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| Year | FERS Limit % | CSRS and CSRS Offset Limit % | IRS Annual Deferral Limit $ | 50+ Catch-Up Contributions Limit $ |
| 2000 | 10 | 5 | 10,000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 11 | 6 | 10,500 | 0 |
| 2002 | 12 | 7 | 11,000 | 0 |
| 2003 | 13 | 8 | 12,000 | 2,000 |
| 2004 | 14 | 9 | 13,000 | 3,000 |
| 2005 | 15 | 10 | 14,000 | 4,000 |
| 2006 | Limits will be lifted entirely (effective December 2005) | 15,000 | 5,000 | |
| 2007 | blank | To be determined (TBD) - indexed to inflation | TBD - indexed to inflation | |
Catch-Up Contributions are supplemental contributions available to TSP participants who are age 50 or older. There is no "lookback" provision to see what the participant could have contributed but did not. Eligible participants simply have the right to contribute the additional funds up to the annual Catch-Up Contribution limit.
To elect Catch-Up Contributions, the employee must:
• Be in a pay status. Make contributions from basic pay through payroll deductions only.
• Have either a regular election on file to contribute the maximum percentage of basic pay, or an election on file where the maximum IRS elective deferral limit will be reached during the calendar year.
• Be age 50 or older, or turn age 50 in the calendar year the election is submitted and processed.
• Not be in the 6-month noncontribution period following the receipt of a financial hardship in-service withdrawal.
• Self-certify that he or she is contributing (in all equivalent employer plans) either the maximum TSP contribution percentage or an amount that will result in his or her reaching the IRS elective deferral limit by the end of the relevant calendar year.
In addition, the following rules will apply to the 50 and older Catch-Up Contributions:
• Open season dates do not apply to Catch-Up Contributions (once implemented, participants can start, change the amount, or stop at any time). The termination of Catch-Up Contributions does not affect the participant's regular contributions.
• A new election must be submitted each year (deductions will not continue into the next calendar year).
• The annual amount of the contribution will be combined with regular tax-deferred contributions in the deferral block of Form W-2 as follows:
- If amount shown exceeds the IRS limit, the IRS will check the date of birth with the Social Security Administration and assume any amount over the limit is attributable to the Catch-Up Contributions.
- If participant exceeds the Catch-Up limit (usually by contributing to more than one plan), the participant may contact the TSP and request a refund of the excess Catch-Up Contributions.
• If applicable, participant is eligible under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to make up missed Catch-Up Contributions.
Catch-Up Contribution elections are not subject to the open season rules. Participants can make more than one election in any given calendar year (as long as the annual Catch-Up limit is not exceeded). Beginning with the 2004 initial election period (PP 01-2004), participants can make Catch-Up Contribution elections at any time during the calendar year via payroll deductions.
Employees will need to make a new election for each calendar year in which they wish to participate in the Catch- Up Contribution election.
Catch-Up Contributions will be invested in the employee's account based on the most current contribution allocation on file with the TSP. The employee should be reminded that his or her contribution allocations must be made with the TSP using the TSP Web site, ThriftLine, or Form TSP-50, Investment Allocation.
There are no Postal ServiceTM matching contributions associated with TSP Catch-Up Contributions.
Employees can stop their Catch-Up Contributions at any time without penalty. They may restart them at any time. This rule differs from the current rule for regular employee contributions, which imposes a waiting period between stopping and resuming contributions. The termination of Catch-Up Contributions does not affect the employee's regular contributions.
If a participant receives a financial hardship in-service withdrawal, then the participant's Catch-Up Contributions must stop along with any regular employee contributions for a period of 6 months.
The Catch-Up Contribution election terminates automatically with the last pay date of the calendar year to which it applies unless the employee has previously terminated the election or has reached the annual Catch-Up Contribution limit.
Employees who wish to start, stop, or change a TSP Catch-Up Contribution must use the PostalEASE telephone system or the PostalEASE employee Web site to make an election. PostalEase's toll-free number is 877-4PS-EASE (877-477-3273). For web access through the Postal Service intranet, employees must go to http://blue.usps.gov, click on Employee Self-Service, and then click on PostalEASE. The employee must have his or her USPS® personal identification number (PIN) to use PostalEASE (for information on PINs, see "USPS PIN" and "TSP PIN" below).
