Folded Self-Mailers and Unenveloped Mailpieces, 74704-74708 [2011-30879]

Agencies

• Postal Service

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 231 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 74704-74708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-30879]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Folded Self-Mailers and Unenveloped Mailpieces

AGENCY: Postal Service \TM\.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) 201.3.14, to 
provide new standards for folded self-mailers (FSM) and unenveloped 
mailpieces that are mailed at automation or machinable prices. To avoid 
confusion with revised standards for FSM mailpieces having loose 
enclosures, the Postal Service renames mailpieces that are designed to 
carry discs, and expands the standards that apply to tabs to include 
folded self-mailers.

DATES: Effective January 5, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Vance (202) 268-7595 or Susan 
Thomas (202) 268-8069.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 15, 2011, the Postal Service 
published a Federal Register proposed rule (76 FR 50438-50441) for 
changes to the design and construction of folded self-mailers and 
unenveloped mailpieces that are mailed at automation or machinable 
prices. The proposed standards were issued after two years of 
collaborative work with mailers to analyze and test a wide variety of 
folded self-mailer letter-size designs. In response to the proposed 
standards, the Postal Service received 51 comments. Many of those who 
commented provided input on more than one aspect of the proposal. Each 
comment was given consideration and modifications were made to the 
proposed standards when possible. This final rule will be adopted based 
on our proposed rule with only minor revisions. These standards do not 
apply to cards, envelopes, booklet style letters, or mailpieces 
designed to carry discs.

General

    The final rule includes DMM recommendations for design elements and 
sealing methods for FSMs. To avoid confusion about the types of 
mailpieces included in this change, the Postal Service renames 
mailpieces that are designed to carry discs in 201.3.4. To simplify the 
requirements that apply to tabs that can be used to seal unenveloped 
letter-sized mailpieces, DMM 201.3.11 is modified to include folded 
self-mailers. The final rule also includes recommended revisions to the 
proposed requirements based on observations of a wide variety of FSMs 
tested over the past several years.
    Although the effective date of these revisions is not until January 
5, 2013, we encourage all customers who prepare FSMs mailed at 
automation or machinable prices to begin conversion to these design 
concepts as soon as possible.

Definition

    A folded self-mailer is formed of panels that are created when one 
or more unbound sheets of paper are folded together and sealed to make 
a letter-size mailpiece. The number of sheets in the mailpiece and the 
number of the times the sheets are folded determine the number of 
panels. Sheets that are bound by one or more staples are not considered 
folded self-mailers even when all other preparation recommendations are 
met.

Physical Characteristics

    The maximum height for all automation and machinable FSMs is 6 
inches and the maximum length is 10\1/2\ inches, with a maximum 
thickness of \1/4\ inch. The maximum weight of three ounces is 
applicable to all mailpieces prepared without envelopes.
    The paper basis weight for folded self-mailers is based on book-
grade paper unless otherwise specified and varies depending on the 
total weight of the mailpiece and/or optional elements that are 
incorporated in the design. The final fold must be at the bottom for 
all designs except oblong style pieces. For oblong-style FSMs the final 
fold is on the leading edge. Tabs cannot be placed on the bottom open 
edge of an oblong-style FSM.
    A minimum of two tabs will be required to seal all FSMs when tabs 
are used as the sealing method. Tabs used as seals may not have 
perforations. Glue may be used as an alternate sealing

[[Page 74705]]

method when applied according to the standards for FSMs.
    After January 5, 2013, folded self-mailers that do not meet these 
requirements will be assessed postage as follows: First-Class 
Mail[supreg] and Standard Mail[supreg] customers will pay nonmachinable 
prices; Periodicals mailers will pay nonbarcoded prices.

