International Mailing Services: Proposed Product and Price Changes, 64768-64775 [2012-25992]
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64768
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2012 / Proposed Rules
the FAA from issuing another related
action or commit the FAA to any course
of action in the future.
Regulatory Impact
Since this action only withdraws an
NPRM (77 FR 32069, May 31, 2012), it
is neither a proposed nor a final rule
and therefore is not covered under
Executive Order 12866, the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034,
February 26, 1979).
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Withdrawal
Accordingly, we withdraw the NPRM,
Docket No. FAA–2012–0495, Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–236–AD, which
was published in the Federal Register
on May 31, 2012 (77 FR 32069).
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
14, 2012.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–26080 Filed 10–22–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Internal Revenue Service
26 CFR Part 1
RIN 1545–BH16
Regulations Regarding the Application
of Section 172(h) Including
Consolidated Groups; Correction
Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
Treasury.
ACTION: Correction to notice of proposed
rulemaking.
AGENCY:
This document contains
corrections to a notice of proposed
rulemaking (REG–140668–07) that was
published in the Federal Register on
Monday, September 17, 2012 (77 FR
57452). The proposed regulation
provides guidance regarding the
treatment of corporate equity reduction
transactions (CERTs), including the
treatment of multiple step plans for the
acquisition of stock and CERTs
involving members of a consolidated
group.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Amie Colwell Breslow or Marie C.
Milnes-Vasquez at (202) 622–7530 (not
a toll free number).
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SUMMARY:
16:28 Oct 22, 2012
Background
The notice of proposed rulemaking
(REG–140668–07) that is the subject of
these corrections are under sections 172
and 1502 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Need for Correction
As published, the notice of proposed
rulemaking (REG–140668–07) contains
errors that may prove to be misleading
and are in need of clarification.
Correction of Publication
Accordingly, the notice of proposed
rulemaking (REG–140668–07), that was
the subject of FR Doc. 2012–22838, is
corrected as follows:
1. On page 57452, in the preamble,
column 1, under the caption ADDRESSES,
line 10, the language ‘‘Service, 1111
Constitution Avenue NW.,’’ is corrected
to read ‘‘Service, 1111 Constitution
Avenue NW.,’’.
2. On page 57453, in the preamble,
column 2, under the caption
‘‘Background’’, line 16 from the bottom
of the page, the language ‘‘return group;
(4) application of these’’ is corrected to
read ‘‘group; (4) application of these’’.
3. On page 57456, in the preamble,
column 3, under the paragraph heading
C. Loss Limitation Years, line 6 from the
bottom of the first paragraph, the
language ‘‘section 172 and 381 are
applied as if the’’ is corrected to read
‘‘sections 172 and 381 are applied as if
the’’.
§ 1.172(h)–2
[REG–140668–07]
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Jkt 229001
[Corrected]
5. On Page 57465, column 1, under
the paragraph heading § 1.172(h)–4
Special rules for predecessors and
successors., second full paragraph of the
column, line 13, the language
‘‘occurred. See §§ 1.172(h)–5(a)
(defining’’ is corrected to read
‘‘occurred. See § 1.172(h)–5(a)
(defining’’.
6. On Page 57465, column 3, under
the same paragraph heading, line 21
from the top of the column, the language
‘‘interest paid or accrued during the 3
year’’ is corrected to read ‘‘interest paid
or accrued during the three-year’’.
§ 1.1502–72
[Corrected]
7. On page 57471, column 2, under
the paragraph heading § 1.1502–72
Corporate equity reduction
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Guy Traynor,
Federal Register Liaison, Publications and
Regulations Branch, Legal Processing
Division, Associate Chief Counsel, (Procedure
and Administration).
[FR Doc. 2012–26001 Filed 10–22–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4830–01–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 20
[Corrected]
4. On Page 57462, column 1, under
the paragraph heading § 1.172(h)–2
Computation of a CERIL., fourth
paragraph of the column, line 6, the
language ‘‘addition, under the
principles of section’’ is corrected to
read ‘‘addition, under the principles of’’.
§ 1.172(h)–4
transactions., lines 10 and 11 from the
top of the column, the language
‘‘[$10,000,000 + $100,000 + 250,000 +
175,000]. See § 1.172(h)–2(b)(3) for
rules’’ is corrected to read ‘‘[$10,000,000
+ $100,000 + $250,000 + $175,000]. See
§ 1.172(h)–2(b)(3) for rules’’.
8. On page 57473, column 1, under
the same paragraph heading, line 22 of
the second paragraph, the language
‘‘([$1,400 + $1,000 + 1,200]/3). Because
T is’’ is corrected to read ‘‘([$1,400 +
$1,000 + $1,200]/3). Because T is’’.
9. On page 57473, column 1, under
the same paragraph heading, line 2 from
the bottom of the second paragraph, the
language ‘‘([$1,400 + $1,000 + 1,200 +
$600 + $200 +)’’ is corrected to read
‘‘([$1,400 + $1,000 + $1,200 + $600 +
$200 +)’’.
10. On page 57475, column 3, under
the same paragraph heading, line 11 of
the second full paragraph of the column,
the language ‘‘172(h)(3)(C) § 1.172(h)–
1(c)(3) and (f), and’’ is corrected to read
‘‘172(h)(3)(C), § 1.172(h)–1(c)(3) and (f),
and’’.
International Mailing Services:
Proposed Product and Price Changes
Postal Service,TM
Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
In October 2012, the Postal
Service filed a notice of mailing services
price adjustments with the Postal
Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective
on January 27, 2013. The Postal Service
proposes to revise various sections of
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, International Mail
Manual (IMM®) to reflect new prices
and classification changes.
DATES: We must receive your comments
on or before November 23, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to
the manager, Product Classification,
U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L’Enfant Plaza
SW., RM 4446, Washington, DC 20260–
5015. You may inspect and photocopy
all written comments at USPS®
Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant
Plaza SW., 11th Floor N, Washington
DC by appointment only between the
hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
SUMMARY:
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through Friday by calling 1–202–268–
2906 in advance. Email comments,
containing the name and address of the
commenter, may be sent to:
MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a
subject line of ‘‘International Mailing
Services Price Change.’’ Faxed
comments are not accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick
Klutts at 813–877–0372.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed
prices are or will be available under
Docket Number R2013–1 on the Postal
Regulatory Commission’s Web site at
www.prc.gov.
This proposed rule includes price and
classification changes for First-Class
Mail International® and extra services.
The proposed rule also reflects price
and classification changes that result
from the Postal Regulatory Commission
granting the Postal Service’s request in
Docket No. MC2012–44 to transfer FirstClass Mail International packages (small
packets) and rolls from the marketdominant product list to the competitive
product list.
First-Class Mail International
This proposed rule would increase
prices for single-piece First-Class Mail
International letters, postcards, and flats
by approximately 14.0 percent.