Note: Personnel and employing offices must not distribute Form TSP-1-C, Catch-Up Contribution Election, to employees for making Catch-Up Contribution elections. TSP-1-C will not be stocked at the Material Distribution Center (MDC). If an employee brings a Form TSP-1-C to Personnel, Personnel should return the form to the employee and inform the employee that he or she must use PostalEASE to make his or her 2004 Catch-Up Contribution election beginning Monday, December 15, 2003, per instructions provided in the November 2003 mailing.
Employees have three methods to make a fund investment election as follows:
• Web site: Go to the TSP Web site at www.tsp.gov.
• Telephone: Call the TSP ThriftLine at 504-255-8777.
• Mail: Mail Form TSP-50, Investment Allocation, to the TSP service office in New Orleans.
Note: Personnel offices must not accept and cannot process completed Forms TSP-50. Form TSP-50 is not available from the TSP Web site. Form TSP-50 is available from the MDC. Personnel offices should maintain a supply of Form TSP-50. The relevant ordering information for Form TSP-50 is as follows:
PSIN: TSP-50
NSN: 7530-05-000-4305
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Unit of Measure: EA
Bulk Pack Qty: 3,800
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Price: No cost
The TSP Web site and ThriftLine are convenient methods for making fund investment elections. Employees' elections will take effect more quickly by using the TSP Web site and ThriftLine than by using Form TSP-50. To use the TSP Web site or TSP ThriftLine, participants must use their TSP PIN.
To make TSP elections, use two PINs: USPS PIN and TSP PIN.
The Postal Service maintains the USPS PIN. Employees must use their USPS PIN to (1) begin a contribution percentage or a dollar amount election, or (2) change their current TSP contribution percentage or dollar amount, or (3) begin, change, or stop a Catch-Up Contribution election, or (4) cancel TSP participation via PostalEASE. If employees do not know their USPS PIN, they must contact PostalEASE and do the following steps when prompted: (1) press 1 for PostalEASE; (2) enter their Social Security number; (3) when prompted to enter their PIN, pause and then press 2. Employees' USPS PIN will be mailed to their address of record, usually by the next business day.
Note: When an employee requests his or her USPS PIN, the USPS PIN does not change (unlike the TSP PIN). The employee's old USPS PIN remains valid. (The USPS PIN is the same PIN employees use for telephone bidding and computerized bidding.)
The TSP PIN is maintained by TSP. Employees must use their TSP PIN to make fund investment choices via the TSP Web site or the TSP ThriftLine. If employees are TSP participants and they do not know their TSP PIN, they have three methods for having a new TSP PIN mailed to their address of record:
1. Go to the TSP Web site at www.tsp.gov and select Account Access, or
2. Call the TSP ThriftLine at 504-255-8777, choose 2, enter the Social Security number, and then follow the instructions, or
3. Call the TSP service office at 504-255-6000.
Once TSP has received the employee's TSP PIN request, his or her former TSP PIN is no longer valid.
Headquarters will mail to career employees who meet the age requirements a PostalEASE worksheet and cover letter containing TSP Catch-Up Contribution election information at their mailing address of record during late November.
To assist in publicizing this TSP Catch-Up Contribution election, all offices must post (1) the notice "2004 Thrift Savings Plan Catch-Up Contributions for TSP Participants Age 50 and Older, and PostalEASE" provided on page 8 of this Postal Bulletin through December 31, 2004, and (2) the current TSP fact sheet on bulletin boards.
- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 11-27-03
Employee Resource Management just launched eReassign for Postal ServiceTM career bargaining unit employees who want to apply for reassignment. eReassign is available on the Internet at www.usps.com/employment/ereassign.htm; click on Go to log in.
eReassign is an easier and more efficient way for career bargaining unit employees to submit a voluntary reassignment request for another job. It standardizes the old, often cumbersome, manual process for career bargaining unit reassignments. It's simple to use and easy to access - employees can access it from their computer at .
Employees will be able to do all of the following online:
• Submit a reassignment request.
• View the status of their request.
• See what offices and positions are available within each district.
• Discover new reassignment opportunities.
This is the first self-service employee application of its kind at the Postal Service. Other advantages include reducing the process time for reassignment requests and allowing vacancies to be filled faster.
The program standardizes the reassignment process and reduces the amount of paper involved with reassignments. Employees who do not have access to a computer at may continue to submit written requests.
We released eReassign to the field Human Resources offices on September 10, and we made it available to employees by posting the Web site on October 15. Information about eReassign was provided to all employees with the October 24, 2003, paycheck.
- Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition,
Employee Resource Management, 11-27-03
On November 8, 2000, the Postal ServiceTM launched The Postal Store to replace www.stampsonline.com (SOL) as the USPS's® eCommerce application. Much like its predecessor SOL, The Postal Store has continued to provide customers the convenience of purchasing stamps and stamp products aimed primarily at philatelists, via the internet.
Beginning with calendar year 2002, The Postal Store started featuring licensed products to create a more robust retail experience for the online customer. The response from consumers was immediate with sales climbing to heights beyond anyone's expectations. Revenue generated through the end of FY2003 since The Postal Store's inception totaled nearly $170 million, with little to no advertising to call attention to this online retail channel.
But wait, there's more...
Following a series of technical enhancements planned for FY04 and a new store design that will create a true shopping environment sometime in FY05, The Postal Store will continue to prove that it has the scalability and flexibility to become a true, one-stop, online shop for all Postal Service products. The merchandise will continue to reflect a growing array of products that tastefully leverage the brand on items that feature our trademarks, logos, icons, and stamp images. Stay tuned for new seasonal product offerings and great reduced price sales featured in the Postal Bulletin brought to you by The Postal Store.
- Online Services,
Public Affairs and Communications, 11-27-03
Effective January 1, 2004, the International Mail Manual (IMM) will be revised to reflect changes caused by the U.S. Postal Service® adopting new customs forms for international mail and military mail. The new forms comply with changes adopted by the Postal Operations Council of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The new customs forms are revisions of the following:
• PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender's Declaration (green label).
• PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72.
• PS Form 2976-E, Customs Declaration Envelope - CP 91.
The revised forms have edition dates of January 2004. Copies of PS Forms 2976 and 2976-A are shown in this Postal Bulletin on pages 20 - 23.
Listed below is a summary of the changes to the customs forms:
• PS Forms 2976 and 2976-A are enlarged to allow for new data fields.
• PS Forms 2976 and 2976-A include new data fields so that commercial mailers can specify a Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HS) 6-digit number.
• PS Form 2976-A has a new data field to identify the country of origin for commercial shipments.
• PS Form 2976-A, which is a multiple-part form, has a new copy for the mailer.
• PS Forms 2976 and 2976-A have new instruction text to reflect the UPU and WCO changes.
• PS Form 2976-E (plastic envelope) is enlarged to accommodate the new size of PS Form 2976-A.
The revised forms have an edition date of January 2004, and mailers may begin using them immediately upon receipt. Mandatory compliance begins on March 1, 2004. This phase-in period will allow Post OfficeTM facilities to deplete current supplies and order supplies of the new forms and become familiar with the requirements. Postmasters should inform all customers of the new forms and encourage them to comply with these changes as soon as possible.
The new forms will be available at the Material Distribution Center (MDC) in mid- to late December. To ensure that sufficient forms are in the pipeline, Post Office facilities should order no more than a two-month supply. Although PS Forms 2976-A and 2976-E are numbered separately, they must be used together. Upon receipt of the new forms or by March 1, 2004, recycle all previous editions of the three forms; do not return old, unused stock to the MDC.
You can order these forms from the MDC by using touch tone order entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, option 2.
Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message. (Wait 48 hours after registering before placing your first order).
Use the following information to order these forms:
| PSIN | PS 2976 | PS 2976A | PS 2976E |
| NSN | 7530-01-000-9833 | 7530-01-000-9834 | 7530-03-000-5174 |
| Unit of Measure | EA | EA | EA |
| Minimum Order Quantity | 500 | 125 | 50 |
| Bulk Pack Quantity |
N/A (print on demand - no bulk quantity) |
1,500 | 1,500 |
| Quick Pick Number | 157 | 154 | 156 |
| Price ($) | $0.0048 | $0.0440 | $0.0274 |
Customers may also order supplies of the customs forms from The Postal Store at http://shop.usps.com; search on the words "customs forms." Customs Declaration forms are also available through an online customs forms application at www.usps.com/webtools.
We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of IMM 30 and also into the online version of the IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.
International Mail Manual (IMM)
1 International Mail Services
* * * * *
120 Preparation for Mailing
* * * * *
123 Customs Forms
[Replace 123 in its entirety to read as follows:]
Only two customs declaration forms are used, as required under 123.6, for international mail: PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender's Declaration (green label); and PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72. PS Form 2976-E, Customs Declaration Envelope - CP 91, is used as a carriage document for PS Form 2976-A.
