only to the postage portion of Express Mail International 
prices. In addition, customers must meet the following requirements: * 
* *
    [Delete 223.223, Permit Imprint--Retail Price, in its entirety.]
* * * * *

223.24 Online Postage Payment Method

223.241 Online Prices

    [Revise 223.241 to read as follows:]
    For selected destination countries, Express Mail International 
items qualify for discounted prices (equal to the commercial base price 
or commercial plus price) when mailers use one of the following online 
shipping methods:
    a. Commercial Base Price: Click-N-Ship service; or registered end-
users of USPS-approved PC Postage products.
    b. Commercial Plus Price: Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC 
Postage products.
    The commercial base or commercial plus price is automatically 
applied to each shipment when using one of the above postage payment 
methods. The discount applies only to the postage portion of the 
Express Mail International price. It does not apply to any other 
charges or fees, such as fees for Pickup on Demand service, insurance, 
or shipments made under a customized agreement.
    [Renumber current 223.242 as 223.243 and insert new 223.242 to as 
follows:]

223.242 Markings Requirements

    Express Mail International mailpieces claiming the commercial base 
or commercial plus price paid with PC Postage must bear the appropriate 
price marking, printed on the piece or produced as part of the PC 
Postage indicia. Mailers must place the applicable marking directly 
above, directly below, or to the left of the postage using one of the 
following formats:
    a. Commercial Base Price, Commercial Base Pricing, or ComBasPrice.
    b. Commercial Plus Price, Commercial Plus Pricing, or ComPlsPrice.
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 223.243 to read as 
follows:]

223.243 Determining Online Prices

    For each addressed mailpiece, refer to Notice 123--Price List for 
the applicable commercial base or commercial plus price.
* * * * *

230 Priority Mail International

* * * * *

232 Eligibility

* * * * *

232.2 Eligible Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and 
Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes

* * * * *

Exhibit 232.2b

Eligible Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes

    [Revise Exhibit 232.2b to read as follows:]

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Inside dimensions  (L-W-  Outside dimensions  (L-W-
                 Item                              H)                        H)                   Item No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Priority Mail International Small Flat  8\5/8\'' x 5\3/8\'' x     8\11/16\'' x 5\7/16\'' x  SFBX
 Rate Box.                               1\5/8\''.                 1\3/4\''.
Priority Mail International DVD Box...  7\9/16\'' x 5\7/16\'' x   8\3/4\'' x 5\9/16\'' x    O-DVDS
                                         1\1/8\''.                 1\1/2\''.

[[Page 75791]]

 
Priority Mail International Large       9\1/4\'' x 6\1/4\'' x     9\9/16\'' x 6\7/16\'' x   O-1096-L
 Video Box.                              2''.                      2\3/16\''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    [Renumber current 232.4 through 232.8 as new 232.5 through 232.9 
and add new 232.4 to read as follows:]

232.4 Eligible Priority Mail International Medium and Large Flat Rate 
Boxes

    Only the items in Exhibit 232.4a and Exhibit 234.4b qualify for the 
Priority Mail International Medium and Large Flat Rate Box pricing.

Exhibit 232.4a

Eligible Priority Mail Medium International Flat Rate Boxes

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Inside dimensions  (L-W-  Outside dimensions  (L-W-
                 Item                              H)                        H)                   Item No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Priority Mail International Medium      11'' x 8\1/2\'' x 5\1/    11\1/4\'' x 8\3/4\'' x    O-FRB1
 Flat Rate Box.                          2\''.                     6''.
Priority Mail International Medium      13\5/8\'' x 11\7/8\'' x   14'' x 12'' x 3\1/2\''..  O-FRB2
 Flat Rate Box.                          3\3/8\''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exhibit 232.4b

Eligible Priority Mail International Large Flat Rate Boxes

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Inside dimensions  (L-W-  Outside dimensions  (L-W-
                 Item                              H)                        H)                   Item No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Priority Mail International Large Flat  12'' x 12'' x 5\1/2\''..  12\1/4\'' x 12\1/4\'' x   LFRB
 Rate Box.                                                         6''.
Priority Mail International Board Game  23\11/16\'' x 11\3/4\''   24\1/16\'' x 11\7/8\'' x  GBFRB
 Large Flat Rate Box.                    x 3''.                    3-\1/8\''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

