Effective January 27, 2013, the Postal Service™ will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) throughout various sections to discontinue price eligibility based on the use of POSTNET™ barcodes on all types of mail.
On March 2, 2012, the Postal Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 12764-12769) to discontinue price eligibility for POSTNET barcodes. This was followed by publication of a final rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 26185-26191) on May 3, 2012.
For the past several years, both USPS™ and the mailing industry have used the IMb™ to gain information about letters and flats as they move from induction to delivery. As of January 27, 2013, the use of the IMb will be required for all automation letters, including Business Reply Mail® letters that qualify for Qualified Business Reply Mail™ prices, Permit Reply Mail letters, and automation flats.
Currently, the POSTNET barcode is an available option to satisfy the parcel barcode requirement for some parcels. We will discontinue the eligible use of the POSTNET barcode on parcels, and disallow its use on parcels unless it is printed in the address block. eVS® parcels will not be allowed to bear POSTNET barcodes in any location.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
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200 Commercial Mail Letters and Cards
201 Physical Standards
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3.0 Physical Standards for Machinable and Automation Letters and Cards
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3.17 Enclosed Reply Cards and Envelopes
3.17.1 Basic Standard
[Revise the text of 3.17.1 as follows:]
Mailers may enclose reply cards or envelopes addressed for return to a domestic delivery address within automation mailings, subject to provisions in 3.0 for enclosures. See 505.1.0 for Business Reply Mail (BRM) standards, 604.4.5.2 for postage evidencing reply mail (also known as Metered Reply Mail or MRM) standards, and 3.17.2 regarding Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM).
[Revise the title and text of 3.17.2 as follows:]
3.17.2 Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM)
Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM) is reply mail other than BRM or MRM enclosed in other mail, with or without prepayment of postage, for return to the address on the reply piece. If postage is required, the customer returning the piece affixes the applicable First-Class Mail postage. Each piece must meet the physical standards in 1.0 or 2.0.
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202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
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3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings
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3.5 Exceptions to Markings
Exceptions are as follows:
[Revise the first sentence in item 3.5a as follows:]
a. Automation letters. Automation letters do not require an “AUTO” marking if they bear an Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point routing code in the address block or on an insert visible through a window.***
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5.0 Barcode Placement
5.1 Barcode Clear Zone
[Add a new first sentence and revise the second sentence of 5.1 as follows:]
Each reference to letter or letter-size piece in 5.0 includes both letters and postcards. Each letter-size piece in an automation price or an Enhanced Carrier Route mailing at automation letter prices must have a barcode clear zone unless the piece bears an Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point routing code (see 708.4.3) in the address block.***
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5.2 General Barcode Placement for Letters
[Revise the first sentence of 5.2, and add a new second sentence, as follows:]
Each automation price letter and each letter claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route automation saturation or high density letter prices must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode with a correct delivery point routing code. A nonautomation letter may bear an Intelligent Mail barcode or a POSTNET barcode, under 708.4.0.***
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[Revise the title and the first two sentences of 5.4 as follows:]
5.4 Additional Barcode Permissibility
An automation letter or a letter claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route saturation or high density automation letter prices may not bear a POSTNET barcode or a 5-digit or ZIP+4 Intelligent Mail barcode in the lower right corner (barcode clear zone). The piece may bear a POSTNET barcode or an additional Intelligent Mail barcode in the address block only if a qualifying Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point routing code appears in the lower right corner.
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[Delete current 5.6, DPBC Numeric Equivalent, in its entirety, and renumber current 5.7 through 5.11 as new 5.6 through 5.10.]