Note: The current edition of all three forms is January 2004. Effective March 1, 2004, mailers are required to use the January 2004 versions and may no longer use any previous versions of PS Form 2976, PS Form 2976-A, or PS Form 2976-E. Except as provided in 123.3, mailers must present at the time of mailing a fully completed Sender's Declaration (the Post Office copy of PS Form 2976), which specifies both the sender's name and address and the addressee's name and address.
123.2 Availability
Customs declaration forms are available without charge at Post OfficeTM facilities. Upon request, mailers may receive a reasonable supply for mail preparation. Customers may also order supplies of the customs forms from The Postal Store at http://shop.usps.com; search on the words "customs forms." Customs declaration forms are also available through an online customs form application at www.usps.com/webtools.
123.3 Privately Printed Forms
If authorized, mailers may privately print PS Forms 2976 and 2976-A. Privately printed forms must be identical in size, design, and color to the Postal ServiceTM forms, and each form must contain a unique Code U 128 barcode symbology that can be read by Postal Service equipment. Mailers may obtain form specifications from the following address:
MANAGER MAILING STANDARDS
PRICING AND CLASSIFICATION
US POSTAL SERVICE
1735 N LYNN ST RM 3025
ARLINGTON VA 22209-6038
Mailers seeking authorization to print their own customs forms must send a written request to the Postal Service address above. Mailers must include in their request sample artwork for PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A, as appropriate. A mailer may omit printing the Post Office copy of PS Forms 2976 and 2976-A by submitting an authorized manifest listing of the items. The manifest must be typewritten, legibly handwritten, or computer-generated, and it must contain the following information:
a. The sender's name and address.
b. The sender's print authorization number (i.e., barcode).
c. The edition date of the privately printed form.
d. The same certification statement that is printed on the Postal Service form.
e. A list of the foreign recipients' names and delivery addresses.
f. The mailer's signature and date.
123.4 Nonpostal Forms
Certain items must bear one or more of the forms required by the nonpostal export regulations described in chapter 5.
Except as specified below, a mailer may not deposit a postal item that requires a completed customs declaration form into a street collection box or a Post Office lobby drop. Mailers must tender such items to a Postal Service employee at a Post Office facility or other location as designated by the postmaster. Otherwise, the Postal Service will return them to the sender for proper entry and acceptance.
Exception: The above restriction on the deposit of customs mail does not apply to Global Express MailTM (EMS®) shipments paid through an Express Mail corporate account (EMCA). Mailers may deposit such items into a designated Express Mail® collection box or Post Office lobby drop.
123.6 Required Usage
Mailers must use PS Forms 2976 or 2976-A and 2976-E as shown in Exhibit 123.61.
Exhibit 123.61
Customs Declaration Forms Usage
| Mail Category |
Declared Value |
Required Form |
Comment |
| Global Express Guaranteed (documents and nondocuments) | All values | Mailing label (item 11FGG1X) | blank |
| Global Express Mail (EMS) | All values | 2976 or 2976-A unless otherwise specified | See Note 3 at the bottom of this exhibit and the Individual Country Listings. |
|
Global Priority Mail (GPM) items, airmail
letter-post items, and economy letter-post items
that: Weigh less than 16 ounces and do not have potentially dutiable contents. Weigh 16 ounces or more, do not have potentially dutiable contents, and are enterd by a known mailer. |
N/A | None | A known mailer, as defined in 123.62, may be exempt from affixing customs forms to nondutiable mailpieces that weigh 16 ounces or more. |
|
Global Priority Mail (GPM) items, airmail
letter-post items, and economy letter-post items
that: Weigh less than 16 ounces and have potentially dutiable contents. Weigh 16 ounces or more, regardless of their contents. |
Under $400
$400 and over |
2976 *
2976-A * |
blank |
| Free matter for the blind - economy |
Under $400
$400 and over |
2976 *
2976-A * |
blank |
| Parcel post - airmail or economy | Regardless of value | 2976-A with 2976-E | Do not use PS Form 2976 (green label) on parcel post packages. |
|
M-bag - airmail or economy (Note: An M-bag requires a customs form when it contains potentially dutiable printed matter, admissible merchandise items as defined in 261.22, or some combination thereof.) |
Under $400
$400 and over |
2976 *
2976-A * |
blank |
* Placement of forms: Use PS 2976 (green label) for letter-post items under $400 in value and affix it to the outside of the package. If the value of the contents is $400 or more, affix the upper portion of PS Form 2976 (green label) (cut on dotted line and discard the lower portion) to the outside of the package, complete a separate PS Form 2976-A, and enclose the form set inside the package.