233 Prices and Postage Payment Methods

233.1 Prices

* * * * *
    [Renumber current 233.12 through 233.14 as new 233.14 through 
233.16 and insert new 233.12 and 233.13 to read as follows:]

233.12 Commercial Base Prices

    Priority Mail International commercial base prices are generally 
less than Priority Mail International retail prices when postage is 
paid using a permit imprint under 233.222 or the online methods 
described in 233.231. See Notice 123--Price List, for the applicable 
price.

233.13 Commercial Plus Prices

    For approved mailers, Priority Mail International commercial plus 
prices are generally less than Priority Mail International commercial 
base prices when postage is paid by a registered end-user of a USPS-
approved PC Postage product, or a permit imprint under 233.222. See 
Notice 123--Price List, for the applicable price.

233.131 Commercial Plus Pricing--Eligibility

    To qualify for commercial plus pricing, customers must agree to all 
terms and conditions in a standardized agreement with the Postal 
Service and tender at least $100,000 per year of international 
expedited products. For this purpose, ``international expedited 
products'' includes any combination of Global Express Guaranteed, 
Express Mail International, or Priority Mail International items.

233.132 Commercial Plus Pricing--Approval

    Mailers meeting the minimum revenue thresholds under 233.131 must 
complete an agreement with the Postal Service, by contacting their 
account manager, or USPS Global Business via email at 
[email protected] for a commitment agreement form or for additional 
information.
* * * * *

233.2 Postage Payment Methods

* * * * *

233.22 Permit Imprint

233.221 Permit Imprint--General

    Payment for Priority Mail International shipments paid with a 
permit imprint through an advance deposit account is permitted only 
when requirements for commercial base prices or commercial plus prices 
(see 233.222) are followed. Postage paid with a permit imprint is 
subject to the general conditions in IMM 152.4 and in DMM 604 and 705.
    [Revise the title and introductory text of 233.222 to read as 
follows:]

233.222 Permit Imprint--Commercial Base or Commercial Plus Prices

    Priority Mail International commercial base and commercial plus 
prices are generally less than Priority Mail International retail 
prices when postage is paid using a permit imprint. See Notice 123--
Price List, for the applicable price. The commercial base price applies 
only to the postage portion of Priority Mail International prices. In 
addition, customers must meet the following requirements:
* * * * *

[[Page 75792]]

    [Delete 233.223, Permit Imprint--Retail Price, in its entirety.]
* * * * *

233.23 Online Postage Payment Method

233.231 Online Prices

    [Revise 233.231 to read as follows:]
    For selected destination countries, Priority Mail International 
items qualify for discounted prices (equal to the commercial base price 
or commercial plus price) when mailers use one of the following online 
shipping methods:
    a. Commercial Base Price: Click-N-Ship service; or registered end-
users of an authorized PC Postage vendor.
    b. Commercial Plus Price: Registered end-users of an authorized PC 
Postage vendor.
    The commercial base or commercial plus price is automatically 
applied to each shipment when using one of the above postage payment 
methods. The discount applies only to the postage portion of the 
Priority Mail International price. It does not apply to any other 
charges or fees, such as fees for Pickup on Demand service, insurance, 
or shipments made under a customized agreement.
    [Renumber current 233.232 as new 233.233 and add new 233.232 to 
read as follows:]

233.232 Marking Requirements

    Priority Mail International mailpieces claiming the commercial base 
or commercial plus price paid with PC Postage must bear the appropriate 
price marking, printed on the piece or produced as part of the PC 
Postage indicia. Mailers must place the applicable marking directly 
above, directly below, or to the left of the postage using one of the 
following formats:
    a. Commercial Base Price, Commercial Base Pricing, or ComBasPrice.
    b. Commercial Plus Price, Commercial Plus Pricing, or ComPlsPrice.
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 233.233 to read as 
follows:]

