[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 153 (Thursday, August 10, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54239-54240]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16981]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Compliance Quality

AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to add an 
additional Intelligent Mail[supreg] package barcode (IMpb[supreg]) 
validation under the ``Barcode Quality'' compliance category.

DATES: Effective October 1, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, Devin 
Qualls at (202) 268-3287, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 28, 2023, the Postal Service 
published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 41871-41872) to add an 
additional IMpb validation. In response to the proposed rule, the 
Postal Service did not receive any formal comments.
    The Postal Service is adding a third validation under the ``Barcode 
Quality'' compliance category that will require that an IMpb must 
include a valid, unique 3-digit STC that accurately represents the mail 
class, product, and service combination on the physical label affixed 
to the package. Additionally, the IMpb on the package must also 
correspond with electronic package level details and Extra Services 
Code(s) contained within the Shipping Services File (SSF). Any variance 
in the data presented in the electronic submission of a parcel or a 
variance with the physical aspect of the label affixed to a parcel 
presented for mailing will be subject to the IMpb noncompliance fee if 
a mailer falls below the 98 percent threshold.
    We believe this revision will ensure IMpb quality enabling the 
Postal Service to provide customers with a more efficient mailing 
experience.
    The Postal Service adopts the described changes to Mailing 
Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual 
(DMM), incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.

[[Page 54240]]

    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to 
reflect these changes.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

    Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows:

PART 111--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692-
1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401-404, 414, 416, 3001-3018, 3201-3220, 3401-
3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3629, 3631-3633, 3641, 3681-3685, and 5001.


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2. Revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, 
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail 
Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

200 Commercial Letters, Flats, and Parcels

* * * * *

204 Barcode Standards

* * * * *

2.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes

2.1 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode

* * * * *

2.1.8 Compliance Quality Thresholds

* * * * *

                                Exhibit 2.1.8--IMpb Compliance Quality Thresholds
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                                                                                                    Compliance
         Compliance categories               Compliance codes               Validations             thresholds
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                                                  * * * * * * *
Barcode Quality * * *.................
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
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    [Revise the text in the ``Barcode Quality'' compliance category 
under the ``Validation'' column by adding a third validation to read as 
follows:]
     The IMpb must include a valid, unique 3-digit Service Type 
Code that accurately represents the mail class, product, and service 
combination on the physical label affixed to the package and the 
electronic package level details and Extra Services Code(s) in the 
Shipping Services File.
* * * * *

Sarah Sullivan,
Attorney, Ethics & Legal Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2023-16981 Filed 8-9-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P