IMM Revision: International Shipping Services Product and Price Changes

Effective January 18, 2009, the Postal Service™ is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Ser­vice, International Mail Manual (IMM®) subchapters 120, 130, 140, 210, 220, 230, 310, 320, 530, 920, and the Indi­vidual Country Listings to reflect changes to the prices and product features for the following shipping services:

We are implementing this international price change concurrent with our domestic shipping services price change. On average, the prices for the following shipping services will increase accordingly: GXG — 11.2 percent; Express Mail International — 8.5 percent; Priority Mail International — 8.5 percent; and Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to One Addressee (Airmail M-Bags) — 8 percent. The total international price increase is approximately 8.5 percent.

The number of country price groups for Express Mail International and Priority Mail International services is expanded from nine to ten country price groups. New country Price Group 10 is established for items sent to Australia and New Zealand.

Priority Mail International service is expanded by adding a new small flat-rate box. The small flat-rate box follows the same mailing standards as the Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope.

Commercial base pricing for Global Express Guaran­teed (GXG), Express Mail International, and Priority Mail International services is expanded to include qualifying end-user customers who pay postage using information-based indicia (IBI) postage meters and electronically trans­mit customs forms. IBI is a digitally generated indicium that includes a two-dimensional barcode.

For more information on prices and product features that will be effective January 18, 2009, see Postal Bulletin 22247 (12-4-08), starting on page 75.

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

1 International Mail Services

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120 Preparation for Mailing

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123 Customs Forms and Online Shipping Labels

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123.6 Required Usage 123.61 Conditions

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Exhibit 123.61
Customs Declaration Form Usage by Mail Category

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[Revise the Priority Mail International “Comment” section of Exhibit 123.61 as follows:]

All items mailed in USPS-produced Priority Mail Interna­tional packaging and any item bearing a Priority Mail sticker or marked with the words “Priority Mail” are considered parcels, except the Priority Mail International flat-rate enve­lope and small flat-rate box. Do not use PS Form 2976 (green label) on Priority Mail International parcels.

[Revise the Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelope section of Exhibit 123.61 by changing the title as follows:]

Priority Mail International Flat-Rate Envelope and Small Flat-Rate Box

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[Revise the first sentence of the first footnote of Exhibit 123.61 as follows:]

1. Placement of forms: Use PS Form 2976 (green label) for a Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box and a First-Class Mail International item under $400 in value; affix the form to the address side of the package.***

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123.7 Completing Customs Forms

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123.72 PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note — CP 72 123.721 Sender’s Preparation of PS Form 2976-A

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[Revise item “o” to read as follows:]

o. Affix PS Form 2976-A according to the class of mail, as follows:

1. For a Priority Mail International parcel, with the exception of the flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box, allow the Postal Service employee to complete PS Form 2976-A as described in 123.722, place the form set inside PS Form 2976-E (plastic envelope), and affix it to the address side of the package.

2. For a Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope or small flat-rate box or a First-Class Mail Interna­tional item valued at $400 or more, or if you do not want to list the contents on the outside wrapper, affix the upper portion only of PS Form 2976 (green label) (cut on the 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.

130 Mailability

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134 Valuable Articles 134.1 List of Articles

[Revise the introductory paragraph of 134.1 to read as follows:]

The following valuable articles may be sent only by using Registered Mail: First-Class Mail International service, Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope, and Priority Mail International small flat-rate box. In addition, the arti­cles may be sent by insured Priority Mail International service. The articles are not mailable in Express Mail Inter­national or ordinary (uninsured) Priority Mail International shipments (see 221.2 and 233):

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140 International Mail Categories 141 Definitions

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141.4 Priority Mail International

[Convert items “a” and “b” into a first and second para­graph. Revise the first sentence of the first paragraph 141.4 as follows:]

Priority Mail International is governed by the parcels provi­sions of the Universal Postal Convention with the exception of the flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box.***

[Revise the second paragraph in 141.4b to read as follows:]

The Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box provide customers with an economical means of sending correspondence, documents, printed matter, and lightweight merchandise items to foreign destinations. The maximum weight limit is 4 pounds. Registered Mail service is available for the Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box. Insurance is not available for the Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope or small flat-rate box.