233.233 Determining Online Prices

    For each addressed mailpiece, refer to Notice 123--Price List, for 
the applicable commercial base or commercial plus price.
* * * * *

Country Price Groups and Weight Limits

* * * * *
    [Revise the listing for Tonga by adding Express Mail International 
service as follows:]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Global express         Express mail          Priority mail       First-class mail
                                                                       guaranteed           international       international \1\       international
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Country                                                                                                              Max.
                                                                    Price     Max. wt.    Price     Max. wt.    Price     Max. wt.    Price      wt.\2\
                                                                    group      (lbs.)     group      (lbs.)     group      (lbs.)     group      (ozs./
                                                                                                                                                 lbs.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Tonga...........................................................          4         70          6         66          6         44          6      3.5/4
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

Individual Country Listings

* * * * *

Global Express Guaranteed (210)

    [For each country that offers Global Express Guaranteed service, 
remove the price table. However, retain the country's Price Group 
designation (which appears in the ``Global Express Guaranteed'' 
heading) and any special standards or notes (which appear directly 
below the ``Global Express Guaranteed'' heading). In addition, retain 
the country's maximum weight limit from the bottom of the price table 
and insert it where indicated by the ``[x]'' in the following text.]
    The maximum weight is [x] pounds. Refer to Notice 123--Price List, 
for the applicable retail, commercial base, or commercial plus price.
* * * * *

Express Mail International (220)

    [For each country that offers Express Mail International service, 
remove the price table. However, retain the country's Price Group 
designation (which appears in the ``Express Mail International'' 
heading). In addition, retain the country's maximum weight limit from 
the bottom of the price table and insert it where indicated by the 
``[x]'' in the following text.]
    The maximum weight is [x] pounds. Refer to Notice 123--Price List, 
for the applicable retail, commercial base, or commercial plus price.
    [For each country that offers Express Mail International service, 
revise the title and text of the Flat Rate section to read as follows:]

Express Mail International--Flat Rate Envelope and Flat Rate Boxes:

    [For each country that offers Express Mail International, insert 
the following:]
    The maximum weight for the Express Mail International Flat Rate 
Envelope and the Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes is 20 
pounds. Refer to Notice 123-Price List, for the applicable retail, 
commercial base, or commercial plus price.

Insurance (222.71)

* * * * *
    [For each country that offers Express Mail International 
merchandise insurance, replace the fees to read as follows up to the 
applicable maximum amount available for each country:]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Insured amount
   Insured amount not over       Fee        not over           Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100........................    No Fee  For insurance coverage above
                                         $2,000, add $1.50 for each $500
                                         or fraction thereof, up to a
                                         maximum of $5,000 per shipment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
200.........................     $0.85
500.........................      2.35
1,000.......................      3.85
1,500.......................      5.35
2,000.......................      6.85  $5,000 max.....  $15.85.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 75793]]

* * * * *

Priority Mail International (230)

    [For each country that offers Priority Mail International service, 
remove the price table. However, retain the country's Price Group 
designation (which appears in the ``Priority Mail International'' 
heading). In addition, retain the country's maximum weight limit from 
the bottom of the price table and insert it where indicated by the 
``[x]'' in the following text.]
    The maximum weight is [x] pounds. Refer to Notice 123--Price List, 
for the applicable retail, commercial base, or commercial plus price.

    Note: Ordinary Priority Mail International includes indemnity at 
no cost based on weight. (See 230.)

