POSTNET Barcode Discontinuation, 26185-26191 [2012-10505]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
POSTNET Barcode Discontinuation
Postal ServiceTM.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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 POSTNETTM
barcodes on all types of mail.
DATES: Effective date: January 28, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill
Chatfield, 202–268–7278 or Jeff
Freeman, 202–268–2922.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Background
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. For automation
letters and flats and for Qualified
Business Reply Mail (QBRM), an
Intelligent Mail barcode (IMbTM) will be
required.
wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Summary of Comments and USPS
Responses
The Postal Service received 27
comments from a variety of mailers and
from several mailer associations. Some
of the initial comments were critical of
one proposed element to require a
barcode clear zone on all letters. To
maintain focus on the discontinuation
of price eligibility based on the
POSTNET barcode, USPS® quickly
responded by deleting that element from
the proposal. There were 11 comments
specifically critical of the main proposal
to discontinue POSTNET barcodes for
automation letter and flat price
eligibility. There were six comments
specifically in agreement with the main
proposal. One association strongly
recommended that two IMbs be allowed
on each piece, to facilitate processing by
presort companies. We added language
to specifically allow more than one
barcode on automation letters under
certain conditions. For flats, we also
changed the proposed language to allow
more than one barcode on each
automation flat under certain
circumstances, due to anticipated flats
sortation software upgrades in early
2013. Other comments, and our
responses, follow.
Comment: Mailers may be forced to
make considerable investments in new
printers; and some felt they will not be
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:19 May 02, 2012
Jkt 226001
able to and will be forced to stop
mailing.
Response: Print technology has
evolved over the past several years
increasing in efficiency, and in many
instances, lowering unit cost.
Additionally, instead of replacing
printers, existing models may be able to
be upgraded with fonts that assist in
maintaining speed while printing IMbs.
The Postal Service RIBBS® Web site
(ribbs.usps.gov) has a tool that enables
fonts to be downloaded to assist in
printing IMbs.
Comment: Allow the use of the
POSTNET barcode for automation
prices, but at higher prices than for the
use of the Intelligent Mail barcode
(IMb).
Response: Since the POSTNET
barcode is not capable of including
information other than the routing code,
we will not be including its use for any
automation pricing as of January 2013.
Comment: There were problems for
some mailers when they tried to convert
to IMb and not enough USPS support to
surmount problems.
Response: The staff of the district
Business Mail Entry offices are available
for customer assistance, RIBBS material
and tools are being updated, and local
Postal Customer Councils will be
assisting customers. There will be
designated support personnel at the
district level to help with the transition.
Comment: There is no perceived
benefit to converting to IMb for local
mailers who are satisfied with their
current level of service.
Response: Converting to IMb is an
important first step on the way to fullservice automation, which allows for
free address correction as well as better
mailpiece visibility. Increased mail
visibility not only helps the mailers
directly, but also helps them indirectly
by allowing the Postal Service to fine
tune its processes.
Comment: The USPS has provided
plenty of time to convert to IMb. The
industry as a whole will benefit by
standardizing to the use of one barcode
format.
Response: We appreciate the
supportive comments.
Implementation
The Postal Service will discontinue
price eligibility for the use of POSTNET
barcodes and allow only IMbs for
automation price eligibility purposes
(including QBRM prices). The Postal
Service understands that some mailers
currently use POSTNET barcodes and
we are committed to providing
information to and working with
individual mailers and software
providers to ensure that the use of an
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
26185
Intelligent Mail barcode is achievable
for all mailing customers.
Change for Letters and Flats
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.
Withdrawn Change for Letters Only
To maintain focus on the POSTNET
barcode discontinuation, the Postal
Service removed the proposal to require
barcode clear zones on all automation
letters and cards and all letters and
cards claiming an automation carrier
route letter price, and to require all
machinable letters to have barcode clear
zones. We will retain the current
language for barcode clear zones.
Changes for Parcels
Currently, the POSTNET barcode is
an available option to satisfy the parcel
barcode requirement for Standard Mail®
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 would not be allowed to bear
POSTNET barcodes in any location.
