[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 203 (Monday, October 23, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48933-48936]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-22748]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 20


International Competitive Services 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: January 21, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paula Rabkin at 202-268-2537.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: New prices will be posted under Docket 
Number CP2018-8 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]).
     Priority Mail Express International[supreg].
     Priority Mail International[supreg].
     First-Class Package International Service[supreg] 
(FCPIS[supreg]).
     International Priority Airmail[supreg] (IPA[supreg]).
     International Surface Air Lift[supreg] (ISAL[supreg]).
     Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to One Addressee (Airmail 
M-bag[supreg] services).
     The following international extra services and fees:
      International Insurance.
      International Certificate of Mailing.
      International Registered Mail.
      International Return Receipt.
      International Postal Money Orders.
      International Money Order Inquiry Fee.
      International Money Transfer Service.
      Customs Clearance and Delivery Fee.

New prices will be located on the Postal Explorer[supreg] Web site at 
http://pe.usps.com.

Global Express Guaranteed

    Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) service provides fast international 
shipping and date-certain delivery with a money-back guarantee, with 
international transportation and delivery provided through an alliance 
with FedEx Express[supreg]. The price increase for GXG service averages 
3.9 percent.
    The Postal Service provides Commercial Base pricing to online 
customers who prepare and pay for GXG shipments via USPS-approved 
payment methods (other than Click-N-Ship[supreg] service), with a 5 
percent discount off the published retail prices for GXG service. 
Customers who prepare GXG shipments via Click-N-Ship service will 
continue to pay retail prices. Commercial Plus prices are set to match 
the Commercial Base prices.

Priority Mail Express International

    Priority Mail Express International service provides fast service 
to approximately 180 countries in 3-5 business days, for many major 
markets, although the actual number of days may vary based upon origin, 
destination and customs delays. Priority Mail Express International 
with Money-Back Guarantee service is available for certain 
destinations. The price increase for Priority Mail Express 
International service averages 3.9 percent. The Commercial Base price 
for customers who prepare and pay for Priority Mail Express 
International shipments via permit imprint, online at USPS.com[supreg], 
or as registered end-users using an authorized PC Postage vendor (with 
the exception of Click-N-Ship service) will

[[Page 48934]]

be 5 percent below the retail price. Customers who prepare Priority 
Mail Express International shipments via Click-N-Ship service pay 
retail prices. Commercial Plus prices are set to match the Commercial 
Base prices.
    The Postal Service will also continue to include Priority Mail 
Express International service in customized Global Expedited Package 
Services (GEPS) contracts offered to customers who meet certain revenue 
thresholds and are willing to commit a larger amount of revenue to the 
USPS[supreg] for Priority Mail Express International service and 
Priority Mail International service.

Priority Mail International

    Priority Mail International (PMI) is an economical way to send 
merchandise and documents to approximately 180 countries in 6-10 
business days, for many major markets, although the actual number of 
days may vary based upon origin, destination and customs delays. The 
price increase for Priority Mail International service averages 3.9 
percent. The Commercial Base price for customers who prepare and pay 
for PMI items via permit imprint, online at USPS.com, or as registered 
end-users using an authorized PC Postage vendor (with the exception of 
Click-N-Ship) will be 5 percent below the retail price. Customers who 
prepare Priority Mail International shipments via Click-N-Ship pay 
retail prices. Commercial Plus prices are set to match Commercial Base 
prices. The Postal Service will continue to include Priority Mail 
International service in customized GEPS contracts offered to customers 
who meet certain revenue thresholds and are willing to commit to a 
larger amount of revenue to the USPS for Priority Mail Express 
International and Priority Mail International.
    Priority Mail International flat rate pricing continues to be 
available for Flat Rate Envelopes, Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes, and 
Medium and Large Flat Rate Boxes.

First-Class Package International Service

    First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) is an economical 
international service for small packages weighing less than 4 pounds 
and not exceeding $400 in value. The price increase for FCPIS averages 
3.9 percent. The Commercial Base price for customers who prepare and 
pay for FCPIS items via permit imprint or by USPS-approved online 
payment methods will be 5 percent below the retail price. Customers who 
prepare FCPIS shipments via Click-N-Ship service pay retail prices. 
Commercial Plus prices are set to match the Commercial Base prices.
    Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation International service--
abbreviated E-USPS DELCON INTL--is available for First-Class Package 
International Service items to select destination countries at no 
charge.