5.6 Barcode in Address Block
When the barcode is included as part of the address block:
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[Revise renumbered items 5.6c through 5.6e as follows:]
c. The minimum clearance between the Intelligent Mail barcode and any information line above or below it within the address block must be at least 0.028 inch. The separation between the barcode and top line or bottom line of the address block must not exceed 0.625 (5/8) inch. The clearance between the leftmost and rightmost bars and any adjacent printing must be at least 0.125 (1/8) inch.
d. If a window envelope is used, the clearance between the leftmost and rightmost bars and any printing or window edge must be at least 0.125 (1/8) inch. The clearance between the Intelligent Mail barcode and the top and bottom window edges must be at least 0.028 inch. These clearances must be maintained during the insert’s range of movement in the envelope. Address block windows on heavy letter mail must be covered. Covers for address block windows are subject to 5.10.
e. If an address label is used, a clear space of at least 0.125 (1/8) inch must be left between the barcode and the left and right edges of the address label. The clearance between the Intelligent Mail barcode and the top and bottom edges of the address label must be at least 0.028 inch.
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[Revise the title and introductory text of renumbered 5.7 as follows:]
5.7 Barcode on Insert in Barcode Window
If the barcode is printed on an insert to appear through a barcode window in the lower right corner of an envelope:
[Revise renumbered item 5.7a as follows:]
a. The envelope and window must meet the physical standards in 5.9 through 5.10.
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[Revise renumbered item 5.7c as follows:]
c. When the insert showing through the window is moved to any of its limits inside the envelope, the entire barcode must remain within the barcode clear zone. In addition, a clear space must be maintained that is at least 0.125 (1/8) inch between the barcode and the left and right edges of the window, at least 0.1875 (3/16) inch between the barcode and the bottom edge of the mailpiece, and at least 0.028 inch between the barcode and the top edge of the window.
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220 Priority Mail
223 Prices and Eligibility
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3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
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3.2 Additional Standards for Critical Mail Letters
***Critical Mail letters also must:
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[Revise item 3.2b as follows:]
b. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code and that meets address quality standards in 233.5.5 and 708.3.0.
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230 First-Class Mail
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233 Prices and Eligibility
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4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Nonautomation First-Class Mail Letters
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4.2 Barcodes
[Revise the text of 4.2 as follows:]
Any Intelligent Mail barcode on a mailpiece in nonautomation First-Class Mail mailings must be correct for the delivery address and meet the standards in 202.5.0, 708.3.0, and 708.4.0.
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5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation First-Class Mail Letters
5.1 Basic Standards for Automation First-Class Mail Letters
All pieces in a First-Class Mail automation mailing must:
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[Revise item 5.1e as follows:]
e. Bear an accurate Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address and meeting the standards in 202.5.0 and 708.4.0.
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5.5 Address Standards for Barcoded Pieces
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[Revise the title and text of 5.5.3 as follows:]
5.5.3 Numeric Delivery Point Routing Code
The numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code is formed by adding two digits directly after the ZIP+4 code.
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[Delete 5.6, Reply Cards and Envelopes Enclosed in Automation Price First-Class Mail, in its entirety.]
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240 Commercial Letters and Cards Standard Mail
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243 Prices and Eligibility
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3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Letters
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3.3 Additional Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Each Standard Mail mailing is subject to these general standards:
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[Revise item 3.3i as follows:]
i. Any Intelligent Mail barcode on a mailpiece must be correct for the delivery address and meet the standards in 202.5.0, 708.3.0, and 708.4.0.
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6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail Letters
6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route Standards
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6.1.2 Basic Eligibility Standards
All pieces in an Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail mailing must:
* * * * *
[Revise the introductory text of item 6.1.2d as follows:]
d. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code and that meets these address quality standards:
* * * * *
[Revise item 6.1.2g as follows:]
g. Meet the requirements for automation compatibility in 201.3.0 and bear an accurate Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct delivery point routing code matching the delivery address and meeting the standards in 202.5.0 and 708.4.0, except as provided in 6.1.2h. Pieces prepared with a simplified address format are exempt from the automation-compatibility and barcode requirements. Letters entered under the full-service Intelligent Mail automation option also must meet the standards in 705.24.0.