Specifically, postcards would be
increased by 8.7 percent, letters would
be increased by 12.8 percent, and flats
would be increased by 18.9 percent.
First-Class Mail International packages
(small packets) and rolls will be
transferred from the market dominant
product list to the competitive product
list and no longer available effective
January 27, 2013. The rebranded
competitive product will be identified
as—‘‘First-Class Package International
Service TM’’.
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Global Forever Stamp
Building on the success of the
domestic USPS Forever® stamp
introduced in April, 2007, the Postal
Service is proposing to introduce an
international Global Forever stamp.
Global Forever stamps can be used to
mail a 1-ounce letter-size mailpiece
anywhere in the world, regardless of
when the stamp is purchased and
regardless of how prices may change in
the future. The Global Forever stamp
will ease the transition during price
changes, and will always be sold at the
price of a single-piece First-Class Mail
International 1-ounce machinable letter
and have a postage value equivalent to
the price of a single-piece First-Class
Mail International 1-ounce machinable
letter in effect at the time of use
(mailing).
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64769
For R2013–1, we propose to charge
the same price for 1-ounce and 2-ounce
letter-size mailpieces to Canada.
Consequently, for this price change, the
Global Forever may also be used to mail
a 2-ounce letter-size mailpiece to
Canada.
To help distinguish between the
domestic and international forever
stamps, the international version will
always be round and will always bear
the words ‘‘Global Forever’’. The initial
offering of the Global Forever stamp will
feature a picture of a globe. Finally, as
with the domestic Forever stamp,
mailers would have the flexibility to use
these stamps as postage for any type of
single-piece international or domestic
mailpiece.
proceedings before the Postal Regulatory
Commission (Docket No. R2013–1). All
regulatory changes necessary to
implement this proposal are provided
below.
Although exempt from the notice and
comment requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C.
553(b), (c)] regarding proposed
rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the
Postal Service invites public comment
on the following proposed revisions to
the Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, International Mail
Manual (IMM), incorporated by
reference in the Code of Federal
Regulations. See 39 CFR Part 20.1.
International Extra Services
Foreign relations, International postal
services.
Accordingly, 39 CFR Part 20 is
proposed to be amended as follows:
The Postal Service proposes to
increase prices for market dominant
extra services by approximately 11.3
percent, for the following:
• Certificate of Mailing (4.4%)
• Registered Mail TM (10.2%)
• Return Receipt (48.9%)
• International Business Reply
Service (16.7%)
Certificate of Mailing
The Postal Service proposes to add
the flexibility for mailers who pay for
postage with a permit imprint, to now
pay the fee using the same permit
imprint account. Previously, the only
option to pay the fee was for mailers to
apply ordinary stamps, meter imprints,
or PC Postage® imprints to PS Form
3877, Firm Mailing Book for
Accountable Mail, or Form 3606,
Certificate of Bulk Mailing.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 20
PART 20—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR
Part 20 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, 407, 414, 416, 3001–3011,
3201–3219, 3403–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626,
3632, 3633, and 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of the
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, International Mail
Manual (IMM) as follows:
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, International Mail
Manual (IMM)
*
*
*
*
*
Restricted Delivery
1
Due to low quantity demand by
customers, the Postal Service proposes
to discontinue outbound international
restricted delivery service. Currently,
restricted delivery is only available on
First-Class Mail International items
using Registered Mail service. The
Postal Service will continue to offer
inbound international restricted
delivery service.
*
*
130
Mailability
*
*
134
Valuable Articles
International Reply Coupons
Due to low quantity demand by
customers, the Postal Service proposes
to discontinue the sale of international
reply coupons. The Postal Service will
continue to exchange (redeem)
international reply coupons purchased
in foreign countries and presented at
U.S. Post Office facilities.
The prices and fees proposed in this
notice, if adopted, would become
effective concurrent with any domestic
prices adopted as a result of the current
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International Mail Services
134.1
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*
*
*
*
*
Service Options
The following services can be used to
send the articles noted in 134.2:
[Revise item 134.1a to read as
follows:]
a. First-Class Mail International
service with Registered Mail service or
First-Class Package International service
with Registered Mail service.
*
*
*
*
*
135
Mailable Dangerous Goods
135.1
*
Infectious Substances
*
135.12
*
*
*
Type of Mail
[Revise 135.12 to read as follows:]
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Category B infectious substances must
be sent using Registered Mail service
via:
a. First-Class Mail International
service.
b. First-Class Package International
Service.
c. Priority Mail International Flat Rate
Envelopes.
d. Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Priced
Boxes.
Nonregulated materials defined in
DMM 601.10.17.3 and exempt human or
animal specimens defined in DMM
601.10.17.2d are mailable by First-Class
Mail International service or First-Class
Package International Service when
properly packaged as described in DMM
601.10.17.
*
*
*
*
*
135.3
Packaging, Marking, Labeling
135.31 Category B Infectious
Substances
[Revise the first sentence in 135.12 to
read as follows:]
A material that is classified as a
Category B infectious substance and that
meets the definition in DMM
601.10.17.2a2 must be triple-packaged
as described in DMM 601.10.17.4, must
meet the packaging requirements in 49
CFR 173.199, and must be sent only by
First-Class Mail International service,
First-Class Package International
Service, or Priority Mail International
Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate
Priced Boxes using Registered Mail
service.* * *
*
*
*
*
*
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135.5 Radioactive Materials
Shipments containing radioactive
materials are acceptable in international
mail subject to the provisions of DMM
601 and of Publication 52, Hazardous,
Restricted, and Perishable Mail, and
under the following conditions:
[Revise item 135.5a to read as
follows:]
a. Shipments may be sent only by
First-Class Mail International service,
First-Class Package International
Service, or Priority Mail International
Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate
Priced Boxes with Registered Mail
service.
*
*
*
*
*
138
Perishable Matter
138.1 Animals
All live or dead animals are
nonmailable, except the following:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item138.1c(4) to read as
follows:]
(4) They are sent by First-Class Mail
International service, First-Class
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Package International Service, or
Priority Mail International Flat Rate
Envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced
Boxes.
*
*
*
*
*
140
International Mail Categories
141
Definitions
141.1 General
[Revise 141.1 to read as follows:]
There are five principal categories of
international mail that are primarily
differentiated from one another by
speed of service. They are Global
Express Guaranteed® (GXG®) service,
Express Mail International® service,
Priority Mail International® service,
First-Class Mail International® service,
and First-Class Package International
ServiceTM.
*
*
*
*
*
141.4 Priority Mail International
[Revise the second sentence of 141.4
to read as follows:]
* * * This classification is primarily
designed to accommodate larger and
heavier shipments whose size and/or
weight exceeds the limits for First-Class
Mail International, or First-Class
Package International Service. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
141.5 First-Class Mail International
[Revise 141.5 in its entirety to read as
follows (this revision also deletes the
‘‘Note’’):]
First-Class Mail International is a
generic term for mailpieces that are
letter-size or flat-size that weigh 4
pounds or less, and that have a value
that is $400 or less. First-Class Mail
International items may contain any
letter-size or flat-size mailable matter
that is not prohibited by the destination
country. Aerogrammes are no longer
available for purchase. Previously
purchased aerogrammes are mailable at
the applicable First-Class Mail
International letter-size price. At the
sender’s option, extra services, such as
Registered Mail and return receipt, may
be added on a country-specific basis.
