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Employees

REMINDER

Federal Regulations on Soliciting and Fundraising

Federal regulations, including the Standards of Ethical Conduct and the Combined Federal Campaign rules, prohibit Postal Service employees from soliciting funds on Postal Service property, except in connection with the annual Combined Federal Campaign, or as an authorized activity of an official Postal Service employee recreation and benefit organization. Otherwise, while on duty, in uniform, or on Postal Service property, employees may not request donations for charitable causes, or sell or take orders for candy, cookies, cosmetics, gift wrap, pizza, or any other merchandise or service, regardless of whether the solicitation is for profit or for the benefit of a charitable organization.

Employees may engage in fundraising only while off-the-clock and off Postal Service premises, subject to the following broad restrictions:

• An employee may not target a solicitation to subordinates, even if the solicitation is conducted in his or her personal capacity.

• An employee may not solicit funds from persons who have interests that may be affected by the Postal Service (e.g., vendors, contractors, mailing industry associations, customers).

• An employee may not use or permit the use of his or her official title, position, or authority to promote any fundraising effort or non-Postal Service business activity.

• An employee may not use Postal Service property or equipment, such as copiers, fax machines, e-mail, or telephones, in connection with soliciting charitable donations or conducting any kind of commercial activity.

If you have questions about charitable or commercial solicitations, you may call the Ethics Helpline at 202-268-6346, send an e-mail message to Ethics.Help@usps.gov, or contact the Postal Service Field Law Office that serves your Area.

- Ethics and Federal Requirements,
Civil Practice Section, Law Department, 5-29-03


International Mail

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 9 ICM updates appear here.

On April 29, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 13, 2003, through May 12, 2004.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 600 pieces of EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

Annualized Volume or Annualized Postage Discount Applied
600 - 999 pieces or
$12,000 - $19,999		 8%
1,000 - 2,999 pieces or
$20,000 - $59,999		 10
3,000 or more pieces or
$60,000 or more		 12

On April 29, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated May 31, 2002. The Agreement was published on page 17 of Postal Bulletin 22079 (6-27-02). The Amendment modifies the term of the Agreement. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an International Customized Mail Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and now makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: June 14, 2002, through June 13, 2006.

b. Type of mail: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

c. Destination countries: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum volume commitments: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

On April 29, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated April 30, 2001. The Agreement was published on page 61 of Postal Bulletin 22059 (9-20-01). The Amendment modifies the term of the Agreement. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an International Customized Mail Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and now makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: May 1, 2001, through June 30, 2003.

b. Type of mail: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

c. Destination countries: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum volume commitments: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

On April 11, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: April 25, 2003, through April 24, 2004.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 3,000 pieces of EMS or $60,000 in postage for EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at twelve (12) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

Annualized Volume or Annualized Postage Discount Applied
600 - 999 pieces or
$12,000 - $19,999		 8%
1,000 - 2,999 pieces or
$20,000 - $59,999		 10
3,000 or more pieces or
$60,000 or more		 12

On May 5, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 19, 2003, through May 18, 2006.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $12,000 in postage for EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

Annualized Volume or Annualized Postage Discount Applied
600 - 999 pieces or
$12,000 - $19,999		 8%
1,000 - 2,999 pieces or
$20,000 - $59,999		 10
3,000 or more pieces or
$60,000 or more		 12








On April 29, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 13, 2003, through May 12, 2006.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $12,000 in postage for EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

Annualized Volume or Annualized Postage Discount Applied
600 - 999 pieces or
$12,000 - $19,999		 8%
1,000 - 2,999 pieces or
$20,000 - $59,999		 10
3,000 or more pieces or
$60,000 or more		 12

On April 29, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 1, 2003, through April 30, 2006.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS) and Airmail Parcel Post. Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to:

1. Furnish the Mailer, or its agent(s), with the postal equipment and postal supplies required for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide the Mailer, or its agent(s), with any necessary training to prepare mail shipments in conformity with the requirements of Qualifying Mail.

3. Provide the Mailer with technical assistance necessary to prepare the necessary information linkages, electronic data files, and data exchanges.

4. To arrange with carriers to transport Qualifying Mail to international destinations where the proper authority will effect delivery.

5. Return EMS items refused by an addressee and undeliverable EMS items to the Mailer at no charge provided that the return rate is no more than four (4) percent of total volume.

6. Return EMS items and Airmail Parcel Post items receiving Customs Pre-Payment in Canada, whether refused by an addressee or undeliverable, to the Mailer at the fees listed in Exhibit 1.