Overview of Comments

    Eleven commenters recommended that the proposed standards be 
abandoned and asked that no changes to the existing mailpiece format be 
made at this time. The commenters cited the economy and the lack of 
equipment capable of producing the types of designs expressed in the 
proposed standards. Commenters were also concerned about time and cost 
incurred for mailpieces that may already be designed and produced, but 
not mailed. Many new formats and sealing requirements not defined in 
current standards for FSM are added. To accommodate the mailing 
industry, the Postal Service will delay adoption of the new standards 
until January 5, 2013. This postponement will provide enough time for 
mailers to complete outstanding contracts for mailpieces that do not 
meet the new standards and will allow those pieces to be entered as 
automation compatible folded self-mailers prior to the effective date.
    Mailers entering FSMs before the effective date are encouraged to 
design and prepare their mailpieces using these standards.
    Four commenters expressed concern regarding the Postal Service's 
proposal to require an additional tab on mailpieces weighing more than 
one ounce. As pieces get thicker and heavier it becomes more difficult 
for those pieces to pass through processing equipment. The mailpieces 
do not retain their integrity and cause jams and damage to the mail and 
processing equipment. Heavier weight FSMs experience more stress on the 
leading edge, especially when it is not a folded edge. An additional 
tab placed on the lower leading edge improves efficient feed capability 
and serves as added protection for the mailpiece during processing. The 
additional tab also maintains closure as pieces are handled and 
processed multiple times. Until January 5, 2013, three tabs are 
recommended to maintain sufficient sealing and to provide additional 
protection for heavier mailpieces and specific design formats.
    Three commenters asked why it is necessary to limit the number of 
panels within an FSM. The number of panels affects the shape, 
thickness, and ability to create crisp folds required to maintain a 
streamlined shape. It also reduces the amount of stress placed on 
closures, and maintains the integrity of a mailpiece from acceptance to 
delivery. However, in order to provide increased options and ability to 
qualify for automation letter prices, the Postal Service will increase 
the allowed panel count to 12 for FSMs constructed of non-newsprint 
paper. Additionally, to accommodate the common practice of including 
half-pages in quarter-fold pieces made with newsprint paper, we 
increase the panel count for quarter-fold FSMs to a maximum of 24 
panels.
    Seven commenters expressed concern about the 10\1/2\ inch-maximum 
length requirement. They expressed concern because smaller sizes will 
decrease the amount of space available to print advertising in a single 
mailpiece, and in some cases stock mailpieces will need to be 
redesigned to conform to the new size requirements. The FSM study 
revealed that, similar to booklets, mailpieces that exceeded 9 inches 
in length experienced a decline in machinability with significantly 
higher rates of damage and jams. The Postal Service maintains the 
proposed maximum length of 10\1/2\ inches to balance the need for 
machinability with the customer's need for the maximum amount of usable 
space.
    Eight commenters questioned the thickness standards of .05 and .09 
inches. USPS[supreg] revises the language to clarify that these 
thickness standards apply only to interior loose enclosures (single 
sheets that are not captured by the folds) and attachments. The 
standard for maximum thickness of a finished FSM letter is \1/4\ inch, 
the same maximum thickness for all letter-size mail. Additionally, we 
allow the insertion of remittance envelopes, meeting all requirements 
for enclosed envelopes within automation letters, as enclosures when 
the envelopes are incorporated into the first (manufacturing) fold of 
the quarter-fold mailpiece format.
    Two commenters asked that tabs made of material other than paper 
and tabs with perforations be used as seals for FSMs. To accommodate 
this request, the current standards that describe the types of 
materials used to manufacture tabs are expanded to permit their use for 
both booklets and FSMs. Tabs with perforations may not be used as a 
seals.
    Nine commenters asked for clarification of tab placement and the 
number of tabs required. Section 201.3.14.4 is revised to clarify 
sealing mailpieces using tabs. Studies showed that sealing FSMs with 
one tab did not provide sufficient closure to withstand the rigors of 
automation processing for letter-size mail. The requirement to seal 
with a minimum of two tabs is retained.
    Two commenters asked to use glue to seal the lead and trail edge 
instead of gluing along the top edge when the final fold is the bottom 
edge. We have revised and clarified the language to allow this as an 
additional sealing option.
    One commenter suggested that the paper basis weight is unreasonably 
high. The basis weight of paper is one of the major factors that affect 
the machinability of a mailpiece. Pieces prepared with lower paper 
weight were unable to withstand the rigors of automation processing, 
resulting in higher rates of damage and jams and a diversion to more 
costly flat sorter and manual processing methods. We retain the paper 
basis weights as proposed.
    One commenter asked about the perforation cut-tie ratio. The 
necessary cut to tie ratio is based on many correlative factors. A 
ratio that provides enough strength to prevent premature breaking of 
the perforation tie is needed. This need is balanced by the necessity 
of preparing a perforated line that can be opened by the recipient 
without causing unintended damage to the mailpiece. Due to the 
significant variation in cut-to-tie ratios of mailpieces currently in 
the mailstream, we modified the proposed standard and will allow a 1 to 
1 cut-tie ratio for all perforated lines. The Postal Service will 
monitor the performance of mailpieces prepared with perforations and if 
the 1 to 1 ratio does not prove sufficient for machine processing, we 
will modify the standards to require a higher cut to tie ratio. 
Customers who have mailpieces that do not meet this reduced standard 
may ask that the FSMs be sent to the Pricing and Classification Service 
Center for review.
    Three commenters asked for clarification regarding the need to 
print address information in a mid-to-left position. Section 
201.3.14.10 is introduced as a recommendation for folded self-mailers 
produced on uncoated paper. Testing revealed higher rates of 
delamination and peel-back (cosmetic damage) to the lead edge of 
uncoated (raw) paper. This type of damage often exceeded \1/2\ inch in 
length and impeded the ability of letter sorting machines to read 
address elements.
    With this final rule, the Postal Service implements requirements 
and options that describe the construction of folded self-mailers and 
other unenveloped mailpieces. These standards allow significant design 
flexibility while maintaining mailpiece automation compatibility and 
address most current and proposed designs. Mailers