142
Official Mail
*
*
*
*
*
142.4 General Secretariat of the
Organization of American States (OAS)
[Add an introduction to 142.4 and
revise items a and b to read as follows:]
The following standards apply when
mail is sent as OAS General Secretariat
official mail:
a. Unregistered First-Class Mail
International and First-Class Package
International Service items bearing the
return address of the OAS General
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Secretariat and weighing not more than
4 pounds are accepted without postage
when addressed to the OAS member
countries listed in 142.4c.
b. Items sent other than First-Class
Mail International or First-Class Package
International Service with extra services
may not be provided for OAS General
Secretariat official mail without the
prepayment of postage or the fee for the
extra service requested.
*
*
*
*
*
142.5
Mail
Pan American Sanitary Bureau
[Revise 142.5 in its entirety to read as
follows:]
The following standards apply when
mail is sent as OAS General Secretariat
official mail:
a. Unregistered First-Class Mail
International and First-Class Package
International Service items bearing the
return address of the Pan American
Sanitary Bureau and weighing not more
than 4 pounds are accepted without
postage affixed when addressed to an
OAS member country listed in 142.4c or
to Cuba.
b. Items with the Pan American
Sanitary Bureau return address that are
sent other than First-Class Mail
International or First-Class Package
International Service, or that request
extra services must prepay all postage
and fees.
150
Postage
*
*
*
*
*
152
Payment Methods
*
*
152.3
*
*
*
Stamps
152.31
Types of Stamps
[As explained in an upcoming
revision article, and to be effective
November 5, 2012 (which is before these
revisions on mailing services will be
effective), we will switch the order of
sections 152.2 and 152.3 (so that
‘‘Stamps’’ will be the title of 152.3) and
will revise the renumbered 152.3. Then,
effective January 27, 2013, we will revise
the renumbered 152.31 and revise item
d and insert a new item e to read as
follows:]
The following types of stamps may be
used to pay for postage and fees for
extra services listed under chapter 3 for
all single-piece international mail
transactions:
*
*
*
*
*
d. Forever Stamps (domestic): A
domestic Forever stamp’s value is
linked to the domestic First-Class Mail
single-piece 1-ounce letter price that is
in effect on the day of use (mailing)
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regardless of when the stamp is
purchased and regardless of how prices
may change in the future.
e. Global Forever Stamps: A Global
Forever stamp’s value is linked to the
First-Class Mail International singlepiece 1-ounce machinable letter price
that is in effect on the day of use
(mailing). Global Forever Stamps can be
used to mail a 1-ounce machinable
letter-size mailpiece anywhere in the
world, regardless of when the stamp is
purchased and regardless of how prices
may change in the future. Global
Forever stamps are round and always
bear the words ‘‘Global Forever.’’ In
addition, mailers may use the Global
Forever stamp, as postage for any type
of single-piece international or domestic
mailpiece. Their value (regardless of
purchase date) is always equal to the
First-Class Mail International singlepiece 1-ounce machinable letter price
that is in effect on the day of use
(mailing).
[Revise 153.32 to read as follows:]
152.32 Additional Postage for
Nondenominated Postage Stamps,
Forever Stamps or Forever Print-onDemand Indicias
Conditions for Mailing
*
*
*
*
*
240
First-Class Mail International
241.1
General
[Revise 241.1 to read as follows:]
The First-Class Mail International®
classification encompasses the
categories of international mail that
before May 14, 2007, were categorized
as airmail letter-post and economy
letter-post, postcards, and printed
matter.
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241.2
*
Physical Characteristics
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
241.232 Dimensions and
Characteristics
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the ‘‘Note’’ to read as follows:]
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242
244.4
Eligibility
*
*
242.4
*
*
*
Extra Services
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete in its entirety section 242.44
titled ‘‘Restricted Delivery.’’]
243.1
Prices
243.11 Prices and Price Application—
General
[Revise 243.11 in its entirety to read
as follows:]
First-Class Mail International cards,
letters, and large envelopes (flats) are
charged postage for each addressed
piece according to its weight and price
group. For prices, see Notice 123, Price
List.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 243.13 to read as follows:]
See the Individual Country Listings to
determine the country-specific price
group for First-Class Mail International.
For postage prices, see Notice 123, Price
List.
[Delete Exhibit 243.13 in its entirety.]
*
*
*
*
*
244
Mail Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title to 244.2 to read as
follows:]
244.2
241.23 Physical Standards—Large
Envelopes (Flats)
244.3
[Delete in its entirety section 241.24
titled ‘‘Physical Standards—Packages
(Small Packets).’’.]
*
*
*
*
*
241.24 Physical Standards—Packages
(Small Packets)
243.13 Destinating Countries and
Price Groups
241 Description and Physical
Characteristics
b. First-Class Mail International letters
and large envelopes (flats) that qualify
as free matter for the blind or physically
handicapped must bear the marking
‘‘Free Matter for the Blind or Physically
Handicapped’’ in the upper-right corner
of the address side of the mailpiece. See
274.2.
[Revise the second sentence of 244.3
to read as follows:]
* * * Mailpieces not sealed by
conventional means, such as moistening
the gummed flaps on envelopes, must
be closed in such a manner as to prevent
the contents from falling out or being
damaged during postal handling and
transport. * * *
243 Prices and Postage Payment
Methods
Since international postage prices are
always higher than the comparable
domestic postage prices, mailers who
affix a single nondenominated postage
stamp or a domestic Forever stamp to
their outbound mailpieces must add
additional postage to comply with the
international price schedule.
*
*
*
*
*
2
Note: The length of a large envelope
(flat) is always the longest dimension.
The height is the dimension
perpendicular to the length. A FirstClass Mail International large envelope
(flat) that does not meet the standards
in 241.23 is not eligible for the large
envelope (flat) size price and is charged
the applicable First-Class Package
International Service (small packet)
price.
*
*
*
*
*
64771
Markings
The following markings apply to
First-Class Mail International items:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete current item 244.2 b in its
entirety and redesignate current item c
as the new item b, and revise new item
b to read as follows:]
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Packaging
[Revise the introductory text of 244.4
to read as follows:]
The following packaging methods
may be used for First-Class Mail
International letter-size and flat-size
items:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete current item 244.4d in its
entirety, and redesignate current items e
and f, as items d and e.]