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6.4 High Density Enhanced Carrier Route Standards
[Revise the title and text of 6.4.1 as follows:]
6.4.1 Additional Eligibility Standards for High Density Prices
In addition to the eligibility standards in 6.1, high density letter-size mailpieces must be in a full carrier route tray or in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more pieces placed in a 5-digit (or 3-digit) carrier routes tray. Except for pieces with a simplified address, pieces that are not automation-compatible or not barcoded with an Intelligent Mail barcode under 202.5.0 are mailable only at the nonautomation high density letter prices.
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6.5 Saturation ECR Standards
[Revise the title and text of 6.5.1 as follows:]
6.5.1 Additional Eligibility Standards for Saturation Prices
In addition to the eligibility standards in 6.1, saturation letter-size mailpieces must be in a full carrier route tray or in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more pieces placed in a 5-digit (or 3-digit) carrier routes tray. Except for pieces with a simplified address, pieces that are not automation-compatible or not barcoded with an Intelligent Mail barcode under 202.5.0 are mailable only at nonautomation saturation letter prices.
* * * * *
7.0 Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail
7.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail
All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail automation mailing must:
* * * * *
[Revise the introductory text of item 7.1d as follows:]
d. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code and that meets these address quality standards:
* * * * *
[Revise item 7.1e as follows:]
e. Bear an accurate Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address and meeting the standards in 202.5.0 and 708.4.0.
* * * * *
7.5 Address Standards for Barcoded Pieces
7.5.1 Basic Address Standards for Barcodes
[Revise the text of 7.5.1 as follows:]
To qualify for automation prices, addresses must be sufficiently complete to enable matching to the current USPS ZIP+4 Product when used with current CASS-certified address matching software. Any barcode as defined in 202.5.0 and 708.4.0 that appears on a mailpiece claimed at an automation price must be the correct barcode for the corresponding delivery address on the piece.
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 7.5.3 as follows:]
7.5.3 Numeric Delivery Point Routing Code
The numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code is formed by adding two digits directly after the ZIP+4 code.
* * * * *
[Delete 7.6, Enclosed Reply Cards and Envelopes, in its entirety.]
[Renumber current 7.7 as new 7.6.]
* * * * *
300 Commercial Mail Flats
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302 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
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2.0 Address Placement
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2.4 Type Size and Line Spacing
***These additional standards apply to automation pieces:
* * * * *
[Revise item 2.4c as follows:]
c. For pieces that bear an Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point routing code under 708.4.3, mailers may print the delivery address in a minimum of 6-point type (each character must be at least 0.065 inch high) if all capital letters are used.
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5.0 Barcode Placement
[Revise the title and text of 5.1 as follows:]
5.1 Barcode Placement for Flats
On any flat-size piece claimed at automation prices, the piece must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point routing code. The barcode may be anywhere on the address side as long as it is at least 1/8 inch from any edge of the piece. The portion of the surface of the piece on which the barcode is printed must meet the barcode dimensions and spacing requirements in 708.4.2.5, and the reflectance standards in 708.4.4. Intelligent Mail barcodes are subject to standards in 708.4.3.2. A POSTNET barcode or an additional Intelligent Mail barcode may also appear in the address block of an automation flat, when the qualifying Intelligent Mail barcode is not in the address block. Other non-USPS barcodes may appear on the address side of a flat if the barcode format is not discernable to automated postal flat-sorting equipment.
* * * * *
[Delete current 5.2, Applying One Barcode, and 5.3, Applying Second Barcode, in their entirety.]
[Renumber current 5.4 through 5.7 as new 5.2 through 5.5.]
5.2 5-Digit and ZIP+4 Barcodes
[Revise the text of renumbered 5.2 as follows:]
An automation flat-size piece must not bear a 5-digit or a ZIP + 4 barcode.
[Revise the title and text of renumbered 5.3 as follows:]
5.3 Delivery Point Routing Code Numeric Equivalent
In automation mailings only, the numbers corresponding to the delivery point routing code may appear in the delivery address. If read from left to right: a correct numeric equivalent consists of five digits, a hyphen, and six digits.