7. Return Airmail Parcel Post items refused by an addressee and undeliverable items to the Mailer according to the provisions of IMM 771.

8. Provide the Mailer with access to delivery performance reports and tracking reports, if applicable to the service.

9. Present, at the Mailer's request, a customized binding Proposal detailing the number of hours required to complete a harmonization process. The Proposal shall be presented before the process begins.

10. To apply a USPS shipping label and Customs documentation to each package mailed under this Agreement.

11. Send an electronic data file to Canada and Japan that will allow the Customs officials to review the contents of each shipment before the packages arrive.

e. Minimum volume commitment: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum volume commitment of at least 1,000 packages of Qualifying Mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Establish the necessary linkages to exchange data transmissions.

2. Exchange electronic information with the Postal Service according to the specifications and instructions the Postal Service provides.

3. Pay postage to the Postal Service, either directly or through a mailing agent(s), for all Qualifying Mail by use of a permit imprint subject to the conditions stated in DMM P040 and IMM 152.3.

4. Provide the Postal Service via fax or email with notification of new permit numbers used for Qualifying Mail one week in advance of using the new permit numbers.

5. Provide Postal Service acceptance sites with a schedule of mailings, including the intended date of tender, weight, volume, and location where mail will originate, in accordance with instructions the Postal Service provides.

6. Present mailings to the Postal Service at the designated Postal Service facility.

7. Pay for any requested harmonization at a rate of $250 per hour.

8. Pay fees for the return of EMS items and Airmail Parcel Post items receiving Customs Pre- Payment, whether refused by an addressee or undeliverable, at the fees listed in Exhibit 1.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for Qualifying Mail according to the rate charts in Exhibit 2.

Exhibit 1
Merchandise Return Service Fees and Fees for the Return of Items Receiving Customs Prepayment

Weight Not Over (lbs.) Canada Japan
1 $7.25 $7.20
2 8.25 9.80
3 9.00 12.40
4 9.75 15.00
5 10.50 17.60
6 11.25 20.20
7 12.00 22.80
8 12.75 25.40
9 13.75 28.00
10 14.25 30.60
11 15.00 33.20
12 15.75 35.80
13 16.50 38.40
14 17.25 41.00
15 18.00 43.70
16 19.00 48.00
17 19.75 50.70
18 20.50 53.50
19 21.25 56.20
20 22.00 58.90
21 22.50 63.90
22 23.25 66.70
23 24.25 69.50
24 25.00 72.30
25 25.75 75.10
26 26.50 77.90
27 27.25 80.70
28 28.00 83.50
29 29.00 86.30
30 29.75 89.10
31 30.50 91.90
32 31.00 94.70
33 31.75 97.50
34 32.50 100.40
35 33.25 103.20
36 34.25 106.00
37 35.00 108.80
38 35.75 111.60
39 36.50 114.40
40 37.25 117.20
41 38.00 120.00
42 38.75 122.80
43 39.75 125.60
44 40.25 128.40
45 41.00 130.00
46 41.75 131.20
47 42.50 132.40
48 43.25 133.20
49 44.00 134.60
50 45.00 135.20
51 45.75 136.20
52 46.50 137.40
53 $47.25 $138.60
54 48.00 141.60
55 48.50 143.40
56 49.25 146.00
57 50.25 148.00
58 51.00 150.00
59 51.75 152.00
60 52.50 154.00
61 53.25 156.00
62 54.00 158.00
63 54.75 160.00
64 55.75 162.00
65 56.50 164.00
66 57.00 168.00
67 - 170.00
68 - 172.00
69 - 174.00
70 - 176.00

Exhibit 2
Global Express Mail (EMS) With USPS Labeling, Customs Pre-Advice, and Customs Prepayment

Weight Not Over (lbs.) Japan
0.5 $16.46
1 19.80
2 23.14
3 26.49
4 29.83
5 32.96
6 35.72
7 38.48
8 41.24
9 44.00
10 46.75
11 49.51
12 52.27
13 55.03
14 57.79
15 60.54
16 63.30
17 66.06
18 68.82
19 71.58
20 74.33
21 77.09
22 79.85
23 82.61
24 85.37
25 88.12
26 90.88
27 93.64
28 96.40
29 99.16
30 101.91
31 104.67
32 107.43
33 110.19
34 $112.95
35 115.70
36 118.46
37 121.22
38 123.98
39 126.74
40 129.49
41 132.25
42 135.01
43 137.77
44 140.53
45 143.28
46 146.04
47 148.80
48 151.56
49 154.32
50 157.07
51 159.83
52 162.59
53 165.35
54 168.11
55 170.86
56 173.62
57 176.38
58 179.14
59 181.90
60 184.65
61 187.41
62 190.17
63 192.93
64 195.69
65 198.44
66 201.20