The Postal Service adopts the
following changes to Mailing Standards
of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), which is
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]
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. 1692–1737:39 U.S.C. 101, 401,
403, 404, 414, 416, 3001–3011, 3201–3219,
3403–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633,
and 5001.
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)
*
E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM
*
*
03MYR1
*
*
26186
200
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
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. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
Commercial Letters and Cards
201
Physical Standards
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Physical Standards for
Machinable and Automation Letters
and Cards
*
*
*
*
5.2 General Barcode Placement for
Letters
*
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
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.
*
*
*
*
*
202 Elements on the Face of a
Mailpiece
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Placement and Content of Mail
Markings
*
*
*
*
3.5
Exceptions to Markings
wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
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. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
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
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:19 May 02, 2012
Jkt 226001
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.
*
*
*
*
*
[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
*
5.0
[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. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and the first two
sentences of 5.4 as follows:]
Barcode in Address Block
When the barcode is included as part
of the address block:
*
*
*
*
*
[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
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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.
*
*
*
*
*
[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.
*
*
*
*
*
[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.
*
*
*
*
*
220
Priority Mail
223
Prices and Eligibility
*
*
3.0
Basic Standards for Priority Mail
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
3.2 Additional Standards for Critical
Mail Letters
* * * Critical Mail letters also must:
*
*
*
*
[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.
*
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM
03MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
230
delivery address and meet the standards
in 202.5.0, 708.3.0, and 708.4.0.
*
*
*
*
*
First-Class Mail
233
Prices and Eligibility
*
*
*
*
*
6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard
Mail Letters
4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Nonautomation First-Class Mail
Letters
*
*
*
*
6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route
Standards
*
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.
*
*
*
*
*
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:
*
*
*
*
*
[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.
*
*
*
*
*
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
The 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.]
*
*
*
*
*
240
Standard Mail
243
Prices and Eligibility
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Letters
wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
*
*
*
*
*
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 Intelligent Mail barcode on a
mailpiece must be correct for the
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:19 May 02, 2012
Jkt 226001
*
*
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 automationcompatibility and barcode requirements.
Letters entered under the full-service
Intelligent Mail automation option also
must meet the standards in 705.24.0.
*
*
*
*
*
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 3digit) 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.
*
*
*
*
*
6.5
Saturation ECR Standards
[Revise the title and text of 6.5.1 as
follows:]
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
26187
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.
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM
03MYR1
26188
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
[Delete 7.6, Enclosed Reply Cards and
Envelopes, in its entirety.]
[Renumber current 7.7 as new 7.6.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and text of
renumbered 5.3 as follows:]
300
Commercial Mail Flats
*
*
5.3 Delivery Point Routing Code
Numeric Equivalent
*
*
2.0
Address Placement
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
*
*
*
302 Elements on the Face of a
Mailpiece
*
*
*
*
*
*
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.
*
*
*
*
*
wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
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 nonUSPS 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.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:19 May 02, 2012
Jkt 226001
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
*
*
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,
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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 3.2b 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
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 FirstClass Mail
[Revise the text of 4.2 as follows:]
Any barcode on a mailpiece in a FirstClass 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
*
E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM
*
*
03MYR1
*
*
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
[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
*
*
*
*
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:]
*
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Flats
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.]
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
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
*
*
*
*
wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
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
15:19 May 02, 2012
Jkt 226001
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
360
Bound Printed Matter
363
Prices and Eligibility
400 Commercial Parcels
1.0 Prices and Fees for Bound Printed
Matter
*
*
*
*
*
Barcoded Discount—Flats
*
*
*
*
*
402 Elements on the Face of a
Mailpiece
*
*
*
*
*
[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.
*
*
*
*
*
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:
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Mar<15>2010
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.
*
*
*
*
*
A numeric equivalent to the delivery
point routing code is formed by adding
two digits directly after the ZIP+4 code.
*
*
*
*
*
1.1.4
6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route
Standards
*
26189
4.0 General Barcode Placement for
Parcels
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed
Matter Flats
4.3 Intelligent Mail Barcodes and
POSTNET Barcodes
4.1
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.]