*
*
*
*
*
270 Free Matter for the Blind or Other
Physically Handicapped Persons
*
*
272
Postage Prices
*
*
*
Postage is free for the following
eligible items marked ‘‘Free Matter for
the Blind or Physically Handicapped’’:
[Revise item 272a and b and insert
new items c and d to read as follows:]
a. A First-Class Mail International
item.
b. The Priority Mail International Flat
Rate Envelopes.
c. The Priority Mail Small Flat Rate
Priced Boxes.
d. A Priority Mail International parcel
weighing up to 15 pounds.
*
*
*
*
*
273
273.1
Weight and Size Limits
Weight Limit
[Revise the first paragraph of 273.1 to
read as follows:]
For First-Class Mail International or
First-Class Package International Service
items, or the Priority Mail International
Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate
Priced Boxes, the weight limit is 4
pounds.
*
*
*
*
*
273.2
Size Limits
[Revise 273.2 in its entirety to read as
follows:]
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For First-Class Mail International
items, see 241.2.
For First-Class Package International
Service items, see 251.2.
For Priority Mail International
parcels, see 231.2.
274
Mail Preparation
*
*
274.2
*
*
*
Marking
[Revise 274.2 in its entirety to read as
follows:]
In addition to the markings required
in 244.2 for First-Class Mail
International items, in 254.2 for FirstClass Package International Service
items and in 234.2 for Priority Mail
International parcels, free matter must
be marked ‘‘Free Matter for the Blind or
Handicapped’’ in the upper right-hand
corner of the address side of the
mailpiece.
*
*
*
*
*
275
Extra Services
* * * Only the following extra
services are authorized:
[Revise item 275a to read as follows:]
*
*
*
*
*
a. Registered Mail service for FirstClass Mail International items, FirstClass Package International Service
items, and Priority Mail International
Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate
Priced Boxes.
*
*
*
*
*
3
Extra Services
310
Certificate of Mailing
311
Individual Pieces
*
*
311.2
*
*
*
Availability
311.21
At Time of Purchase
A customer may purchase a certificate
of mailing (individual pieces) when
sending the following:
*
*
*
*
*
[Insert new item 311.21c and
redesignate current items c through f as
items d through g.]
c. Unregistered for First-Class Package
International Service items.
*
*
*
*
*
311.3
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
*
Fees
*
311.32
Pieces
*
*
*
Three or More Individual
[Revise 311.32 to read as follows:]
When mailing three or more pieces,
the mailer may optionally use PS Form
3877. In addition to the correct postage,
the mailer must pay the certificate of
mailing fee for each article on PS Form
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:28 Oct 22, 2012
Jkt 229001
3877 by affixing ordinary (uncanceled)
stamps, meter imprints, or PC Postage
imprints to the PS Form 3877. Mailers
paying for the postage with a permit
imprint may also pay the fee at the time
of mailing using the same permit
imprint account. For a separate fee, the
mailer may request a duplicate copy of
PS Form 3877 after mailing (see 311.22).
See Notice 123, Price List.
*
*
*
*
*
312 Bulk Quantities—Certificate of
Mailing
*
*
312.2
*
*
At Time of Entry
A customer may purchase a certificate
of bulk mailing when sending the
following identical-weight items:
*
*
*
*
*
[Insert new item 312.21c and
redesignate current items c through f as
d through g.]
c. Unregistered for First-Class Package
International Service items.
*
*
*
*
*
312.3
Fees
[Revise 312.3 to read as follows:]
In addition to the correct postage, the
applicable certificate of bulk mailing fee
must be paid for mailings of identicalweight pieces reported on PS Form
3606. The mailer may pay the fee by
ordinary (uncanceled) stamps, meter
imprints, or PC Postage imprints by
affixing them to the form. Mailers
paying for the postage with a permit
imprint also may pay the fee, at the time
of mailing, with the same permit
imprint account. For a separate fee, the
mailer may request a duplicate copy of
PS Form 3606 after mailing (see 312.22).
See Notice 123, Price List, for all
applicable fees.
*
*
*
*
*
330
Registered Mail
*
*
332
Availability
*
*
*
* * * Registered Mail service is
available for the following types of mail:
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new item d to read as follows:]
d. First-Class Package International
Service items, including free matter for
the blind items.
*
*
*
*
*
334
Processing Requests
334.1 Mailing Receipt and
Registration Number
*
PO 00000
*
*
Frm 00010
*
Fmt 4702
*
Sfmt 4702
The accepting clerk must:
*
*
*
*
[Revise item 334.13d. to read as
follows:]
d. Enter the registration fee and
postage plus the return receipt fee, if
applicable, on the receipt.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and text of 334.5 to
read as follows:]
*
334.5
*
Availability
312.21
334.13 Accepting Clerk’s
Responsibility
Return Receipt
Return receipts can be purchased for
Registered Mail items to most countries.
(See 340 and 350 and Individual
Country Listings.)
*
*
*
*
*
350
Restricted Delivery
[Revise 350 in its entirety to read as
follows (this replaces all the current text
from 351 through 354.2):]
Restricted delivery service is no
longer available and was discontinued
effective January 27, 2013. It was
limited to First-Class Mail International
items, the Priority Mail International
Flat Rate Envelopes and the Small Flat
Rate Priced Boxes when used in
conjunction with Registered Mail
service.
[Delete 351 through 354.2 in their
entirety.]
*
*
*
*
*
380 Supplemental Services
381
International Reply Coupons
[Revise 381 in its entirety to read as
follows:]
381.1
Description
As of January 27, 2013, the U.S. Postal
Service no longer sells international
reply coupons. However, coupons
previously sold by the U.S. Postal
Service can still be used or exchanged
(see 381.2). The following standards
apply to international reply coupons:
a. The sender of a letter may prepay
a reply by purchasing reply coupons
that are sold and exchangeable for
postage stamps by participating postal
administrations in member countries of
the Universal Postal Union.
b. International reply coupons (in
French, Coupons-Reponse
Internationaux) are printed in blue ink
on paper that has the letters ‘‘UPU’’ in
large characters in the watermark. The
front of each coupon is printed in
French. The reverse side of the coupon
shows the text relating to its use in
German, English, Arabic, Chinese,
Spanish, and/or Russian.
E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
23OCP1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2012 / Proposed Rules
381.2 Previously Sold Coupons and
Exchange Value
The following standards apply to the
exchange of international reply
coupons:
a. International reply coupons sold by
the United States Postal Service prior to
January 27, 2013, are exchangeable in
any other member country for a stamp
or stamps representing the minimum
postage on an unregistered air letter.