5.4 Barcode in Address Block
When an Intelligent Mail barcode is included as part of the address block:
* * * * *
[Revise renumbered items 5.4c through 5.4e as follows:]
c. The minimum clearance between the barcode and any information line above or below it within the address block must be at least 0.028 inch, and the separation between the barcode and top line or bottom line of the address block must not exceed 0.625 (5/8) inch. The clearance between the leftmost and rightmost bars and any adjacent printing must be at least 0.125 (1/8) inch.
d. If a window envelope is used, the clearance between the leftmost and rightmost bars and any printing or window edge must be at least 0.125 (1/8) inch, and the clearance between the barcode and the top and bottom window edges must be at least 0.028 inch. These clearances must be maintained during the insert's range of movement in the envelope. Covers for address block windows are subject to 5.5. Window envelopes also must meet the specifications in 601.6.3.
e. If an address label is used, a clear space of at least 0.125 (1/8) inch must be left between the barcode and the left and right edges of the address label, and the clearance between the barcode and the top and bottom edges of the address label must be at least 0.028 inch.
* * * * *
320 Priority Mail
323 Prices and Eligibility
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3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
3.2 Additional Standards for Critical Mail Flats
[Revise the introductory text of 3.2 as follows:]
Critical Mail, a category of Priority Mail, is available for barcoded, automation-compatible letters and barcoded, automation flats, using IMbs under 708.4.3. With the exception of restricted mail as described in 601.8.0, any mailable matter may be mailed via Critical Mail. USPS-produced Critical Mail flat-size envelopes must be used for all Critical Mail flats. Flats may not exceed 13 ounces in weight or 3/4 inch in thickness. Critical Mail flats also must:
* * * * *
[Revise item 3.2 b as follows:]
b. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code and that meets address quality standards in 333.5.5 and 708.3.0.
* * * * *
330 First-Class Mail
333 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Nonautomation First-Class Mail Flats
* * * * *
4.2 Barcodes on Nonautomation First-Class Mail
[Revise the text of 4.2 as follows:]
Any barcode on a mailpiece in a First-Class Mail nonautomation flats mailing must be correct for the delivery address and meet the standards in 708.3.0 and 708.4.0.
* * * * *
5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation First-Class Mail Flats
5.1 Basic Standards for Automation First-Class Mail
All pieces in a First-Class Mail automation flats mailing must:
* * * * *
[Revise items 5.1d through e as follows:]
d. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code and that meets these address quality standards:
1. The address matching and coding standards in 5.5 and 708.3.0.
2. If an alternative addressing format is used, the additional standards in 602.3.0.
e. Bear an accurate Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address, and meeting the standards in 302.5.0 and 708.4.0, either on the piece or on an insert showing through a window.
* * * * *
5.5 Address Standards for Barcoded Pieces
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 5.5.3 as follows:]
5.5.3 Numeric Delivery Point Routing Code
A numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code is formed by adding two digits directly after the ZIP+4 code.
* * * * *
[Delete 5.6, Reply Cards and Envelopes Enclosed in Automation Price First-Class Mail, in its entirety.]
* * * * *
340 Standard Mail
343 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Flats
* * * * *
3.3 Additional Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Each Standard Mail mailing is subject to these general standards:
* * * * *
[Revise item 3.3i as follows:]
i. Any barcode on a mailpiece must be correct for the delivery address and meet the standards in 302.5.0, 708.3.0, and 708.4.0.
* * * * *
6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail Flats
6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route Standards
* * * * *
6.1.2 Basic Eligibility Standards
All pieces in an Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail mailing must:
* * * * *
[Revise the introductory text of item 6.1.2d as follows:]
d. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code and that meets these address quality standards:
* * * * *
7.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail Flats
7.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail
All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail® automation mailing must:
* * * * *
[Revise the introductory text of item 7.1d as follows:]
d. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code and that meets these address quality standards:
* * * * *
[Revise item 7.1e as follows:]
e. Bear an accurate Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address and meeting the standards in 302.5.0 and 708.4.0.