*
*
*
*
*
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
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and text of current 4.3
as follows:]
6.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for
Barcoded Bound Printed Matter
440
443
Prices and Eligibility
[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
*
*
4.0
Price Eligibility for Standard Mail
*
*
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM
Standard Mail
*
*
03MYR1
*
*
*
*
26190
4.4
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
Surcharge
Unless prepared in carrier route or 5digit/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.
*
*
*
*
*
6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard
Mail Marketing Parcels
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 mailing of Standard Mail
Marketing parcels 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 addressing standards:
*
*
*
*
*
500
Additional Mailing Services
503
Extra Services
*
*
14.0
*
14.2
*
*
*
*
Confirm Service and IMb Tracing
*
*
*
*
*
*
Barcodes
*
*
wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Return Services
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:
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:19 May 02, 2012
Jkt 226001
Format Elements
*
*
1.8
Format Elements
*
*
6.0 Mailing Containers—Special
Types of Envelopes and Packaging
1.8.6
*
*
*
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 LetterSize and Flat-Size BRM
*
*
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing
Services
601
Mailability
*
*
*
Delivery Address
*
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.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
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. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
[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.
*
*
*
*
*
602
Addressing
*
*
Permit Reply Mail (PRM)
708
Technical Standards
*
[Revise the introductory text of 14.2.2
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:
*
*
*
*
*
1.0
2.3
2.0
14.2.2 Intelligent Mail Barcode
Requirements
505
[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.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
PO 00000
*
Frm 00042
*
Fmt 4700
*
Sfmt 4700
*
*
*
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
*
*
E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM
*
*
03MYR1
*
*
*
*
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
[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 USPSdeveloped 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 publish an appropriate
amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 to reflect
these changes.
Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2012–10505 Filed 5–2–12; 8:45 am]
Executive Summary
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
[Docket No. FWS–R9–IA–2008–0123;
FXES111309F2120D2–123–FF09E22000]
RIN 1018–AI83
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; Reclassifying the Wood
Bison Under the Endangered Species
Act as Threatened Throughout Its
Range
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), are
reclassifying the wood bison (Bison
bison athabascae) from endangered to
threatened. This action is based on a
review of the best available scientific
and commercial data, which indicate
that the primary threat that led to
population decline, unregulated
hunting, is no longer a threat and that
recovery actions have led to a
substantial increase in the number of
herds that have a stable or increasing
trend in population size. Critical habitat
has not been designated because freeranging wood bison only occur in
Canada and we do not designate critical
habitat in foreign countries.
DATES: This rule becomes effective June
4, 2012.
ADDRESSES: This final rule is available
on the Internet at https://
wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:19 May 02, 2012
Jkt 226001
www.regulations.gov under Docket No.
FWS–R9–IA–2008–0123 and at https://
alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/endangered/
index.htm. Comments and materials
received, as well as supporting
documentation used in the preparation
of this rule, will be available for public
inspection, by appointment, during
normal business hours at: U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Alaska Regional
Office, 1011 East Tudor Road,
Anchorage, AK 99503; 907–786–3856.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Marilyn Myers at U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Fisheries and Ecological
Services, 1011 E. Tudor Road,
Anchorage, AK 99503; or telephone at
907–786–3559; or facsimile at 907–786–
3848. If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD), please call the
Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS) at 800–877–8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Why we need to publish a rule. We
listed the wood bison as endangered in
1970. Since listing, the status of wood
bison has improved because enactment
and enforcement of national and
international laws and treaties have
minimized the impacts of hunting and
trade, and reintroduction of disease-free
herds has increased the number of freeranging herds in Canada from 1
population of 300 in 1978, to 7
populations totaling 4,414 bison in
2008. These free-ranging populations
are stable or increasing. Therefore, we
have determined that the wood bison no
longer meets the definition of
endangered under the Endangered
Species Act.
This rule changes the listing of the
wood bison from endangered to
threatened.
Basis for our action. While we have
determined that the wood bison no
longer meets the definition of
endangered under the Endangered
Species Act, some threats to wood bison
remain. Habitat loss has occurred in
Canada from agricultural development,
and we expect losses will continue in
concert with human growth and
expansion of agriculture, including
commercial bison production. The
presence of disease in Canada
constrains herd growth, and regulatory
mechanisms are inadequate to prevent
disease transmission within Canada.