Unused U.S. coupons (that is, those
with the U.S. selling price stamped on
them that are not ultimately redeemed
by recipients in other countries) may be
exchanged only by the original
purchaser for United States postage
stamps at a discount of 1 cent below the
purchase price.
b. With the exceptions noted in
381.3d, international reply coupons
purchased in foreign countries are
exchangeable at U.S. Post Office
facilities toward the purchase of postage
stamps and embossed stamped
envelopes at the current maximum
First-Class Mail International 1-ounce,
letter-size price, per coupon,
irrespective of the country where they
were purchased. See Notice 123, Price
List.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
381.3
Processing Requests
The following standards apply when
processing international reply coupons:
a. Under Universal Postal Union’s
regulations, participating member
countries are not required to place a
control stamp or postmark on the
international reply coupons that they
sell. Therefore some foreign issue reply
coupons that are tendered for
redemption may bear the name of the
issuing country (generally in French)
rather than the optional control stamp
or postmark. Such coupons are
exchangeable for U.S. postage as
specified in 381.2b.
b. A Post Office facility redeeming an
unused U.S. coupon must postmark it in
the unpostmarked circle. A Post Office
facility exchanging a foreign reply
coupon must postmark it. Post Office
facilities must not accept foreign
coupons that already bear a United
States Postal Service postmark.
c. The only valid version of the
international reply coupons printed by
the Universal Postal Union is Item
Number 330800, which is
approximately 3.75 inches by 6 inches,
has a barcode on the reverse side, and
has an expiration date of December 31,
2013. This policy is for international
reply coupons issued by the United
States before January 27, 2013 as well as
for those issued by foreign postal
administrations.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:28 Oct 22, 2012
Jkt 229001
d. Reply coupons formerly issued by
the Postal Union of the Americas and
Spain are no longer valid. These
coupons are printed in green ink and
bear the caption Cupon Respuesta
America-Espanol. Customers possessing
any of these coupons should return
them to their correspondents in the
country of issue for redemption through
the selling post office.
e. Postmasters must process
exchanged foreign and redeemed U.S.
international reply coupons as
prescribed in 11–6.6, ‘‘International
Reply Coupons’’ in Handbook F–101,
Field Accounting Procedures.
*
*
*
*
*
4
Treatment of Outbound Mail
*
420
Unpaid and Shortpaid Mail
*
*
423
Shortpaid Mail
*
*
423.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Disposition
*
*
*
*
423.24
[Revise the title of 423.24 to read as
follows:]
423.24 First-Class Mail International
Items (including Postcards), First-Class
Mail Package International Service,
Airmail M-Bags, Priority Mail
International Flat Rate Envelopes, and
Priority Mail International Small Flat
Rate Priced Boxes
423.241 Items Paid With a Permit
Imprint or USPS-Produced PVI Label
[Revise the text of 423.241 to read as
follows:]
Regardless of the amount of
deficiency, consider as paid in full each
shortpaid First-Class Mail International
item (including a postcard), First-Class
Package International Service, Airmail
M-bag, Priority Mail International Flat
Rate Envelope, and Priority Mail
International Small Flat Rate Priced Box
that is paid with a permit imprint or
USPS-produced postage validation
imprinter (PVI) label, and dispatch it to
the appropriate International Service
Center (ISC).
423.242 Items Paid With Any Other
Postage Payment Method
[Revise the text of the introduction of
423.242 to read as follows:]
The disposition of a shortpaid FirstClass Mail International item (including
a postcard), First-Class Package
International Service, Airmail M-bag,
Priority Mail International Flat Rate
Envelope, and Priority Mail
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
International Small Flat Rate Priced Box
that is paid with a postage payment
method other than a permit imprint or
USPS-produced PVI label is based on
the amount of the deficiency, as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
7
Treatment of Inbound Mail
*
*
770
Undeliverable Mail
771
*
*
*
Mail of Domestic Origin
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 771.5 in its entirety to read as
follows:]
771.5 Return Charges for Letter-Post
Items
771.51
*
64773
General
Except as noted in 771.52, any
undeliverable-as-addressed mail item
listed below that a foreign postal
administration returns to the U.S.
sender is not subject to the payment of
return charges. This provision applies to
postal items that were originally entered
at the following rates of postage:
a. Priority Mail International Flat Rate
Envelope.
b. Priority Mail International Small
Flat Rate Priced Box.
c. First-Class Mail International
(including postcards).
d. First-Class Package International
Service.
e. Airmail M-bag.
f. International Priority Airmail (IPA),
including M-bags.
g. International Surface Air Lift
(ISAL), including M-bags.
771.52
Exceptions
Delivery Post Office facilities should
collect return charges from the U.S.
sender under the following
circumstances:
a. If a returned letter-post item listed
in 771.51 bears a short-paid
endorsement that was originally applied
by the Postal Service dispatching
exchange office, the delivery office
should collect the amount of the postage
deficiency that would otherwise have
been collected from the foreign
addressee.
b. If a returned letter-post item listed
in 771.51 bears a collection instruction
that was applied by an International
Service Center (ISC), international
exchange office, or mail recovery center,
the delivery office should collect the
‘‘due amount’’ that is specified on the
mailpiece.
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
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64774
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2012 / Proposed Rules
780 Items Mailed Abroad by or on
Behalf of Senders in the United States
781
Payment Required
*
*
*
*
*
781.2 Handling Charges
[Revise 781.2 to read as follows:]
Undeliverable-as-addressed mail
returned to the sender for which
outbound postage was not paid to the
U.S. Postal Service is subject to the
payment of handling charges. On
delivery to the sender, the sender may
be charged the applicable First-Class
Mail International or First-Class Package
International Service price for the
weight and shape of the returned piece.
*
*
*
*
*
9
Inquiries, Indemnities, and Refunds
*
*
920
Inquiries and Claims
921
Inquiries
*
*
921.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Initiating an Inquiry
*
*
*
*
Exhibit 921.2 Time Limits for
Inquiries
[Revise the ‘‘Note’’ in Exhibit 921.2 to
read as follows:]
Note: Inquires are not accepted for
First-Class Mail International items,
First-Class Package International Service
items, Priority Mail International Flat
Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate
Priced Boxes, or M-bags.
*
*
*
*
*
940 Postage Refunds
[Revise the title of 941 to read as
follows:]
941 Postage Refunds for First-Class
Mail International, First-Class Package
International Service, and Priority Mail
International
941.1 General
[Revise 941.1 to read as follows:]
A refund may be made when postage,
extra service fees, or other charges have
been paid on the following First-Class
Mail International, First-Class Package
International Service, or Priority Mail
International items:
a. Items for which full service was not
rendered.
b. Items that were paid in excess of
the proper price.
*
*
*
*
*
[In the table, revise the heading for
‘‘First-Class Mail International’’ to read
as ‘‘First-Class Mail International and
First-Class Package International
Service’’]
*
*
*
*
*
Country Price Groups and Weight
Limits
*
[Revise the text to read as follows:]
Listed below are the countries and
their price groups and weight limits for
the five principal categories of
international mail. Complete tables of
prices and weights appear in the
Individual Country Listings (ICLs).