Notes:
1. See 233.3 for the customs form requirements that specifically pertain to Global Priority Mail (GPM) items.
2. Bulk business products, including International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) and International Priority Airmail (IPA), require customs forms based on package contents and weight as specified above and as required by the country of destination.
3. Global Express Mail (EMS) shipments that contain nondutiable correspondence, documents, or commercial papers are subject to the following customs form requirements:
a. When an EMS shipment weighs less than 16 ounces, the determination as to whether or not to affix PS Form 2976 is dependent upon the conditions of the destination country. Some countries require that a customs form be affixed to EMS shipments regardless of the weight or contents. Other countries require that a "BUSINESS PAPERS" endorsement be applied to the package. See the Individual Country Listings for each country's specification.
b.. When the EMS shipment weighs 16 ounces or more, PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A is required.
123.62 Known Mailers
A "known mailer" is defined as:
a. A business customer who tenders 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 as an indication of postage payment. International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) and International Priority Airmail (IPA) customers are considered to be "known mailers" for this purpose.
b. A federal, state, or local government agency whose mail is regarded as Official Mail.
c. 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."
Note: "Known mailers" are exempt from the customs form requirement that would otherwise apply to mailpieces weighing 16 ounces or more provided that the following conditions of entry are met:
a. The mailpieces contain no merchandise items or other contents that are potentially dutiable.
b. The mailer pays postage through an advance deposit account and accounts for the postage on the required postage statement. Exception: Mailpieces that are paid for by postage meter do not qualify for the "known mailer" exemption. The exemption applies only to International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) and International Priority Airmail (IPA) mailpieces that are paid with a combination post method (meter postage affixed to the piece and additional postage by permit imprint). Such mailpieces must bear the ISAL/IPA service endorsements prescribed in 292.222 and 293.92, respectively.
c. The mailer certifies on the postage statement that the mailpieces contain no dangerous materials that are prohibited by postal regulations.
d. The import regulations of the destination country allow individual mailpieces without a customs form affixed.
123.63 Additional Security Controls
When the chief postal inspector determines that a unique, credible threat exists, the Postal Service may require a mailer to provide photo identification at the time of mailing. The signature on the identification must match the signature on the customs declaration form.
123.7 Completing Customs Forms
123.71 PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender's Declaration (green label)
123.711 Sender's Preparation of PS Form 2976
A sender must complete PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender's Declaration (green label). See Exhibit 123.711 for a copy of PS Form 2976.
a. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether the package contains a gift, documents, commercial samples, or other items.
b. In block (1), provide a detailed description, in English, of each article and the quantity for each article. General descriptions such as "food," "medicine," "gifts," or "clothing" are not acceptable. In addition to the English text, a translation in another language is permitted.
c. In block (2), give the weight of each article in pounds and ounces, if known.
d. In block (3), declare the value of each article in U.S. dollars. Note: The sender may declare that the contents have no value. However, declaring that the contents have no value does not exempt an item from customs examination or charges in the destination country.
e. In blocks (4) and (5) - which are only for commercial items (i.e., any goods exported/imported in the course of a business transaction, whether or not they are sold for money or exchanged) - enter, if known, the HS tariff number (6 digits), which must be based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System developed by the World Customs Organization, and the country of origin, which is the country where the goods originated (i.e., where they were produced, manufactured, or assembled).
f. In block (6), give the total weight of the item, if known.
g. In block (7), give the total value of the item in U.S. dollars.
h. In block (8), sign and date in the blocks indicated on the left side and the right side of the form. The sender's signature certifies that all entries are correct and that the item contains no dangerous article prohibited by postal or customs regulations
i. Enter the sender's full name and address and the addressee's full name and address in the blocks indicated.
j. Affix the form to the address side of the item and present the item for mailing.