* * * * *
7.4 Address Standards for Barcoded Pieces
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 7.4.3 as follows:]
7.4.3 Numeric Delivery Point Routing Code
A numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code is formed by adding two digits directly after the ZIP+4 code.
* * * * *
[Delete 7.5, Enclosed Reply Cards and Envelopes, in its entirety.]
* * * * *
360 Bound Printed Matter
363 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees for Bound Printed Matter
* * * * *
1.1.4 Barcoded Discount—Flats
[Revise the text of 1.1.4 as follows:]
For discount, see Notice 123–Price List. See 4.1 and 6.1 for eligibility information.
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Flats
4.1 Price Eligibility
***Price categories are as follows:
* * * * *
[Revise item 4.1d as follows:]
d. Barcoded Discount—Flats. The barcoded discount applies to BPM flats that meet the requirements for automation flats in 301.3.0 and bear an accurate Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct delivery point routing code. See 6.1 for more information.
* * * * *
6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Barcoded Bound Printed Matter Flats
6.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Barcoded Bound Printed Matter
[Revise the text of 6.1 as follows:]
The barcode discount applies only to BPM flat-size pieces that bear an Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address and meeting the standards in 302.5.0 and 708.4.0. The pieces must be part of a nonpresorted price mailing of 50 or more flat-size pieces or part of a presorted mailing of at least 300 BPM flats prepared under 365.7.0, 705.8.0, and 705.14.0. The barcode discount is not available for flats mailed at Presorted DDU prices or carrier route prices. To qualify for the barcode discount, the flat-size pieces must meet the standards in 301.3.0.
* * * * *
6.4 Address Standards for Barcode Discounts
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 6.4.3 as follows:]
6.4.3 Numeric Delivery Point Routing Code
A numeric equivalent to the delivery point routing code is formed by adding two digits directly after the ZIP+4 code.
* * * * *
400 Commercial Mail Parcels
* * * * *
402 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
* * * * *
4.0 General Barcode Placement for Parcels
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of current 4.3 as follows:]
4.3 Intelligent Mail Barcodes and POSTNET Barcodes
Intelligent Mail barcodes and POSTNET barcodes do not meet barcode eligibility requirements for parcels and do not qualify for any barcode-related prices for parcels, but one barcode may be included only in the address block on a parcel, except on eVS parcels. An Intelligent Mail barcode or POSTNET barcode in the address block must be placed according to 302.5.4.
[Delete current 4.3.1, General Placement of POSTNET Barcodes, 4.3.2, POSTNET Barcode in Address Block, and 4.3.3, Window Cover, in their entirety.]
* * * * *
440 Standard Mail
443 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Standard Mail
* * * * *
4.4 Surcharge
Unless prepared in carrier route or 5-digit/scheme containers, Standard Mail parcels are subject to a surcharge if:
* * * * *
[Revise item 4.4c as follows:]
c. The irregular parcels do not bear a GS1-128 routing barcode or an Intelligent Mail package barcode for the delivery address.
* * * * *
500 Additional Mailing Services
503 Extra Services
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 15.0 as follows:]
15.0 IMb Tracing
* * * * *
15.2 Barcodes
* * * * *
15.2.2 Intelligent Mail Barcode Requirements
[Revise the introductory text of 15.2.2 as follows:]
To obtain IMb Tracing, mailers must apply Intelligent Mail barcodes on letter-size pieces or on flat-size pieces meeting automation-compatibility standards in 201.3.0 (letters) or 301.3.0 (flats). The following standards apply:
* * * * *
505 Return Services
1.0 Business Reply Mail (BRM)
* * * * *
1.3 Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) Basic Standards
1.3.1 Description
Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) is First-Class Mail that:
* * * * *
[Revise item 1.3.1d as follows:]
d. Is authorized to mail at QBRM prices and fees under 1.3.2. During the authorization process, the mailer is assigned a unique ZIP+4 code for each price category of QBRM to be returned under the system (one for card-price pieces, one for letter-size pieces weighing 1 ounce or less, and one for letter-size pieces weighing over 1 ounce up to and including 2 ounces).