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise footnote 2 to read as follows:]
2. First-Class Mail International
maximum weights: Letters, 3.5 ozs.;
Large Envelopes (flats), 4 lbs. Note that
the heading in the maximum weight
column lists both ounces and pounds
(‘‘ozs./lbs.’’) and that there are two
numbers in the entry for each country
(‘‘3.5/4’’)—this indicates that the
maximum weight for Letters is 3.5 ozs.,
and that the maximum weight for Large
Envelopes (flats) is 4 lbs. For First-Class
Package International Service,
maximum weight is 4 lbs.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise footnote 5 to read as follows:]
5. Korea, Democratic People’s
Republic of (North Korea): First-Class
Package International Service is not
available. In addition, Priority Mail
International parcel services are not
available, including the Small Flat Rate
Priced Boxes. Priority Mail International
Flat Rate Envelopes (maximum weight:
4 lbs.) may be used. Regardless of mail
class, dutiable items and merchandise
are prohibited.
*
*
*
*
*
Individual Country Listings
*
*
*
*
*
First-Class Mail International (240)
*
*
*
*
[For each country that offers FirstClass Mail International service, revise
the introductory text to read as follows,
however, retain the country’s current
Price Group designation.]:
For the prices and maximum weights
for letters, large envelopes (flats) and
postcards, see Notice 123, Price List.
Size Limits
[For each country that offers FirstClass Mail International service, revise
the text to read as follows:]
Letters: See 241.212
Postcards: See 241.221
Large Envelopes (Flats): See 241.232
*
*
*
*
*
Matter for the Blind (270)
[For each country that offers Matter
for the Blind, revise the first paragraph
to read as follows:]
Free when sent as First-Class Mail
International or First-Class Package
International Service, or in Priority Mail
International Flat Rate Envelopes or the
Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes. Weight
limit: 4 pounds.
Extra Services
Certificate of Mailing (313)
[For each country that offers
certificate of mailing service, revise the
fees to read as follows:]
Individual Pieces
Fee
Individual article (PS Form 3817) .................................................................................................................................................
Firm mailing books (PS Form 3877), per article listed (minimum 3) ...........................................................................................
Duplicate copy of PS Form 3817 or PS Form 3877 (per page) ..................................................................................................
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Bulk Quantities
Fee
First 1,000 pieces (or fraction thereof) .........................................................................................................................................
Each additional 1,000 pieces (or fraction thereof) .......................................................................................................................
Duplicate copy of PS Form 3606 .................................................................................................................................................
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:28 Oct 22, 2012
$1.20
0.44
1.20
Jkt 229001
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23OCP1
$7.05
0.85
1.20
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2012 / Proposed Rules
*
*
*
*
*
International Business Reply Service
(382)
[For each country that offers
International Business Reply service,
revise the fees to read as follows:]
Fee: Envelopes up to 2 ounces $1.75;
Cards $1.25
*
*
*
*
*
International Reply Coupons (381)
[For each country revise the text to
read as follows:]
Discontinued January 27, 2013
*
*
*
*
*
Registered Mail (330)
[For each country that offers
international Registered Mail service,
revise the fee to read as follows:]
Fee: $12.95
*
*
*
*
*
Restricted Delivery (350)
[For each country revise the text to
read as follows:]
Discontinued January 27, 2013
Return Receipt (340)
[For each country that offers
international return receipt service,
revise the fee to read as follows:]
Fee: $3.50
*
*
*
*
*
We will publish an appropriate
amendment to 39 CFR Part 20 to reflect
these changes if our proposal is
adopted.
Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2012–25992 Filed 10–22–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
ACTION:
ServiceTM.
Postal
Proposed rule.
In October 2012, the Postal
Service filed a notice of mailing services
price adjustments with the Postal
Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective
in January 2013. This proposed rule
contains the revisions to Mailing
Standards of the United States Postal
Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®)
that we would adopt to implement the
changes coincident with the price
adjustments.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
We must receive comments on or
before November 23, 2012.
DATES:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:28 Oct 22, 2012
Jkt 229001
Proposed Change for Letters
Commercial First-Class Mail® Letters
The pricing structure for presorted
and automation First-Class Mail letters
would retain the change implemented
in 2012 for the minimum postage charge
to be that for a 2-ounce letter, and
would extend the concept to residual
single-piece letters that are part of the
same mailing job and presented at the
same time as the presorted or
automation mailing. There would be a
new price for residual letters up to 2
ounces, which would be different than
the price for single-piece letters
presented as a stand-alone mailing.
Standard Mail® Letters
New Mailing Standards for Domestic
Mailing Services Products
AGENCY:
Mail or deliver written
comments to the manager, Product
Classification, U.S. Postal Service,® 475
L’Enfant Plaza SW., Room 4446,
Washington, DC, 20260–5015. You may
inspect and photocopy all written
comments at USPS® Headquarters
Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW., 11th
Floor N, Washington DC by
appointment only between the hours of
9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday by calling 1–202–268–2906 in
advance. Email comments, containing
the name and address of the commenter,
may be sent to:
MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a
subject line of ‘‘January 2013 Domestic
Mailing Services Proposal.’’ Faxed
comments are not accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill
Chatfield, 202–268–7278.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed
prices will be available under Docket
Number R2013–1 on the Postal
Regulatory Commission’s Web site at
www.prc.gov.
The Postal Service’s proposed rule
includes several mail classification
changes, modifications to mailpiece
characteristics, and changes in
classification terminology.
ADDRESSES:
We propose to add a new price tier for
high density letters. In addition to the
current high density tier which requires
a minimum of 125 pieces per carrier
route, the new tier (high density plus)
would require a minimum of 300 pieces
per carrier route.
64775
Proposed Changes for Letters and Flats
Preparing Residual Mail From FirstClass Mail and Standard Mail Mailings
We propose to revise DMM 235.0,
245.0, 335.0, 345.0, and 705.8.0 to
provide new standards for the
preparation of pallets, trays, and sacks
of First-Class Mail or Standard Mail
letters and flats.
The Postal Service continuously
reviews the processes and requirements
related to the preparation and entry of
mail from commercial mailers. In this
regard, the Postal Service, working in
collaboration with the commercial
mailing industry, has identified areas
for improved mutual efficiencies from
minor changes to its mail preparation
standards. These specific revisions were
offered by members of the mailing
community, adopted and implemented
as optional standards in the context of
a Postal Bulletin article (22344, August
23, 2012), and incorporated into the
DMM on September 4, 2012. The Postal
Service now presents this proposal to
adopt these current options as
mandatory preparation standards.
These changes would generally
require mailers to place trays or sacks of
residual single-piece First-Class Mail
letters and flats on an origin sectional
center facility (SCF) pallet; and to place
trays or sacks of residual Standard Mail
letters and flats, paid at the single-piece
First-Class Mail prices, on a mixed
network distribution center (NDC)
pallet. The Postal Service also would
require use of new human-readable texts
linked to several existing content
identifier number (CIN) codes that
specifically identify single-piece
mailpieces. This would require new text
on origin SCF pallet placards,
identifying this pallet level as a working
pallet; and barcoded labels for trays of
residual pieces.