[[Page 74706]]

designing and mailing FSMs before the effective date are encouraged to 
prepare mailpieces using these standards.
    The Postal Service adopts the following changes to Mailing 
Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual 
(DMM), incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. 
See 39 CFR 111.1.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

    Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows:

 PART 111--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 692-
1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 
3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.


0
2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail 
Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

200 Commercial Letters and Cards

201 Physical Standards

* * * * *

3.0 Physical Standards for Machinable and Automation Letters and Cards

* * * * *

3.4 Standards for Letter-Size Pieces Containing Discs (CDs or DVDs)

* * * * *
    [Revise the heading and the introductory paragraph of 3.4.4 as 
follows:]

3.4.4 Dimensions and Shape Standards for Automation-Compatible 
Unenveloped Disc Carriers:

    Each unenveloped disc carrier must meet the basic standards for 
machinable letters in 1.0 and have the following characteristics:
* * * * *

3.4.5 Unacceptable Characteristics for Automation-Compatible Letter-
Size Pieces With Discs

    [Revise the introductory paragraph of 3.4.5 as follows:]
    Discs in letter-sized envelopes and unenveloped disc carriers may 
not be enclosed in:
* * * * *

3.5 Maximum Weight, Machinable and Automation Letters and Cards

    The following maximum weight limits apply:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 3.5b as follows:]
    b. Booklets and unenveloped disc carriers--3 ounces.
* * * * *

3.11 Tabs, Tape, and Glue

    [Revise the introductory paragraph of 3.11 as follows:]
    Tabs may be made of paper, translucent paper, vinyl or plastic. 
Cellophane tape may also be used as a closure when the saw-toothed cut 
edge is place perpendicular to the edge being sealed. Tabs must not 
contain perforations. For tab size and placement for folded self-
mailers see 3.14; for booklets see 3.15. Tab placement is subject to 
\1/4\ inch variance in either direction. The following standards also 
apply:
* * * * *

3.14 Folded Self-Mailers

    [Delete current text of 3.14, including the exhibit, in its 
entirety and replace with the following:]

3.14.1 Definition

    A folded self-mailer is formed of panels that are created when one 
or more unbound sheets of paper are folded together and sealed to make 
a letter-size mailpiece. The number of panels is determined by the 
number of sheets in the mailpiece and the number of times the sheets 
are folded.