* * * * *
[Revise item 1.3.1f as follows:]
f. Bears the correct Intelligent Mail barcode that corresponds to the unique ZIP+4 code in the address on each piece distributed. The barcode must be correctly prepared under 1.9 and 708.4.0.
* * * * *
1.8 Format Elements
* * * * *
1.8.6 Delivery Address
The complete address (including the permit holder’s name, delivery address, city, state, and BRM ZIP Code) must be printed directly on the piece, except as allowed under 1.7.5 or under item a below, subject to these conditions:
[Revise item 1.8.6a as follows:]
a. Preprinted labels with only delivery address information (including an Intelligent Mail barcode under 1.9) are permitted, but the permit holder's name and other required elements must be printed directly on the BRM piece.
* * * * *
1.9 Additional Standards for Letter-Size and Flat-Size BRM
[Revise the text of 1.9 to incorporate the current item 1.9a, including items a1 and a2, into the introductory text and revise the new introductory text as follows:]
In addition to the format standards in 1.8, QBRM letters and cards must be barcoded with an Intelligent Mail barcode. When an Intelligent Mail barcode is printed on any BRM pieces, it must contain the barcode ID, service type ID, and correct ZIP+4 routing code, as specified under 708.4.3. QBRM pieces must bear the ZIP+4 codes and equivalent Intelligent Mail barcodes assigned by the USPS. The IMb must be placed on the address side of the piece and positioned as part of the delivery address block under 202.5.7 or within the barcode clear zone in the lower right corner of the piece if printed directly on the piece.
* * * * *
2.0 Permit Reply Mail (PRM)
* * * * *
2.3 Format Elements
* * * * *
2.3.6 Delivery Address
[Revise the text of 2.3.6 as follows:]
The complete address (including the permit holder’s name, delivery address, city, state, and ZIP+4 code) must be printed on the piece. PRM pieces must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address and meeting the standards in 202.5.0 and 708.4.0.
* * * * *
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services
601 Mailability
* * * * *
6.0 Mailing Containers—Special Types of Envelopes and Packaging
* * * * *
6.5 Reusable Mailpiece
***Except for reusable mailpieces that originate as permit imprint mailings, the piece must meet these standards:
[Revise the first sentence of 6.5a as follows:]
a. Basic Design. The piece must be designed and constructed to allow the recipient to reconfigure the piece to remove or obscure the address, barcode, postage, and any marking or endorsement applied to the piece when it was originally mailed so that these elements are not mistaken by the USPS as applying to the returned piece.***
* * * * *
602 Addressing
* * * * *
4.0 Detached Address Labels (DALs) and Detached Marketing Labels (DMLs)
* * * * *
4.2 Label Preparation
* * * * *
4.2.2 Addressing
[Revise the last sentence of 4.2.2 as follows:] In addition, if DALs accompany saturation mailings of Periodicals or Standard Mail flats, a correct Intelligent Mail barcode with an 11-digit routing code must be printed on each DAL except when using a simplified address.
* * * * *
700 Special Standards
* * * * *
708 Technical Standards
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 4.0 as follows:]
4.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail and POSTNET Barcodes
4.1 General
[Revise the text of 4.1 as follows:]
Intelligent Mail barcodes and POSTNET (Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) barcodes are USPS-developed methods to encode ZIP Code information on mail that can be read for sorting by automated machines. Intelligent Mail barcodes also encode other tracking information. POSTNET barcodes do not qualify for automation pricing.
* * * * *
We will incorporate these revisions into the next monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Pricing, 12-27-12