No Additional Entry Fees for Periodicals
We propose changing the designation
‘‘additional entry’’ to ‘‘additional
mailing offices’’ and eliminating the fees
for Periodicals publications to be mailed
in multiple locations. Approved
Periodicals would be able to mail at any
Post Office TM with PostalOne!® access.
Standard Mail Flats
Change in Advertising Percentage
Allowed for Periodicals Requester
Publications
We propose to add a new price tier for
high density flats. In addition to the
current high density tier which requires
a minimum of 125 pieces per carrier
route, the new tier (high density plus)
would require a minimum of 300 pieces
per carrier route.
Requester publications will be
permitted to exceed 75% advertising in
no more than 25% of the issues
produced in any 12-month period. This
will allow publishers greater advertising
flexibility during high advertising
volume periods.
Proposed Changes for Flats
PO 00000
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E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 23, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64768-64775]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-25992]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 20
International Mailing Services: Proposed Product and Price
Changes
AGENCY: Postal Service,TM
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In October 2012, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing
services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC),
effective on January 27, 2013. The Postal Service proposes to revise
various sections of Mailing Standards of the United States Postal
Service, International Mail Manual (IMM[supreg]) to reflect new prices
and classification changes.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 23, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to the manager, Product
Classification, U.S. Postal Service[supreg], 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., RM
4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all
written comments at USPS[supreg] Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant
Plaza SW., 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the
hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
[[Page 64769]]
through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments,
containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to:
MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of ``International
Mailing Services Price Change.'' Faxed comments are not accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Klutts at 813-877-0372.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed prices are or will be available
under Docket Number R2013-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's Web
site at www.prc.gov.
This proposed rule includes price and classification changes for
First-Class Mail International[supreg] and extra services. The proposed
rule also reflects price and classification changes that result from
the Postal Regulatory Commission granting the Postal Service's request
in Docket No. MC2012-44 to transfer First-Class Mail International
packages (small packets) and rolls from the market-dominant product
list to the competitive product list.
First-Class Mail International
This proposed rule would increase prices for single-piece First-
Class Mail International letters, postcards, and flats by approximately
14.0 percent. Specifically, postcards would be increased by 8.7
percent, letters would be increased by 12.8 percent, and flats would be
increased by 18.9 percent. First-Class Mail International packages
(small packets) and rolls will be transferred from the market dominant
product list to the competitive product list and no longer available
effective January 27, 2013. The rebranded competitive product will be
identified as--``First-Class Package International Service
TM''.
Global Forever Stamp
Building on the success of the domestic USPS Forever[supreg] stamp
introduced in April, 2007, the Postal Service is proposing to introduce
an international Global Forever stamp. Global Forever stamps can be
used to mail a 1-ounce letter-size mailpiece anywhere in the world,
regardless of when the stamp is purchased and regardless of how prices
may change in the future. The Global Forever stamp will ease the
transition during price changes, and will always be sold at the price
of a single-piece First-Class Mail International 1-ounce machinable
letter and have a postage value equivalent to the price of a single-
piece First-Class Mail International 1-ounce machinable letter in
effect at the time of use (mailing).
For R2013-1, we propose to charge the same price for 1-ounce and 2-
ounce letter-size mailpieces to Canada. Consequently, for this price
change, the Global Forever may also be used to mail a 2-ounce letter-
size mailpiece to Canada.
To help distinguish between the domestic and international forever
stamps, the international version will always be round and will always
bear the words ``Global Forever''. The initial offering of the Global
Forever stamp will feature a picture of a globe. Finally, as with the
domestic Forever stamp, mailers would have the flexibility to use these
stamps as postage for any type of single-piece international or
domestic mailpiece.
International Extra Services
The Postal Service proposes to increase prices for market dominant
extra services by approximately 11.3 percent, for the following:
Certificate of Mailing (4.4%)
Registered Mail TM (10.2%)
Return Receipt (48.9%)
International Business Reply Service (16.7%)
Certificate of Mailing
The Postal Service proposes to add the flexibility for mailers who
pay for postage with a permit imprint, to now pay the fee using the
same permit imprint account. Previously, the only option to pay the fee
was for mailers to apply ordinary stamps, meter imprints, or PC
Postage[supreg] imprints to PS Form 3877, Firm Mailing Book for
Accountable Mail, or Form 3606, Certificate of Bulk Mailing.
Restricted Delivery
Due to low quantity demand by customers, the Postal Service
proposes to discontinue outbound international restricted delivery
service. Currently, restricted delivery is only available on First-
Class Mail International items using Registered Mail service. The
Postal Service will continue to offer inbound international restricted
delivery service.
International Reply Coupons
Due to low quantity demand by customers, the Postal Service
proposes to discontinue the sale of international reply coupons. The
Postal Service will continue to exchange (redeem) international reply
coupons purchased in foreign countries and presented at U.S. Post
Office facilities.
The prices and fees proposed in this notice, if adopted, would
become effective concurrent with any domestic prices adopted as a
result of the current proceedings before the Postal Regulatory
Commission (Docket No. R2013-1). All regulatory changes necessary to
implement this proposal are provided below.
Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)] regarding proposed
rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites public
comment on the following proposed revisions to the Mailing Standards of
the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM),
incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39
CFR Part 20.1.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 20
Foreign relations, International postal services.
Accordingly, 39 CFR Part 20 is proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 20--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 20 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, 407, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-
3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of the Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM) as
follows:
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International
Mail Manual (IMM)
* * * * *
1 International Mail Services
* * * * *
130 Mailability
* * * * *
134 Valuable Articles
134.1 Service Options
The following services can be used to send the articles noted in
134.2:
[Revise item 134.1a to read as follows:]
a. First-Class Mail International service with Registered Mail
service or First-Class Package International service with Registered
Mail service.
* * * * *
135 Mailable Dangerous Goods
135.1 Infectious Substances
* * * * *
135.12 Type of Mail
[Revise 135.12 to read as follows:]
[[Page 64770]]
Category B infectious substances must be sent using Registered Mail
service via:
a. First-Class Mail International service.
b. First-Class Package International Service.
c. Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes.
d. Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes.
Nonregulated materials defined in DMM 601.10.17.3 and exempt human
or animal specimens defined in DMM 601.10.17.2d are mailable by First-
Class Mail International service or First-Class Package International
Service when properly packaged as described in DMM 601.10.17.
* * * * *
135.3 Packaging, Marking, Labeling
135.31 Category B Infectious Substances
[Revise the first sentence in 135.12 to read as follows:]
A material that is classified as a Category B infectious substance
and that meets the definition in DMM 601.10.17.2a2 must be triple-
packaged as described in DMM 601.10.17.4, must meet the packaging
requirements in 49 CFR 173.199, and must be sent only by First-Class
Mail International service, First-Class Package International Service,
or Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate
Priced Boxes using Registered Mail service.* * *
* * * * *
135.5 Radioactive Materials
Shipments containing radioactive materials are acceptable in
international mail subject to the provisions of DMM 601 and of
Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, and under
the following conditions:
[Revise item 135.5a to read as follows:]
a. Shipments may be sent only by First-Class Mail International
service, First-Class Package International Service, or Priority Mail
International Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes with
Registered Mail service.