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2 Conditions for Mailing 210 Global Express Guaranteed

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212 Postage Prices 212.1 Global Express Guaranteed Service Prices/Groups

[Revise 212.1 as follows:]

See the Individual Country Listings for availability, addi­tional details, and prices.

[Delete Exhibit 212.1 GXG price chart from this section.]

212.2 Commercial Base Prices 212.21 General

[Revise 212.21 by adding a new sentence after the first and before the second sentence as follows:]

***Commercial base prices also apply to qualifying end-user customers who pay postage using information-based indicia (IBI) postage meters and electronically transmit cus­toms forms.***

212.22 Online Prices

[Revise 212.22 by adding the following language at the end of the first sentence.]

***or to qualifying end-user customers who pay postage using information-based indicia (IBI) postage meters and electronically transmit customs forms.***

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220 Express Mail International

[Delete title of 221, “Description,” and renumber current 221.1 as new 221.]

221 General

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[Add new 221.1 as follows:]

221.1 Express Mail International Flat-Rate Envelope

Any item not prohibited in international mail and Express Mail International may be sent in the Express Mail Interna­tional flat-rate envelope. Mailers are eligible for the flat-rate envelope price only with the use of a USPS-produced flat-rate envelope. The contents must fit securely in the enve­lope and be confined within the envelope with the provided adhesive as the means of closure. The envelope flap must be able to close within the prefabricated folds. Tape may be applied to the flap and seams for closure or to reinforce the envelope, provided the design of the envelope is not enlarged by opening the sides of the envelope and taping or reconstructing the envelope in any way. All other Express Mail International standards and customs require­ments apply.

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222 Postage 222.1 Prices 222.11 Country Prices

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[Add new second paragraph and update Exhibit 222.11, as follows:]

Regardless of the actual weight of the mailpiece, the Express Mail International flat-rate envelope is charged at a flat rate. Postage is required for each piece. Express Mail International flat-rate envelopes with prepaid postage may be used for international mail. Appropriate postage must be added prior to mailing. (See Exhibit 222.11.)

Exhibit 222.11
Express Mail International Flat-Rate Envelope

 

Canada & Mexico

$25.95

All other countries

$27.95

222.14 Online Prices — General

[Revise 222.14 by adding a new second sentence at the end of the paragraph as follows:]

***Commercial base prices also apply to qualifying end-user customers who pay postage using information-based indicia (IBI) postage meters and electronically transmit cus­toms forms.

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222.142 Online Prices

[Revise 222.142 by adding the following language at the end of the first sentence.]

***or for qualifying end-user customers who pay postage using information-based indicia (IBI) postage meters and electronically transmit customs forms.***

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230 Priority Mail International 231 General

[Revise 231 as follows:]

Priority Mail International is a parcel service with the excep­tion of the flat-rate envelope and the small flat-rate box. Written correspondence having the nature of current and personal correspondence is not permitted in Priority Mail International parcels, but may be sent in the Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope or small flat-rate box.

[Revise the title of 232 as follows:]

232 Priority Mail International Flat-Rate Envelope and Small Flat-Rate Box 232.1 General

[Revise 232.1 as follows:]

All items that may be sent as First-Class Mail International (see 241) may be sent in the Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope or small flat-rate box provided the contents are mailable, they fit securely in the envelope or box, and they are entirely confined within the container with the pro­vided adhesive as the means of closure. The flap must close within the prefabricated fold. Tape may be applied to the flap and seams for closure or to reinforce, provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and taping or reconstructing the container in any way. Reg­istered Mail service is available. Insurance is not available.

232.2 Prices

[Revise the text of the first and second sentences of 232.2 as follows:]

The Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box are charged at a flat rate. The price does not depend on the weight of the item, provided it does not exceed the 4-pound limit in 232.3.***

Exhibit 232.2

[Revise the title and text of Exhibit 232.2 as follows:]

Priority Mail International Flat-Rate Envelope and Small Flat-Rate Box

 

Canada & Mexico

$10.95

All other countries

$12.95

232.3 Weight Limit

[Revise the text of 232.3 as follows.]

The maximum weight for the flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box is 4 pounds.

232.4 Customs Forms Required

[Revise the text of 232.4 as follows:]

All Priority Mail International flat-rate envelopes and small flat-rate boxes must bear PS Form 2976 or 2976-A depending on the value and weight of the item.

