Effective June 20, 2021, the Postal Service™ will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), sections 505.3.1.6 and 505.4.2.3, to clarify where return services packages may be deposited.
Currently, sections 505.3.1.6 and 505.4.2.3 specify that USPS Returns® service and Parcel Return Service packages may be deposited in any collection box, except a Priority Mail Express® box.
The Postal Service is revising these sections to clarify that authorized USPS Returns service and Parcel Return Service packages may be deposited in collection receptacles, such as collection boxes and lobby package drop units as permitted by each receptacle’s size limitations.
Although this clarification will not be published in the DMM until June 20, 2021, the standards are effective immediately.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
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500 Additional Mailing Services
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505 Return Services
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3.0 USPS Returns Service
3.1 Basic Standards
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3.1.6 Enter and Deposit
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[Revise the text of 505.3.1.6a(3) to read as follows:]
3. In any collection receptacle (e.g., collection box, lobby package drop unit) except a Priority Mail Express collection box, as permitted by each receptacle’s size limitations (see 3.1.6b for USPS Returns service packages with extra services);
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4.0 Parcel Return Service
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4.2 Basic Standards
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4.2.3 Customer Mailing Options
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[Revise the text of item b. to read as follows:]
b. In any collection receptacle (e.g., collection box, lobby package drop unit) except a Priority Mail Express collection box, as permitted by each receptacle’s size limitations.
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The Postal Service will incorporate these revisions into the next edition of the online DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer® at pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Product Solutions, 4-22-21