However, the continued reintroduction
of disease-free herds, the ongoing
development and updating of
management plans, the active
management of herds, the ongoing
research, and the protections provided
by laws and protected lands provide
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
26191
compelling evidence that recovery
actions have been successful in
reducing the risk of extinction
associated with the threats identified.
Therefore, we are reclassifying the wood
bison from endangered to threatened.
The majority of comments we
received support this action. The
majority of comments (13 of 19)
supported downlisting. A subset of
these comments (7 of the 13) asserted
that the Service should delist the
species immediately. Three comments
stated that wood bison should remain
listed as endangered. The peer review
comments provided very specific
corrections to details about two of the
wood bison herds in Canada, and we
have updated our information in this
rule accordingly, but these changes do
not alter our finding.
Background
Previous Federal Actions
The listing history for wood bison is
extensive and was described in the
proposed rule published on February 8,
2011 (76 FR 6734). Please refer to that
proposed rule for the complete listing
history. Here we present only the most
pertinent facts.
The wood bison became listed in the
United States under the 1969
Endangered Species Conservation Act
when it was included on the first List
of Endangered Foreign Fish and
Wildlife, which was published in the
Federal Register on June 2, 1970 (35 FR
8491). In 1974, the first list of federally
protected species under the 1973
Endangered Species Act (Act; 16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.) appeared in the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), and the
wood bison appeared on this list based
on its inclusion on the original 1969 list.
Because the wood bison was listed
under the 1969 Endangered Species
Conservation Act and grandfathered in
for protection under the Act, there is not
a separate Federal Register notice that
defined the population(s) and their
range or analyzed threats to the species.
The wood bison was classified as
endangered and has retained that
designation since the original listing.
On May 14, 1998, the Service received
a petition from a private individual
requesting that the Service remove the
wood bison from the List of Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife, primarily
because it had been downgraded from
an Appendix I to an Appendix II species
under the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES). In a 90-day
finding published on November 25,
1998 (63 FR 65164), we found that the
petitioner did not provide substantial
E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM
03MYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 86 (Thursday, May 3, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26185-26191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10505]
[[Page 26185]]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
POSTNET Barcode Discontinuation
AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg])
throughout various sections to discontinue price eligibility based on
the use of POSTNETTM barcodes on all types of mail.
DATES: Effective date: January 28, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278 or Jeff
Freeman, 202-268-2922.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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. For automation letters and flats and
for Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM), an Intelligent Mail barcode
(IMbTM) will be required.
Summary of Comments and USPS Responses
The Postal Service received 27 comments from a variety of mailers
and from several mailer associations. Some of the initial comments were
critical of one proposed element to require a barcode clear zone on all
letters. To maintain focus on the discontinuation of price eligibility
based on the POSTNET barcode, USPS[supreg] quickly responded by
deleting that element from the proposal. There were 11 comments
specifically critical of the main proposal to discontinue POSTNET
barcodes for automation letter and flat price eligibility. There were
six comments specifically in agreement with the main proposal. One
association strongly recommended that two IMbs be allowed on each
piece, to facilitate processing by presort companies. We added language
to specifically allow more than one barcode on automation letters under
certain conditions. For flats, we also changed the proposed language to
allow more than one barcode on each automation flat under certain
circumstances, due to anticipated flats sortation software upgrades in
early 2013. Other comments, and our responses, follow.
Comment: Mailers may be forced to make considerable investments in
new printers; and some felt they will not be able to and will be forced
to stop mailing.
Response: Print technology has evolved over the past several years
increasing in efficiency, and in many instances, lowering unit cost.
Additionally, instead of replacing printers, existing models may be
able to be upgraded with fonts that assist in maintaining speed while
printing IMbs. The Postal Service RIBBS[supreg] Web site
(ribbs.usps.gov) has a tool that enables fonts to be downloaded to
assist in printing IMbs.
Comment: Allow the use of the POSTNET barcode for automation
prices, but at higher prices than for the use of the Intelligent Mail
barcode (IMb).