International Priority Airmail (IPA) and International Surface Air Lift 
(ISAL)

    International Priority Airmail (IPA) service, including IPA M-bags, 
is an economical commercial service designed for volume mailings of all 
First-Class Mail International postcards, letters, and large envelopes 
(flats), and for volume mailings of First-Class Package International 
Service packages (small packets) weighing up to a maximum of 4.4 
pounds. IPA shipments are typically flown to foreign destinations 
(exceptions apply to Canada and Mexico) and are then entered into that 
country's air or surface priority mail system for delivery. The price 
increase for IPA and IPA M-Bags is 3.9 percent. International Surface 
Airlift (ISAL) is similar to IPA except that once flown to the foreign 
destination, it is entered into that country's air or surface 
nonpriority mail system for delivery. The price increase for 
International Priority Airmail (IPA), as well as IPA M-Bags, is 3.9 
percent.
    In this filing we are proposing a structural change. As stated in 
the notice concerning International Mailing Services: Proposed Product 
and Price Changes--CPI Proposed Rule with a Request for Comments, 
concerning new proposed prices posted under Docket R2018-1 on the 
Postal Regulatory Commission's Web site, published contemporaneously 
with this filing, the Postal Service is limiting the contents of First-
Class Mail International postcard, letter, and large envelope (flats) 
mail to personal correspondence and non-dutiable documents. Because IPA 
service, including IPA M-bags, and ISAL service, including ISAL M-bags, 
are commercial services designed for volume mailings of all First-Class 
Mail International postcards, letters, and large envelopes (flats) and 
First-Class Package International Service packages (small packets), the 
limiting of the contents of First-Class Mail International postcard, 
letter, and large envelope (flat) mail discussed above will also apply 
to IPA postcard, letter, and large envelope (flat) mail and ISAL 
postcard, letter, and large envelope (flat) mail.

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

    An airmail M-bag is a direct sack of printed matter sent to a 
single foreign addressee at a single address. Prices are based on the 
weight of the sack. The price increase for Airmail M-bag service 
averages 3.9 percent.

International Extra Services and Fees

    Depending on country destination and mail type, customers may add a 
variety of extra services to their outbound shipments and pay a variety 
of fees. Prices for these fees and services increase an average 3.9 
percent.
    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:
* * * * *

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International 
Mail Manual (IMM)

1 International Mail Services

* * * * *

120 Preparation for Mailing

* * * * *

123 Customs Forms and Online Shipping Labels

123.6 Required Usage

123.61 Conditions

* * * * *

[[Page 48935]]

Exhibit 123.61

Customs Declaration Form Usage by Mail Category

* * * * *

[Revise the heading and text for the First-Class Package International 
Service section to read as follows:]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Declared value,
            Type of item               weight, or physical      Required PS form       Comment  (if applicable)
                                         characteristic
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 First-Class Package International Service Packages (Small Packets), as well as IPA Packages (Small Packets) and
                                          ISAL Packages (Small Packets)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All First-Class Package              $400 or less..........  2976..................  Merchandise is permitted
 International Service packages                                                       unless prohibited by the
 (small packets), as defined in                                                       destination country.
 251.2, regardless of contents,
 and, for commercial mailers, IPA
 packages (small packets) and ISAL
 packages (small packets),
 regardless of contents.
                                     Over $400.............  Prohibited............  Items over $400 must be
                                                                                      mailed using Global
                                                                                      Express Guaranteed
                                                                                      service, Priority Mail
                                                                                      Express International
                                                                                      service, or Priority Mail
                                                                                      International service.
All package-size items, as defined   $400 or less..........  None..................  Not applicable.
 in 251.2, that are entered by a
 known mailer as defined in 123.62
 and items that qualify under
 123.63.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

123.62 Known Mailers

    A ``known mailer'' must meet one of the definitions in 123.622 and 
must meet the conditions in 123.623.

123.621 Overview

[Revise text to indicate that the known mailer exemption only applies 
to package-size mailpieces, to read as follows:]

    A ``known mailer'' may be exempt from the customs form requirement 
that would otherwise apply to package-size mailpieces as defined in 
251.2. A ``known mailer'' must meet one of the definitions in 123.622 
and must meet the conditions in 123.623.

123.622 Definition

    A ``known mailer'' must meet one of the following definitions:

[Revise c(1) to remove First-Class Mail International and add First-
Class Package International Service to read as follows:]

    a. A federal, state, or local government agency whose mail is 
regarded as Official Mail.
    b. A contractor who sends out prepaid mail on behalf of a military 
service, provided the mail is endorsed ``Contents for Official Use--
Exempt from Customs Requirements.''
    c. A business mailer who enters volume mailings through a business 
mail entry unit (BMEU) or other bulk mail acceptance location, 
completes a postage statement at the time of entry, pays postage 
through an advance deposit account, and uses a permit imprint for 
postage payment. For this purpose, the categories of mail that qualify 
are as follows:
    (1) First-Class Package International Service.
    (2) International Priority Airmail (IPA) service.
    (3) International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) service.