Priority Mail International--Flat Rate

    [For each country except Ascension, Bolivia, Cuba, Falkland 
Islands, and North Korea, revise the lines of text for the Flat Rate 
priced items to read as follows:]
    Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes: The maximum 
weight is 4 pounds. Refer to Notice 123--Price List for the applicable 
retail, commercial base, or commercial plus price.
    Flat Rate Boxes: Medium and Large: The maximum weight is 20 pounds, 
or the limit set by the individual country, whichever is less. Refer to 
Notice 123--Price List, for the retail, commercial base, or commercial 
plus price.
    [For Ascension, Bolivia, Cuba, and the Falkland Islands revise the 
text directly below the heading ``Available only for Priority Mail 
International Flat Rate Envelope and Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes'' to 
read as follows:]
    Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes: The maximum 
weight is 4 lbs. Refer to Notice 123--Price List, for the applicable 
retail, commercial base, or commercial plus price.
    [For North Korea, revise the directly below the heading ``Available 
only for Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope'' to read as 
follows:]
    Flat Rate Envelopes: May not contain dutiable items or merchandise. 
The maximum weight is 4 lbs. Refer to Notice 123--Price List, for the 
applicable retail, commercial base, or commercial plus price.

Insurance 232.82

* * * * *
    [For each country that offers Priority Mail International 
insurance, replace the table of fees to read as follows up to the 
applicable maximum amount available for each country:]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Insured amount
   Insured amount not over       Fee        not over           Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50.........................     $2.45  Add $1.15 for each additional
                                         $100 or fraction of insurance
                                         coverage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100.........................      3.60
200.........................      4.75
300.........................      5.90
400.........................      7.05
500.........................      8.20  $5,000 max.....  $59.95.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

First-Class Mail International (240)

* * * * *

Airmail M-bags (260)--Direct Sack to One Addressee

    [For each country that offers Airmail M-bags, remove the price 
table. However, retain the country's Price Group designation (which 
appears in the ``Direct Sack to One Addressee'' heading). In addition, 
retain the country's maximum weight limit from the bottom of the price 
table and insert it where indicated by the ``[x]'' in the following 
text.]
    The maximum weight is [x] pounds. Refer to Notice 123--Price List, 
for the applicable price.
* * * * *

International Postal Money Order (371)

    [For each country that offers international postal money orders, 
revise the fee and money order inquiry fee as follows:]
    Fee: $4.45
    Money Order Inquiry Fee: $5.50
* * * * *

Tonga

Country Conditions for Mailing

* * * * *
    [Revise the listing for Tonga by adding Express Mail International 
Service as follows:]
    Express Mail International (220) Price Group 6

Express Mail International--Flat Rate Envelope and Flat Rate Boxes:

    The maximum weight for the Express Mail International Flat Rate 
Envelope and the Express Mail International Flat Rate Boxes is 20 
pounds. Refer to Notice 123, Price List, for the applicable retail, 
commercial base, or commercial plus price.

Insurance (222.71)

    Available for Express Mail International merchandise shipments only

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Insured amount
   Insured amount not over       Fee        not over           Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100........................    No Fee  For insurance coverage above
                                         $2,000, add $1.50 for each $500
                                         or fraction thereof, up to a
                                         maximum of $5,000 per shipment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
200.........................     $0.85
500.........................      2.35
1,000.......................      3.85
1,500.......................      5.35
2,000.......................      6.85  $5,000 max.....  $15.85.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 75794]]


------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Articles admitted            Required customs form/endorsement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Correspondence, business papers...  PS Form 2976, Customs--CN 22 and
                                     Sender's Declaration. Endorse items
                                     clearly next to mailing label as
                                     BUSINESS PAPERS.
Merchandise samples without         PS Form 2976, Customs--CN 22 and
 commercial value, microfilm,        Sender's Declaration.
 microfiche, and magnetic tapes
 and discs.
Merchandise and all articles        PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration
 subject to customs duty.            and Dispatch Note CP 72, inside a
                                     PS Form 2976-E, Customs Declaration
                                     Envelope CP 91.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Size Limits (221.42)

    Maximum length: 36 inches
    Maximum length and girth combined: 79 inches

    Note: Coins; banknotes; currency notes, including paper money; 
securities of any kind payable to bearer; traveler's checks; 
platinum, gold, and silver; precious stones; jewelry; watches; and 
other valuable articles are prohibited in Express Mail International 
shipments to Tonga.

    Reciprocal Service Name: EMS
    Country Code: TO
    Areas Served: All
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 20 to 
reflect these changes.

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2011-31079 Filed 12-2-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P