3.14.2 Physical Characteristics

    Folded self-mailers have the following characteristics:
    a. Height: A minimum of 3\1/2\ inches and a maximum of 6 inches.
    b. Length: A minimum of 5 inches and a maximum of 10\1/2\ inches.
    c. Thickness: A minimum of 0.007 inch; (0.009 inch if the height 
exceeds 4\1/4\ inches or if the length exceeds 6 inches); the maximum 
thickness is \1/4\ inch.
    d. Maximum Weight: 3 ounces.
    e. Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite 
sides.
    f. Aspect ratio: within 1.3 to 2.5 (see 3.7).
    g. Maximum number of panels: 12, except under 3.14.2h.
    h. Quarter-folded self-mailers made of a minimum of 100 pound book 
grade paper may have as few as 4 panels. Quarter-folded self-mailers 
made of 55 pound or greater newsprint must have at least 8 panels and 
may contain up to 24 panels.

3.14.3 Panels

    Panels are created when a sheet of paper is folded. Each two-sided 
section (front and back) created by the fold is considered one panel. 
When a folded self-mailer is made of multiple sheets, multiply the 
number of sheets by the number of panels created when folding a single 
sheet to determine the total number of panels. The following conditions 
apply:
    a. External panels created by folding must be equal or nearly equal 
in size.
    b. The final folded panel creates the back (non-address) side of 
the mailpiece. The open edge of the back panel must be at the top or 
within 1 inch of the top or trailing edge of the mailpiece.
    c. The final folded edge must be the bottom of a folded self-mailer 
unless prepared as an oblong. The final folded edge of an oblong folded 
self-mailer must be the leading (right) edge.
    d. Internal shorter panels must be covered by a full-size panel, 
and count toward the maximum number of panels.
    e. Folding methods and the subsequent number of panels created when 
folding a single sheet of paper are:
    1. Bi-fold: Folded once forming two panels.
    2. Tri-fold: Folded twice forming three panels.
    3. Oblong: Paper folded once to form two rectangular panels with 
one elongated dimension and parallel opposite sides. The final folded 
edge is on the leading (shorter) edge.
    4. Quarter-fold: Folded twice with each fold at a right angle 
(perpendicular) to the preceding fold. One sheet of paper quarter-
folded creates four panels.
    f. Flaps are formed when the final exterior panel is folded over 
and affixed to the unaddressed side of the mailpiece. Flaps must meet 
the following conditions:
    1. The folded edge of a flap must be flush with the top edge of the 
mailpiece and end one inch or more above the bottom edge, except under 
3.14.3f4. Flaps must be at least 1\1/2\ inches when measured from the 
top of the mailpiece.
    2. Flaps must be secured by a sealing method in 3.14.4.
    3. Flaps with die-cut shapes must be firmly secured with tabs, glue 
line, glue spots or elongated glue lines. A \1/8\ inch wide continuous 
glue line that seals the contour of the die-cut is strongly 
recommended.
    4. Flaps on oblong pieces must be at least 5 inches long at the 
longest point when measured from the leading edge and must end more 
than one inch from the trailing edge.

[[Page 74707]]

    g. Flaps and pockets prepared within folded self-mailers to 
stabilize enclosures are not considered to be panels.