[Revise the heading of 233 as follows:]

233 Priority Mail International Regular and Large Flat-Rate Boxes 233.1 General

[Revise the text of the first sentence in paragraph one, add a new sentence after the first sentence, and revise the first sentence in paragraph two of 233.1 as follows:]

All mailable items that qualify to be sent as Priority Mail International may be sent in the Priority Mail International regular and large flat-rate boxes (see 231). Items allowed in the Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope or small flat-rate box are not allowed to be sent in the Priority Mail International regular and large flat-rate boxes.***

Regular and large flat-rate boxes may be insured.***

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233.2 Prices

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[Revise title and text of Exhibit 233.2 as follows:]

Exhibit 233.2
Priority Mail International — Regular and Large Flat-Rate Boxes

 

 

Regular

Large

Canada & Mexico

$25.95

$32.95

All other countries

$41.95

$53.95

[Revise “Note” of Exhibit 233.2 as follows:]

Note: Indemnity for items mailed in the regular and large flat-rate boxes are based on the weight and indemnity lim­its shown in Exhibit 234.4.

233.3 Weight Limit

[Revise 233.3 as follows:]

The weight limit for the regular and large flat-rate boxes is 20 pounds.

233.4 Customs Forms Required

[Revise 233.4 as follows:]

Each Priority Mail International regular or large flat-rate box must bear a properly completed PS Form 2976-A.

234 Priority Mail International Parcels

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234.2 Indemnity

[Revise the first sentence of 234.2 as follows:]

Ordinary — i.e., uninsured — Priority Mail International parcels, except the small flat-rate box, include indemnity coverage against loss, damage, or rifling up to the amounts shown in Exhibit 234.4.***

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[Revise the second “Note” in 234.2 as follows:]

Note: Priority Mail International parcels, including the reg­ular and large flat-rate boxes, may be insured, but not the Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope or small flat-rate box (see 322).

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235 Postage

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235.2 Prices

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235.22 Online Prices

[Revise the first sentence of 235.22 as follows:]

Prices for Priority Mail International transactions conducted on Click-N-Ship, through an authorized PC Postage ven­dor, or by qualifying end-user customers who pay postage using information-based indicia (IBI) postage meters and electronically transmit customs forms are 5 percent below retail prices.***

236 Weight and Size Limits 236.1 Weight Limits

[Revise items “a” and “b” of 236.2 as follows:]

a. Flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box: 4 lbs.

b. Regular and large flat-rate boxes: 20 lbs.

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237 Mail Preparation

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237.4 Packaging

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237.45 Customs Forms Required

[Revise 237.45 as follows:]

All Priority Mail International parcels, except the small flat-rate box, must bear PS Form 2976-A.

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3 Extra Services 310 Certificate of Mailing

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[Revise 312 as follows:]

312 Availability 312.1 At Time of Purchase

Customers may purchase a certificate of mailing when sending the following:

a. Postcards.

b. Unregistered First-Class Mail International items.

c. Free matter for the blind.

d. Priority Mail International flat-rate envelopes or small flat-rate boxes.

e. Ordinary (uninsured) Priority Mail International par­cels including regular and large flat-rate boxes.

312.2 After Mailing (Additional Criteria)

To obtain an additional certificate after mailing, the mailer must present the original certificate and an additional cer­tificate endorsed “Duplicate” or a copy showing the original dates of mailing. The additional certificate must be post­marked to show the current date. A certificate of mailing cannot be obtained in combination with Registered Mail items, insured parcels, or bulk mailings of 200 pieces or more that bear a permit imprint.

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320 Insurance 321 Description

[Revise first sentence of 321 as follows:]

Insurance is provided against loss, damage, or rifling for Priority Mail International parcels except the small flat-rate box.***

322 Availability

[Revise last sentence of 322 as follows:]

***Insurance is not available for the Priority Mail Interna­tional flat-rate envelope or small flat-rate box.

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330 Registered Mail

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332 Availability

[Revise 332 as follows:]

Customers may purchase Registered Mail service for items that weigh up to 4 pounds. Registered Mail service is not available with Priority Mail International parcels or any type of M-bag service. See Individual Country Listings for addi­tional country-specific prohibitions and restrictions. Registered Mail service is available for the following types of mail:

a. The Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope, in­cluding free matter for the blind items.

b. The Priority Mail International small flat-rate box, in­cluding free matter for the blind items.

c. First-Class Mail International items, including free matter for the blind items.

