[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46772-46773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19131]


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POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket No. PI2012-1; Order No. 1420]


Public Inquiry on International Mail Proposals

AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Commission is establishing a public inquiry to receive 
comments addressing the Commission's role in advising the Secretary of 
State on whether certain international mail proposals are consistent 
with applicable standards and criteria. This notice provides background 
information, addresses related administrative matters, and invites 
public comment.

DATES: Comments are due: August 20, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically by accessing the ``Filing 
Online'' link in the banner at the top of the Commission's Web site 
(http://www.prc.gov) or by directly accessing the Commission's Filing 
Online system at https://www.prc.gov/prc-pages/filing-online/login.aspx. Commenters who cannot submit their views electronically 
should contact the person identified in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section as the source for case-related information for advice on 
alternatives to electronic filing.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel, 
at 202-789-6820 (case-related information) or [email protected] 
(electronic filing assistance).

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. Background
III. Ordering Paragraphs

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

    The Commission anticipates receiving a request from the Secretary 
of State, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 407(c)(1), for its

[[Page 46773]]

views on whether proposals affecting market dominant rates and 
classifications for international postal products and services 
exchanged among postal administrations, to be negotiated this fall at 
the 25th Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), are consistent 
with the standards and criteria for modern rate regulation established 
by the Commission under 39 U.S.C. 3622.
    The Commission invites public comment on the principles that should 
guide the development of its views.

II. Background

    The role of the State Department. The U.S. Department of State is 
responsible for formulating, coordinating, and overseeing foreign 
policy related to international postal services and other international 
delivery services, and has the power to conclude postal treaties, 
conventions, and amendments, subject to a condition related to 
competitive products. 39 U.S.C. 407(b)(1). In carrying out these 
responsibilities, the Secretary of State exercises primary authority 
for the conduct of foreign policy with respect to international postal 
services and other international delivery services, including the 
determination of United States positions and the conduct of United 
States participation in negotiations with foreign governments and 
international bodies. Id. at 407(b)(2). In exercising this authority, 
the Secretary of State is, among other things, to coordinate with other 
agencies as appropriate, and in particular, to give full consideration 
to the authority vested by law or Executive Order in certain Federal 
entities, including the Postal Regulatory Commission. Id. at 
407(b)(2)(A).
    The role of the Commission. Before concluding any treaty, 
convention, or amendment that establishes a rate or classification for 
a product subject to subchapter I of chapter 36 [provisions relating to 
market dominant products], the Secretary of State is to request that 
the Commission submit its views on whether such rate or classification 
is consistent with the standards and criteria established by the 
Commission under section 3622. Id. at 407(c)(1).\1\ The Secretary must 
then ensure that each treaty, convention, or amendment concluded under 
section 407(b) is consistent with the views submitted by the Commission 
except if, or to the extent the Secretary determines, in writing, that 
ensuring such consistency is not in the foreign policy or national 
security interest of the United States. Id. at 407(c)(2).
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    \1\ The Commission established a modern system of regulation in 
Order No. 43 (issued October 29, 2007).
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    The role of the UPU. The UPU is a specialized agency of the United 
Nations. It is the primary forum for cooperation between governments, 
posts, regulators and other postal-sector stakeholders. UPU Biennial 
Report 2009-2010 at 2. In terms of UPU organization and terminology the 
United States is a member country, the Department of State is the 
ministry, the Commission is the regulator, and the Postal Service is 
the operator.
    Every 4 years, the UPU Congress meets ``to define the future world 
postal strategy, the Union's 4-year roadmap, and lay down standards and 
regulations which facilitate and increase the security of international 
exchanges of mail and parcels, as well as the delivery of a broad range 
of secure and affordable electronic and financial services.'' \2\ The 
UPU will hold its 25th Congress in Doha, Qatar this fall (from 
September 24 to October 15, 2012). As matters that affect ``postal 
treaties, conventions, and amendments'' will be considered in Doha, 
section 407 requirements come into play.
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    \2\ http://www.upu.int/the-upu/congress/about-congress.html.
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    In anticipation of receipt of the Secretary of State's request 
under section 407(c)(1), the Commission invites public comment on the 
principles that should guide development of its views on the 
consistency of proposals for ``rates and classification of products 
subject to subchapter I of chapter 36'' with the standards and criteria 
of 39 U.S.C. 3622.
    Comments are to be submitted via the Commission's Filing Online 
system at http://www.prc.gov unless a request for waiver is approved. 
For assistance with filing, contact Joyce Taylor at 202-789-6846 or 
[email protected].
    Public Representative. Section 505 of title 39 requires the 
designation of an officer of the Commission (public representative) to 
represent the interests of the general public in all public 
proceedings. The Commission hereby designates Emmett Rand Costich as 
Public Representative in this proceeding.

III. Ordering Paragraphs

    It is ordered:
    1. The Commission establishes Docket No. PI2012-1 for the purpose 
of receiving comments on the principles that should guide the 
development of its section 407 views on rate and classification 
proposals subject to subchapter I of chapter 36 of title 39 of the U.S. 
Code [provisions relating to market dominant products].
    2. Comments are due by August 20, 2012.
    3. Emmett Rand Costich is designated as the Public Representative 
to represent the interests of the general public in this docket.
    4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this Notice in 
the Federal Register.

Shoshana M. Grove,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012-19131 Filed 8-3-12; 8:45 am]
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