3.14.4 Sealing Methods

    Folded self-mailers must be sealed using tabs or glue under the 
following conditions:
    a. Tabs must meet the standards for tabs in 3.11. The size and 
number of tabs required is determined by the weight of the mailpiece 
and optional design elements as follows:
    1. To seal folded self-mailers that weigh up to 3 ounces created in 
bi-fold, tri-fold formats, pieces with multiple interior folds and a 
final fold on the bottom, and quarter-fold mailpieces that weigh one 
ounce or less, place two nonperforated tabs on the top edge, one within 
1-inch from the leading and another within 1-inch from the trailing 
edge, or place one tab on the leading and another on the trailing edge, 
both placed within 1 inch from the top.
    2. To seal quarter-fold mailpieces that weigh more than 1 ounce up 
to 3 ounces, affix two tabs, one on the leading edge and one on the 
trailing edge within 1 inch from the top, and affix a third tab on the 
lower leading edge \1/2\ inch from the bottom (see 3.14.5).
    3. To seal oblong pieces that weigh up to 3 ounces, affix one tab 
in the center of the top edge and one tab in the center of the trailing 
edge (preferred) or affix both tabs on the trailing edge within 1 inch 
of the top and bottom edges. Tabs may not be placed on the bottom of an 
oblong piece.
    b. Glue must be positioned within \1/4\ inch of the open edges and 
be placed opposite the final fold or on both the leading and trailing 
edges when the final panel fold is on the bottom. Apply glue by one of 
the following methods:
    1. Continuous glue lines at least \1/8\ inch wide (0.125 inches).
    2. Three or four glue spots at least \3/8\ inch (0.375 inch) in 
diameter.
    3. Three or four elongated glue lines. Seal folded self-mailers 
that weigh up to 1 ounce with lines at least \1/2\ inch long. Seal 
folded self-mailers that weigh more than 1 ounce with elongated glue 
lines that are each at least 1 inch long and \1/8\ inch wide, or with 
glue lines that are each at least \1/2\ inch long and \1/4\ inch wide.
    4. Distribute glue spots and elongated glue lines evenly along the 
sealed edge(s).
    5. Quarter-fold self-mailers must be sealed with tabs.

3.14.5 Paper Weight and Sealing Requirements

    All references in 3.0 to paper basis weight are for book-grade 
paper unless otherwise stated (see 3.2). Interior optional elements 
such as attachments or enclosures are not subject to the host piece's 
book-grade paper basis weight standards. When multiple optional design 
elements are incorporated in one mailpiece, the standards for the 
design element with the highest paper weight and corresponding sealing 
methods apply. Folded self-mailer paper weights and sealing methods 
are:
    a. Folded self-mailers, (except quarter-fold mailpieces) as 
described in 3.14.3e1 through 3.14.3e3:
    1. Up to 1 ounce: 70 pound paper sealed with a continuous glue 
line, three glue spots; or elongated glue lines under 3.14.4b; or two 
1-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a3.
    2. Over 1 ounce: 80 pound paper sealed with a continuous glue line, 
four glue spots; or four elongated glue lines under 3.14.4b; or two 
1\1/2\-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a3.
    b. Quarter fold self-mailers as described in 3.14.3e4:
    1. Up to 1 ounce: 70 pound paper sealed with two 1-inch tabs.
    2. Over 1 ounce: 80 pound paper sealed with three 1\1/2\-inch tabs.
    3. Newsprint: 55 pound minimum paper required. Seal pieces one 
ounce or less with two 1\1/2\-inch tabs and those weighing over one 
ounce with three 1\1/2\-inch tabs, see 3.14.4a2.
    c. Optional design elements: Die-cut openings and perforated panes. 
Folded self-mailers with die-cut openings in the exterior panels as 
described in 3.14.6 or perforated panes as described in 3.14.7 must 
meet the following:
    1. Up to 1 ounce: 100 pound paper sealed with glue under 3.14.4b, 
or two 1\1/2\-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a2.
    2. Over 1 ounce: 120 pound paper sealed with glue under 3.14.4b, or 
two 2-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a2 or three 1\1/2\-inch tabs 
under 3.14.4a3.
    d. Optional design elements: Loose enclosures or attachments. For 
folded self-mailers that have loose enclosures as described in 3.14.8 
or attachments as described in 3.14.9, the following applies:
    1. Up to 1 ounce: 80 pound paper sealed with glue under 3.14.4b or 
two 1\1/2\-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a2.
    2. Over 1 ounce: 100 pound paper sealed with glue under 3.14.4b, or 
two 2-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a2 or three 1\1/2\-inch tabs 
under 3.14.4a3.

