Federal Register, Volume 76 Issue 233 (Monday, December 5, 2011)

[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 Service^TM.

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 Airmail^TM (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 Mail^TM 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

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

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

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

[[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