123.712 Postal Service Employee's Acceptance of PS Form 2976
The Postal Service acceptance employee must do the following when accepting PS Form 2976 from the sender:
a. Instruct the sender how to complete, legibly and accurately, PS Form 2976, as required. The sender's failure to complete the form properly can delay delivery of the item or inconvenience the sender and addressee. Moreover, a false, misleading, or incomplete declaration can result in the seizure or return of the item and/or in criminal or civil penalties. The Postal Service assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information that the sender enters on PS Form 2976.
b. Verify that the sender has entered the information on the form, and has signed and dated the form in the spaces provided on the left side and the right side of the form. The sender's address on the mailpiece must match the sender's address on PS Form 2976.
c. Enter the total weight of the package on the form, if the sender has not already done so.
d. Round stamp the right side of the form (the Post Office copy) and tell the sender that the Postal Service will retain this document for 30 days as a record of mailing.
Note: To comply with international mail aviation security procedures, the Postal Service employee must endorse any item weighing 16 ounces or more that is not accepted by an authorized employee, or that is subject to uncertain acceptance conditions (e.g., if received through a collection box or left on an unattended dock), with a "customer notification DDD-2" sticker and "surface only" and return the item to the sender by surface transportation. Consult the most recent international aviation security procedures for comprehensive acceptance procedures.
123.72 PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72
123.721 Sender's Preparation of PS Form 2976-A
A sender must complete PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72. See Exhibit 123.721 for a copy of PS Form 2976-A. (The exhibit shows only copy 1 and copy 3, along with the instructions - copies 2, 4, and 5 are the same as copy 1.)
a. Enter the sender's full name and address and the addressee's full name and address in the blocks indicated.
b. Enter information for customs reference, importer's reference, and telephone/fax/email, if known.
c. In block (1), provide a detailed description, in English, of each article. General descriptions such as "food," "medicine," "gifts," or "clothing" are not acceptable. In addition to the English text, a translation in another language is permitted. If there is insufficient space on the form to list all contents, use a second form (and subsequent forms, if necessary) to continue listing the contents and indicate on the first form that the contents are continued on a subsequent form(s). Place the form(s) into PS Form 2976-E (plastic envelope).
d. In block (2), enter the quantity of each article.
e. In block (3), enter the net weight of each article in pounds and ounces, if known.
f. To the left of block (4), check the appropriate box for type of service.
g. In block (4), enter the total weight of the package in pounds and ounces, if known.
h. In blocks (5) and (6), enter the value for each article and the total in U.S. dollars. Note: The sender may declare that the contents have no value. However, declaring that the contents have no value does not exempt an item from customs examination or charges in the destination country.
i. In blocks (7) and (8) - which are only for commercial items (i.e., any goods exported/imported in the course of a business transaction whether or not they are sold for money or exchanged) - enter, if known, the HS tariff number (6 digits), which must be based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System developed by the World Customs Organization, and the country of origin, which is the country where the goods originated (i.e., where they were produced, manufactured, or assembled).
j. In block (10), check the appropriate box to indicate whether the package contains a gift, documents, commercial samples, or other items.
k. In block (11), provide details if the contents are subject to quarantine (plant, food products, etc.) or other restrictions.
l. In blocks (12), (13), and (14), if the item is accompanied by a license, a certificate, or an invoice, enter the number.
m. In block (15), sign and date the form. The sender's signature certifies that all entries are correct and that the item contains no dangerous article prohibited by postal or customs regulations.
n. In block (16), provide disposal instructions in the event that a package cannot be delivered. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether the parcel is to be returned, treated as abandoned, or forwarded to an alternate address. Undeliverable parcels returned to the sender are, upon delivery, subject to collection of return postage and any other charges assessed by the foreign postal authorities. If unwilling to pay return postage, check the box "Treat as Abandoned."
o. Affix PS Form 2976-A according to the class of mail, as follows:
(1) For parcel post, first allow the Postal Service employee to complete PS Form 2976-A as described in 123.722 and then place the form set inside PS Form 2976-E (plastic envelope) and affix it to the outside of the package.
(2) For a letter-post item valued at $400 or more, or if you do not want to list the contents on the outside wrapper of a letter-post item, affix the upper portion of PS Form 2976 (green label) (cut on dotted line and discard the lower portion) to the address side of the package, complete PS Form 2976-A, and enclose the form set inside the package.
p. Present the item for mailing.