3.14.6 Die-Cut Elements

    Folded self-mailers may be produced with two types of die-cut 
elements in the exterior panels: Address windows or die-cut reveal. 
Die-cut openings may not be used to create die-cut punched holes 
(openings in the same location on all layers and panels so that there 
is a hole through the entire mailpiece). Prepare die-cut elements as 
follows:
    a. Die-cut address windows (used to convey address information) 
must meet standards for window envelopes under 601.6.4 and meet the 
following additional conditions:
    1. The maximum window size is 4 inches long by 2 inches high.
    2. When an address window appears on a mailpiece, no other die-cut 
openings may be made on the exterior panels.
    b. Die-cut openings used to reveal the contents of the mailpiece 
must be:
    1. Limited to two on only one external panel.
    2. Either circular with a 2-inch maximum diameter or rectangular 
with a maximum of 2 inches long by 1\1/2\ inches high with slightly 
rounded \1/4\ inch radius corners.
    3. Placed at least 1\1/2\ inches from all edges of the mailpiece if 
on the addressed side.
    4. Placed at least 5 inches from the leading edge and 1\1/2\ inches 
from all other edges if on the non-addressed side.
    5. Positioned at least 1\1/2\ inches apart when two or more die-cut 
openings are used.
    c. A single \1/2\-inch semi-circular die-cut thumb notch may be 
placed on the trailing edge of the addressed or unaddressed outer 
panel.

3.14.7 Perforated Pull-Open Strips and Pop-Out Panes

    Folded self-mailers may be prepared with strips called panes that 
are pulled open to reveal the contents. These design elements must be 
placed only on the unaddressed side of the mailpiece and may be 
rectangular, circular, or oval shaped. Perforations, a row of small 
holes punched in a sheet of paper so that a section can be torn easily, 
are used to create pull-open strips, pop-out, or pop-open panes subject 
to the following requirements:
    a. Two parallel perforated lines must be spaced at least \1/2\ inch 
apart creating a pull open strip. Position perforated strips parallel 
to the height of the mailpiece at least 5 inches from the leading edge 
and 2 inches from the trailing edge. Position perforated strips 
parallel to the length of the mailpiece at least 1 inch from the top. 
Perforations

[[Page 74708]]

have a 1mm cut (max)/1mm tie (min) ratio.
    b. Pop-out panes with perforations around the outer edges have a 
maximum size of 4 inches long by 4 inches high. The following 
conditions apply:
    1. Place panes at least 1 inch from any edge.
    2. Use 1mm cut (max)/1mm tie (min) ratio.
    3. When using two panes, space them at least 1 inch apart.
    4. Address elements may not appear in perforated openings.
    c. Pop-open panes with perforations on three sides must meet the 
following conditions:
    1. The outer edges of the pull-open panel are a maximum of 4 inches 
long by 4 inches high.
    2. If prepared with multiple panes, they must be spaced at least 1 
inch apart.
    3. Panes must be placed at least 1 inch from all edges.
    4. Perforation patterns have 1 mm cut (max)/1 mm tie (min) ratio.
    d. Perforated panes may not be prepared on pieces with die-cuts or 
on any mailpiece made of newsprint.

3.14.8 Loose Enclosures

    Folded self-mailers with loose enclosures must be securely sealed 
to ensure containment of the enclosed material and prevent excessive 
enclosure shift during processing. Loose enclosures must be made of 
paper and must meet the following conditions:
    a. Must be contained securely within the mailpiece.
    b. Must be inserted in an interior pocket or secured by any method 
that prevents excessive shift during normal handling. Pockets are not 
counted as panels.
    c. Folded self-mailers with die-cut openings may contain enclosures 
only if the inserted material is larger than the die-cut opening.
    d. Enclosed material does not exceed the maximum thickness of:
    1. 0.05 inch thick for mailpiece weights up to 1 ounce.
    2. 0.09 inch thick for mailpiece weights over 1 ounce.
    e. One empty reply envelope may be inserted within the first fold 
(manufacturing fold) of a quarter-folded self-mailer and must be 
secured within a fold to prevent separation during normal handing.