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5 Nonpostal Export Regulations

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530 Commodities and Technical Data

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532 General Export Licenses

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532.2 Restricted Destinations of General Export Licenses

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Exhibit 532.2
General License Symbols Not Permitted

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[In the first footnote of Exhibit 532.2, revise the second sen­tence as follows:]

***For Cuba, the Priority Mail International flat-rate enve­lope and small flat-rate box (maximum weight: 4 pounds each) are accepted.***

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9 Inquiries, Indemnities, and Refunds

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920 Inquiries and Claims 921 Inquiries

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921.2 Initiating an Inquiry

[Revise the second sentence of 921.2 as follows:]

***Inquiries are not accepted for ordinary letters, Priority Mail International flat-rate envelopes, Priority Mail Interna­tional small flat-rate boxes, or M-bags.***

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921.5 General Procedures 921.51 Nondelivery

[Revise the last sentence of 921.51 as follows:]

***Inquiries are not accepted for Priority Mail International flat-rate envelopes, Priority Mail International small flat-rate boxes, ordinary letters, or M-bags.

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Country Price Groups and Weight Limits

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[Revise footnotes 1, 3, and 4 only as follows:]

1 Priority Mail International flat-rate service maximum weights: flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box, 4 lbs; regular and large flat-rate boxes, 20 lbs.

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3 Bolivia: Priority Mail International package services to Bolivia are suspended. The Priority Mail Interna­tional flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box (max­imum weight: 4 lbs. each) may be used.

4 Cuba: Priority Mail International parcel services to Cuba are not available. The Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box (maximum weight: 4 lbs. each) may be used. Dutiable articles may not be mailed to Cuba except gift parcels up to 4 lbs. that must comply with the gift parcel rules pub­lished in 15 CFR § 740.12 for general provisions gov­erning sanctions and for comprehensive information about goods and services that may not be imported to or exported from Cuba. Potentially dutiable items may be confiscated upon entering Cuba or returned to sender.

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[In the Country Price Groups and Weight Limits table, revise the entries for Australia and New Zealand to indicate that they are in Price Group 10 for both Express Mail Interna­tional and Priority Mail International.]

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Individual Country Listings Country Conditions for Mailing

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Customs Forms Required (123)

[For each country, revise as follows:]

First-Class Mail International items and Priority Mail Inter­national flat-rate envelopes and small flat-rate boxes: PS Form 2976 or 2976-A (see 123.61)

Priority Mail International parcels: PS Form 2976-A inside 2976-E (envelope)

* * * * * 

Global Express Guaranteed (210)

[For each country that has Global Express Guaranteed ser­vice, insert the appropriate table of weights and prices.]

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Express Mail International (220)

[For each country that has Express Mail International ser­vice, insert the appropriate table of weights and prices.]

* * * * * 

Express Mail International — Flat Rate

[For each country that offers Express Mail International flat-rate service, revise the flat-rate section as follows:]

[For all countries except Canada and Mexico:]

Flat-Rate Envelope: $27.95

[For Canada and Mexico:]

Flat-Rate Envelope: $25.95

* * * * * 

Priority Mail International (230)

[For each country that has Priority Mail International service, insert the appropriate table of weights and prices.]

* * * * * 

Priority Mail International — Flat Rate

[For each country that offers Priority Mail International flat-rate service, revise the lines of text for the flat-rate envelope and flat-rate boxes as follows:]

[For all countries except Canada and Mexico:]

Flat-Rate Envelope or Small Flat-Rate Box: $12.95

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Flat-Rate Boxes: Regular — $41.95; Large — $53.95

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[For Canada and Mexico:]

Flat-Rate Envelope or Small Flat-Rate Box: $10.95

* * * * * 

Flat-Rate Boxes: Regular — $25.95; Large — $32.95

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First-Class Mail International (240)

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[For each country that offers airmail M-bag service, revise the heading as follows (to include the term “Airmail”) and insert the appropriate table of weights and prices:]

Airmail M-Bags — Direct Sack to One Addressee (260)

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We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the IMM and into the monthly update of the online IMM, which is available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.