123.722 Postal Service Employee's Acceptance of PS Form 2976-A
The Postal Service acceptance employee must do the following when accepting PS Form 2976-A from the sender:
a. Instruct the sender how to complete, legibly and accurately, PS Form 2976-A, as required. The sender's failure to complete the form properly can delay delivery of the item or inconvenience the sender and addressee. Moreover, a false, misleading, or incomplete declaration can result in the seizure or return of the item and/or in criminal or civil penalties. The Postal Service assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information that the sender enters on PS Form 2976-A.
b. Verify that the sender has entered the information on the form and has signed and dated the declaration. The sender's address on the mailpiece must match the sender's address on PS Form 2976-A.
c. If the sender wishes to insure the contents, complete an insurance receipt and affix the insured numbered label to the package. Enter on PS Form 2976-A the insured number and the insured amount in U.S. dollars and SDR value. (See Exhibit 324.22 for conversion to SDRs.)
d. Weigh the parcel and enter in block (4) the gross weight, and enter in block (9) the amount of the applicable postage and fees.
e. Round stamp the form in the appropriate place on each copy (copies 1-5).
f. Remove the Post Office copy and tell the mailer that the Postal Service will retain this document for 30 days as a record of mailing. Remove the Mailer copy and give it to the mailer.
g. Round stamp any uncancelled stamps, and if postage is paid by meter, round stamp the front of the piece near the meter postage.
Note: To comply with international mail aviation security procedures, the Postal Service employee must endorse any item weighing 16 ounces or more that is not accepted by an authorized employee, or that is subject to uncertain acceptance conditions (e.g., if received through a collection box or left on an unattended dock), with a "customer notification DDD-2" sticker and "surface only" and return the item to the sender by surface transportation. Consult the most recent international aviation security procedures for comprehensive acceptance procedures.
123.73 PS Form 2976-E, Customs Declaration Envelope CP 91
PS Form 2976-E is a transparent plastic envelope designed to carry and protect the PS Form 2976-A form set. After completing the forms, the sender inserts the PS Form 2976-A form set into the envelope of PS Form 2976-E, removes the backing sheet, and affixes it to the package on the address side.
* * * * *
2 Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
230 Global Priority Mail
* * * * *
233 Preparation Requirements
* * * * *
233.3 Customs Form Required
[Revise 233.3 in its entirety to read as follows:]
Use Exhibit 233.3 to determine the appropriate customs form for a GPM mailpiece.
Exhibit 233.3
GPM Customs Forms Requirements
|
If the GPM mailpiece weighs |
And it contains | Required Customs Form(s) |
| Less than 16 ounces | Mail matter that is not potentially dutiable. | None. |
| blank | Mail matter that is potentially dutiable mail and has a declared value of less than $400. | Affix a completed PS Form 2976 (green label) to the outside of the package. |
| blank | Mail matter that is potentially dutiable mail and has a declared value of $400 or more. | Place a completed PS Form 2976-A inside the package. Affix the upper portion of PS Form 2976 (green label) (cut on the dotted line and discard the lower portion) to the outside of the package. |
| 16 ounces or more | Mail matter that is not potentially dutiable and is entered by a "known mailer" (see 123.62). | None. |
| blank | Mail matter of any type that has a declared value of less than $400. | Affix a completed PS Form 2976 (green label) to the exterior of the mailpiece. |
| blank | Mail matter of any type that has a declared value of $400 or more. | Place a completed PS Form 2976-A inside the package. Affix the upper portion of PS Form 2976 (green label) (cut on the dotted line and discard the lower portion) to the outside of the package. |
Note: GPM customers who send flat-rate envelopes or variable-weight option packages that weigh 16 ounces or more, bear a permit imprint, and contain correspondence, business papers, or nondutiable printed matter are eligible for the "known mailer" exemption that is referenced in 123.62.
* * * * *
- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 11-27-03
Exhibit 123.711
PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender's Declaration (green label)
Exhibit 123.721
PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72 (Copies 1 and 3 and instructions only)
Exhibit 123.721
PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72 (Copies 1 and 3 and instructions only)
Exhibit 123.721
PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72 (Copies 1 and 3 and instructions only)
ICM UPDATES
We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 18 ICM updates appear here.
On October 23, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated November 6, 2002. The Agreement was published on page 38 of Postal Bulletin 22091 (12-12-02). 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: November 20, 2002, through November 19, 2005.
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 October 16, 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: October 30, 2003, through October 29, 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 interna-tional destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.
e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 1,000 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 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 ten (10) percent off of non- discounted 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 |
(International Mail section continued...)