123.623 Conditions

[Revise b and c to specify FCPIS packages or IPA and ISAL packages 
(small packets), to read as follows:]

    The following conditions apply to ``known mailers'':
    a. The mailpieces must contain no merchandise or goods, except as 
provided in 123.623b and 123.623c.
    b. Merchandise may only be mailed as First-Class Package 
International Service packages (small packets) (or as IPA packages 
(small packets) and ISAL packages (small packets) for commercial 
mailers).The mailpieces may contain hard copy printed matter or 
recorded media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, flash drives, video and cassette 
tapes), for which no customs form is required in the destination 
country. Authorization to mail items under this subsection without a 
customs form is subject to the following conditions:
    (1) The mailpiece must not require an export license as described 
in 510, 520, 530, or 540.
    (2) Any packaging used for package-sized items under this 
subsection must be transparent, such as shrinkwrap or polywrap 
material, so that the contents are fully visible for inspection.
    c. First-Class Package International Service packages (and IPA 
packages (small packages) and ISAL packages (small packets) for 
commercial mailers) may contain goods of nominal value (less than 
$1.00) in conjunction with communications or informational materials 
for which no customs form is required in the destination country. In 
addition, authorization to mail items under this standard is subject to 
the following conditions:
    (1) The mailpieces must not require an export license as described 
in 510, 520, 530, or 540.
    (2) The mailpieces must not contain dangerous or prohibited items 
under IMM 135 or 136, or be otherwise prohibited by the destination 
country.
    (3) The mailpieces cannot be destined to an E:1 country listed in 
15 CFR 740, Supp. 2.
    (4) The mailpieces cannot contain any items listed in the Commerce 
Control List (15 CFR 774) or the U.S. Munitions List (22 CFR 121).

[[Page 48936]]

    d. If the mailpieces are mailed with a postage statement, the 
mailer must certify on the postage statement that the mailpieces 
contain no dangerous materials that are prohibited by postal 
regulations.
    e. The import regulations of the destination country must allow 
individual mailpieces without a customs form affixed.
    f. For IPA and ISAL mailings, the mailer must pay with a permit 
imprint or with a combination postage method (meter postage affixed to 
the piece and additional postage by permit imprint). IPA and ISAL 
mailpieces that are paid for by postage solely with a meter do not 
qualify for the ``known mailer'' exemption.
    g. Failure to comply with the conditions in this section, or with 
any other applicable regulations or policies of the Postal Service or 
other relevant governmental authorities, may result in the suspension 
or revocation of eligibility to mail items without a customs form 
affixed pursuant to this section. For example, a suspension or 
revocation may result when the mailer fails to ensure his or her 
compliance with 510, 520, 530, or 540, such as ensuring that no 
mailings are sent to persons blocked from transacting in such items by 
the federal agencies described in those IMM sections.
* * * * *

2 Conditions for Mailing

* * * * *

290 Commercial Services

* * * * *

292 International Priority Airmail (IPA) Service

292. 1 Description

292.11 General

[Revise the second sentence to read as follows (including content-based 
requirements):]

    International Priority Airmail (IPA) service, including IPA M-bags, 
is a commercial service designed for volume mailings of all First-Class 
Mail International postcards, letters, and large envelopes (flats), and 
for volume mailings of First-Class Package International Service 
packages (small packets). The sender must prepare mailpieces in 
accordance with the requirements of this subchapter and with the 
content-based and shape-based requirements of the applicable service--
see 240 for First-Class Mail International items, and see 250 for 
First-Class Package International Service items.* * *
* * * * *

292.2 Eligibility

* * * * *

292.25 Dutiable Items

[Revise the first sentence to read as follows (referring only to First-
Class Package International Service and removing an outdated reference 
to ordinary or insured Priority Mail International items):]

    Dutiable items may be sent in accordance with the applicable rules 
in this subchapter for First-Class Package International Service only. 
Priority Mail International items may not be mailed with IPA service.
* * * * *

293 International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) Service

293.1 Description

293.11 General

[Revise the second sentence to include content-based requirements, to 
read as follows:]

    International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) service, including ISAL M-
bags, is a commercial service designed for volume mailings of all 
First-Class Mail International postcards, letters, and large envelopes 
(flats), and for volume mailings of First-Class Package International 
Service packages (small packets). The sender must prepare mailpieces in 
accordance with the requirements of this subchapter and with the 
content-based and shape-based requirements of the applicable service--
see 240 for First-Class Mail International items, and see 250 for 
First-Class Package International Service items.* * *
* * * * *

293.2 Eligibility

* * * * *

293.25 Dutiable Items

[Revise the first sentence to read as follows (referring only to First-
Class Package International Service and removing an outdated reference 
to ordinary or insured Priority Mail International items):]

    Dutiable items may be sent in accordance with the applicable rules 
in this subchapter for First-Class Package International Service only. 
Priority Mail International items may not be mailed with ISAL service.
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 20 to 
reflect these changes.

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Federal Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2017-22748 Filed 10-20-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7710-12-P