3.14.9 Attachments

    Attachments must be secured on the outside of a folded self-mailer 
under 3.13. Attachments must be secured within a folded self-mailer 
under the following conditions:
    a. The attachment is affixed to an inside panel and secured to it 
at least \1/2\ inch from any edge.
    b. The attached material may not exceed a maximum thickness of:
    1. 0.05 inch thick for mailpieces weighing up to 1 ounce.
    2. 0.09 inch thick for mailpieces weighing over 1 ounce.
    c. Multiple attachments must be positioned so that the host 
mailpiece remains nearly uniform in thickness.
    d. When multiple attachments are affixed to separate panels in 
stacked alignment, the combined thickness of the attachments must be no 
greater than the maximum thickness in 3.14.9b.
    e. When multiple attachments are affixed adjacent to each other 
across the length of a mailpiece, the thickest attachment must be no 
greater than the maximum thickness in 3.14.9b.
    f. Folded self-mailers with die-cut openings may contain 
attachments if the inserted material is larger than the die-cut 
opening.
    g. Quarter-fold self-mailers may have only one internal attachment 
not exceeding 0.012 inch thick. The attachment must be secured at least 
\1/2\ inch from all edges.

3.14.10 Addressing

    When folded self-mailers are prepared with uncoated paper, printing 
addresses in a center or left-justified position within the optical 
character reader (OCR) area under 2.1 is recommended.
    [Renumber current 3.15 through 3.17 as new 3.16 through 3.18 and 
add new 3.15 as follows:]

3.15 Other Unenveloped Mailpieces

3.15.1 Open-Sleeve Style Letter-Size Mailpieces

    Open-sleeve style letter-size mailpieces consists of two 
symmetrical horizontal panels sealed together along the top and bottom 
edges or as a bi-fold that has a non-addressed panel permanently sealed 
to an inner flap along the top edge. Open-sleeve style mailpieces must 
meet the following conditions:
    a. Join panels using \1/8\ (0.125) inch continuous glue lines.
    b. If flaps are used, they must be a minimum of at least 1\1/2\ 
inches wide created as inner flaps adhered at the leading and trailing 
edges to the panel from which the flap is formed.
    c. All paper basis weight requirements in 3.14.5d must be met.
    d. Matter prepared within open-sleeve style mailpieces must meet 
the standards in 3.14.8 or 3.14.9b through 3.14.9f.

3.15.2 Letter-Size Mailpieces With Tear-Off Strips

    When letter-size mailpieces have tear-off strips on the leading 
and/or trailing edge, any unfolded edges must be sealed with an 
adhesive (glue) or by a cohesive (pressure seal) method. A cohesive 
seal requires two fixative patterns placed on two separate surfaces 
that are compressed to form a bond. A perforated horizontal line that 
runs between and joins the leading and trailing edge perforation lines 
is permitted. Mailpieces with sealed sides must meet the following 
conditions.
    a. Be constructed of a minimum of 60 pound paper.
    b. Tear-off strips may be up to \9/16\ inch (0.5625) wide.
    c. Tear lines (single lines of perforations) on pieces that weigh 1 
ounce or less; recommended minimum cut/tie pattern of 1 mm cut (max)/1 
mm tie (min) ratio or equivalent.
    d. Tear lines (single lines of perforations) on pieces that weigh 
more than 1 ounce; minimum cut/tie pattern of 1 mm cut/2 mm tie (min) 
ratio or equivalent.
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 to 
reflect these changes.

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2011-30879 Filed 11-30-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P