Exhibit 2
Airmail Parcel Post With USPS Labeling, Customs Pre-Advice, and Customs Prepayment

Weight Not Over (lbs.) Canada
1 $11.93
2 11.93
3 12.67
4 13.58
5 14.49
6 15.30
7 16.10
8 16.90
9 17.71
10 18.51
11 19.32
12 20.12
13 20.92
14 21.73
15 22.53
16 23.34
17 24.14
18 24.94
19 25.75
20 26.55
21 $27.36
22 28.16
23 28.96
24 29.77
25 30.57
26 31.38
27 32.18
28 32.98
29 33.79
30 34.59
31 35.40
32 36.20
33 37.00
34 37.81
35 38.61
36 39.42
37 40.22
38 41.02
39 41.83
40 42.63
41 43.44
42 44.24
43 45.04
44 45.85
45 46.65
46 47.46
47 48.26
48 $49.06
49 49.87
50 50.67
51 51.48
52 52.28
53 53.08
54 3.89
55 54.69
56 55.50
57 56.30
58 57.10
59 57.91
60 58.71
61 59.52
62 60.32
63 61.12
64 61.93
65 62.73
66 63.54

Exhibit 2
Airmail Parcel Post With USPS Labeling

Weight Not Over (lbs.) Japan
1 $6.06
2 10.42
3 14.79
4 19.15

On April 29, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 1, 2003, through April 30, 2006.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS) and Airmail Parcel Post. Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to:

1. Furnish the Mailer, or its agent(s), with the postal equipment and postal supplies required for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide the Mailer, or its agent(s), with any necessary training to prepare mail shipments in conformity with the requirements of Qualifying Mail.

3. Provide the Mailer with technical assistance necessary to prepare the necessary information linkages, electronic data files, and data exchanges.

4. To arrange with carriers to transport Qualifying Mail to international destinations where the proper authority will effect delivery.

5. Return EMS items refused by an addressee and undeliverable EMS items to the Mailer at no charge provided that the return rate is no more than four (4) percent of total volume.

6. Return EMS items and Airmail Parcel Post items receiving Customs Prepayment in Canada, whether refused by an addressee or undeliverable, to the Mailer at the fees listed in Exhibit 1.

7. Provide the Mailer with access to delivery performance reports and tracking reports, if applicable to the service.

8. Present, at the Mailer's request, a customized binding Proposal detailing the number of hours required to complete a harmonization process. The Proposal shall be presented before the process begins.

9. Send an electronic data file to Canada and Japan that will allow the Customs officials to review the contents of each shipment before the packages arrive.

e. Minimum volume commitment: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum volume commitment of at least 1,000 packages of Qualifying Mail or an annualized minimum commitment of $20,000 in international postage for Qualifying Mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Establish the necessary linkages to exchange data transmissions.

2. Exchange electronic information with the Postal Service according to the specifications and instructions the Postal Service provides.

3. Pay postage to the Postal Service, either directly or through a mailing agent(s), for all Qualifying Mail by use of a permit imprint subject to the conditions stated in DMM P040 and IMM 152.3.

4. Provide the Postal Service via fax or email with notification of new permit numbers used for Qualifying Mail one week in advance of using the new permit numbers.

5. Provide Postal Service acceptance sites with a schedule of mailings, including the intended date of tender, weight, volume, and location where mail will originate, in accordance with instructions the Postal Service provides.

6. Present mailings to the Postal Service at the designated Postal Service facility.

7. Pay for any requested harmonization at a rate of $250 per hour.

8. Pay fees for the return of EMS items and Air- mail Parcel Post items receiving Customs Pre- Payment, whether refused by an addressee or undeliverable, at the fees listed in Exhibit 1.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for Qualifying Mail according to the rate charts in Exhibit 2.