Response: Since the POSTNET barcode is not capable of including
information other than the routing code, we will not be including its
use for any automation pricing as of January 2013.
Comment: There were problems for some mailers when they tried to
convert to IMb and not enough USPS support to surmount problems.
Response: The staff of the district Business Mail Entry offices are
available for customer assistance, RIBBS material and tools are being
updated, and local Postal Customer Councils will be assisting
customers. There will be designated support personnel at the district
level to help with the transition.
Comment: There is no perceived benefit to converting to IMb for
local mailers who are satisfied with their current level of service.
Response: Converting to IMb is an important first step on the way
to full-service automation, which allows for free address correction as
well as better mailpiece visibility. Increased mail visibility not only
helps the mailers directly, but also helps them indirectly by allowing
the Postal Service to fine tune its processes.
Comment: The USPS has provided plenty of time to convert to IMb.
The industry as a whole will benefit by standardizing to the use of one
barcode format.
Response: We appreciate the supportive comments.
Implementation
The Postal Service will discontinue price eligibility for the use
of POSTNET barcodes and allow only IMbs for automation price
eligibility purposes (including QBRM prices). The Postal Service
understands that some mailers currently use POSTNET barcodes and we are
committed to providing information to and working with individual
mailers and software providers to ensure that the use of an Intelligent
Mail barcode is achievable for all mailing customers.
Change for Letters and Flats
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[supreg] letters that qualify for Qualified Business Reply Mail
prices, Permit Reply Mail letters, and automation flats.
Withdrawn Change for Letters Only
To maintain focus on the POSTNET barcode discontinuation, the
Postal Service removed the proposal to require barcode clear zones on
all automation letters and cards and all letters and cards claiming an
automation carrier route letter price, and to require all machinable
letters to have barcode clear zones. We will retain the current
language for barcode clear zones.
Changes for Parcels
Currently, the POSTNET barcode is an available option to satisfy
the parcel barcode requirement for Standard Mail[supreg] 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[supreg] parcels would not be allowed to bear POSTNET
barcodes in any location.
The Postal Service adopts the following changes to Mailing
Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), which is 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. 1692-
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)
* * * * *
[[Page 26186]]
200 Commercial Letters and Cards
201 Physical Standards
* * * * *
3.0 Physical Standards for Machinable and Automation Letters and Cards
* * * * *
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
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.
* * * * *
202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
* * * * *
3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings
* * * * *
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. * * *
* * * * *
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.
* * *
* * * * *
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. * * *
* * * * *
[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.
* * * * *
[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:
* * * * *
[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.
* * * * *
[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.
* * * * *
[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.
* * * * *
220 Priority Mail
223 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
3.2 Additional Standards for Critical Mail Letters
* * * Critical Mail letters also must:
* * * * *
[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.
* * * * *
[[Page 26187]]
230 First-Class Mail
233 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Nonautomation First-Class Mail
Letters
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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:
* * * * *
[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.
* * * * *
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
The 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.]
* * * * *
240 Standard Mail
243 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Letters
* * * * *
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 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.
* * * * *
6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route
Standard Mail Letters
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:
* * * * *
[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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
[[Page 26188]]
[Delete 7.6, Enclosed Reply Cards and Envelopes, in its entirety.]
[Renumber current 7.7 as new 7.6.]
* * * * *
300 Commercial Mail Flats
* * * * *
302 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
* * * * *
2.0 Address Placement
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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
* * * * *
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 3.2b 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 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
* * * * *
[[Page 26189]]
[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 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
* * * * *
[[Page 26190]]
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.
* * * * *
6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route
Standard Mail Marketing Parcels
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 mailing of Standard Mail Marketing parcels 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 addressing standards:
* * * * *
500 Additional Mailing Services
503 Extra Services
* * * * *
14.0 Confirm Service and IMb Tracing
* * * * *
14.2 Barcodes
* * * * *
14.2.2 Intelligent Mail Barcode Requirements
[Revise the introductory text of 14.2.2 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
* * * * *
[[Page 26191]]
[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 publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 to
reflect these changes.
Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2012-10505 Filed 5-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