Exhibit 1
Fees for the Return of Global Express Mail (EMS) Items and Airmail Parcel Post Items Receiving Customs Prepayment

Weight Not Over (lbs.) Canada
1 $7.25
2 8.25
3 9.00
4 9.75
5 10.50
6 11.25
7 12.00
8 12.75
9 13.75
10 14.25
11 $15.00
12 15.75
13 16.50
14 17.25
15 18.00
16 19.00
17 19.75
18 20.50
19 21.25
20 22.00
21 22.50
22 23.25
23 24.25
24 25.00
25 25.75
26 26.50
27 27.25
28 28.00
29 29.00
30 29.75
31 30.50
32 31.00
33 31.75
34 32.50
35 33.25
36 34.25
37 35.00
38 35.75
39 36.50
40 37.25
41 38.00
42 38.75
43 39.75
44 40.25
45 41.00
46 41.75
47 42.50
48 43.25
49 44.00
50 45.00
51 45.75
52 46.50
53 47.25
54 48.00
55 48.50
56 49.25
57 50.25
58 51.00
59 51.75
60 52.50
61 53.25
62 54.00
63 54.75
64 55.75
65 56.50
66 57.00

Exhibit 2
Global Express Mail (EMS) With USPS Labeling, Customs Pre-Advice, and Customs Prepayment

Weight Not Over (lbs.) Canada
0.5 $12.99
1 13.51
2 14.03
3 14.90
4 15.59
5 16.46
6 18.01
7 19.57
8 21.13
9 22.69
10 24.25
11 25.81
12 27.37
13 28.93
14 30.49
15 32.05
16 33.61
17 35.16
18 36.72
19 38.28
20 39.84
21 41.40
22 42.96
23 44.52
24 46.08
25 47.64
26 49.20
27 50.76
28 52.32
29 53.87
30 55.43
31 56.99
32 58.55
33 60.11
34 61.67
35 63.23
36 64.79
37 66.35
38 67.91
39 69.47
40 71.03
41 72.58
42 74.14
43 75.70
44 77.26
45 78.82
46 80.38
47 81.94
48 83.50
49 85.06
50 86.62
51 88.18
52 89.73
53 91.29
54 $92.85
55 94.41
56 95.97
57 97.53
58 99.09
59 100.65
60 102.21
61 103.77
62 105.33
63 106.89
64 108.44
65 110.00
66 111.56

Exhibit 2
Global Express Mail (EMS) With USPS Labeling

Weight Not Over (lbs.) Japan
0.5 $15.27
1 18.51
2 21.75
3 24.99
4 28.23
5 31.27
6 33.94
7 36.61
8 39.29
9 41.96
10 44.63
11 47.31
12 49.98
13 52.65
14 55.32
15 58.00
16 60.67
17 63.34
18 66.02
19 68.69
20 71.36
21 74.04
22 76.71
23 79.38
24 82.05
25 84.73
26 87.40
27 90.07
28 92.75
29 95.42
30 98.09
31 100.77
32 103.44
33 106.11
34 108.78
35 111.46
36 114.13
37 116.80
38 119.48
39 122.15
40 124.82
41 $127.50
42 130.17
43 132.84
44 135.51
45 138.19
46 140.86
47 143.53
48 146.21
49 148.88
50 151.55
51 154.23
52 156.90
53 159.57
54 162.24
55 164.92
56 167.59
57 170.26
58 172.94
59 175.61
60 178.28
61 180.96
62 183.63
63 186.30
64 188.97
65 191.65
66 194.32

Exhibit 2
Airmail Parcel Post With USPS Labeling, Customs Pre-Advice, and Customs Prepayment

Weight Not Over (lbs.) Canada
1 $11.93
2 11.93
3 12.67
4 13.58
5 14.49
6 15.30
7 16.10
8 16.90
9 17.71
10 18.51
11 19.32
12 20.12
13 20.92
14 21.73
15 22.53
16 23.34
17 24.14
18 24.94
19 25.75
20 26.55
21 27.36
22 28.16
23 $28.96
24 29.77
25 30.57
26 31.38
27 32.18
28 32.98
29 33.79
30 34.59
31 35.40
32 36.20
33 37.00
34 37.81
35 38.61
36 39.42
37 40.22
38 41.02
39 41.83
40 42.63
41 43.44
42 44.24
43 45.04
44 45.85
45 46.65
46 47.46
47 48.26
48 49.06
49 49.87
50 50.67
51 51.48
52 52.28
53 53.08
54 53.89
55 54.69
56 55.50
57 56.30
58 57.10
59 57.91
60 58.71
61 59.52
62 60.32
63 61.12
64 61.93
65 62.73
66 63.54

Exhibit 2
Airmail Parcel Post With USPS Labeling

Weight Not Over (lbs.) Japan
1 $6.06
2 10.42
3 14.79
4 19.15

If the weather is bad, be extra careful. Tips for preventing slips, trips, and falls. A D-Link is provided.

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