* * * * *
138 Perishable Matter
138.1 Animals
All live or dead animals are nonmailable, except the following:
* * * * *
[Revise item138.1c(4) to read as follows:]
(4) They are sent by First-Class Mail International service, First-
Class Package International Service, or Priority Mail International
Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes.
* * * * *
140 International Mail Categories
141 Definitions
141.1 General
[Revise 141.1 to read as follows:]
There are five principal categories of international mail that are
primarily differentiated from one another by speed of service. They are
Global Express Guaranteed[supreg] (GXG[supreg]) service, Express Mail
International[supreg] service, Priority Mail International[supreg]
service, First-Class Mail International[supreg] service, and First-
Class Package International Service\TM\.
* * * * *
141.4 Priority Mail International
[Revise the second sentence of 141.4 to read as follows:]
* * * This classification is primarily designed to accommodate
larger and heavier shipments whose size and/or weight exceeds the
limits for First-Class Mail International, or First-Class Package
International Service. * * *
* * * * *
141.5 First-Class Mail International
[Revise 141.5 in its entirety to read as follows (this revision
also deletes the ``Note''):]
First-Class Mail International is a generic term for mailpieces
that are letter-size or flat-size that weigh 4 pounds or less, and that
have a value that is $400 or less. First-Class Mail International items
may contain any letter-size or flat-size mailable matter that is not
prohibited by the destination country. Aerogrammes are no longer
available for purchase. Previously purchased aerogrammes are mailable
at the applicable First-Class Mail International letter-size price. At
the sender's option, extra services, such as Registered Mail and return
receipt, may be added on a country-specific basis.
142 Official Mail
* * * * *
142.4 General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS)
[Add an introduction to 142.4 and revise items a and b to read as
follows:]
The following standards apply when mail is sent as OAS General
Secretariat official mail:
a. Unregistered First-Class Mail International and First-Class
Package International Service items bearing the return address of the
OAS General Secretariat and weighing not more than 4 pounds are
accepted without postage when addressed to the OAS member countries
listed in 142.4c.
b. Items sent other than First-Class Mail International or First-
Class Package International Service with extra services may not be
provided for OAS General Secretariat official mail without the
prepayment of postage or the fee for the extra service requested.
* * * * *
142.5 Pan American Sanitary Bureau Mail
[Revise 142.5 in its entirety to read as follows:]
The following standards apply when mail is sent as OAS General
Secretariat official mail:
a. Unregistered First-Class Mail International and First-Class
Package International Service items bearing the return address of the
Pan American Sanitary Bureau and weighing not more than 4 pounds are
accepted without postage affixed when addressed to an OAS member
country listed in 142.4c or to Cuba.
b. Items with the Pan American Sanitary Bureau return address that
are sent other than First-Class Mail International or First-Class
Package International Service, or that request extra services must
prepay all postage and fees.
150 Postage
* * * * *
152 Payment Methods
* * * * *
152.3 Stamps
152.31 Types of Stamps
[As explained in an upcoming revision article, and to be effective
November 5, 2012 (which is before these revisions on mailing services
will be effective), we will switch the order of sections 152.2 and
152.3 (so that ``Stamps'' will be the title of 152.3) and will revise
the renumbered 152.3. Then, effective January 27, 2013, we will revise
the renumbered 152.31 and revise item d and insert a new item e to read
as follows:]
The following types of stamps may be used to pay for postage and
fees for extra services listed under chapter 3 for all single-piece
international mail transactions:
* * * * *
d. Forever Stamps (domestic): A domestic Forever stamp's value is
linked to the domestic First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter
price that is in effect on the day of use (mailing)
[[Page 64771]]
regardless of when the stamp is purchased and regardless of how prices
may change in the future.
e. Global Forever Stamps: A Global Forever stamp's value is linked
to the First-Class Mail International single-piece 1-ounce machinable
letter price that is in effect on the day of use (mailing). Global
Forever Stamps can be used to mail a 1-ounce machinable letter-size
mailpiece anywhere in the world, regardless of when the stamp is
purchased and regardless of how prices may change in the future. Global
Forever stamps are round and always bear the words ``Global Forever.''
In addition, mailers may use the Global Forever stamp, as postage for
any type of single-piece international or domestic mailpiece. Their
value (regardless of purchase date) is always equal to the First-Class
Mail International single-piece 1-ounce machinable letter price that is
in effect on the day of use (mailing).
[Revise 153.32 to read as follows:]
152.32 Additional Postage for Nondenominated Postage Stamps, Forever
Stamps or Forever Print-on-Demand Indicias
Since international postage prices are always higher than the
comparable domestic postage prices, mailers who affix a single
nondenominated postage stamp or a domestic Forever stamp to their
outbound mailpieces must add additional postage to comply with the
international price schedule.
* * * * *
2 Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
240 First-Class Mail International
241 Description and Physical Characteristics
241.1 General
[Revise 241.1 to read as follows:]
The First-Class Mail International[supreg] classification
encompasses the categories of international mail that before May 14,
2007, were categorized as airmail letter-post and economy letter-post,
postcards, and printed matter.
241.2 Physical Characteristics
* * * * *
241.23 Physical Standards--Large Envelopes (Flats)
* * * * *
241.232 Dimensions and Characteristics
* * * * *
[Revise the ``Note'' to read as follows:]
Note: The length of a large envelope (flat) is always the longest
dimension. The height is the dimension perpendicular to the length. A
First-Class Mail International large envelope (flat) that does not meet
the standards in 241.23 is not eligible for the large envelope (flat)
size price and is charged the applicable First-Class Package
International Service (small packet) price.
* * * * *
241.24 Physical Standards--Packages (Small Packets)
[Delete in its entirety section 241.24 titled ``Physical
Standards--Packages (Small Packets).''.]
* * * * *
242 Eligibility
* * * * *
242.4 Extra Services
* * * * *
[Delete in its entirety section 242.44 titled ``Restricted
Delivery.'']
243 Prices and Postage Payment Methods
243.1 Prices
243.11 Prices and Price Application--General
[Revise 243.11 in its entirety to read as follows:]
First-Class Mail International cards, letters, and large envelopes
(flats) are charged postage for each addressed piece according to its
weight and price group. For prices, see Notice 123, Price List.
* * * * *
243.13 Destinating Countries and Price Groups
[Revise 243.13 to read as follows:]
See the Individual Country Listings to determine the country-
specific price group for First-Class Mail International. For postage
prices, see Notice 123, Price List.
[Delete Exhibit 243.13 in its entirety.]
* * * * *
244 Mail Preparation
* * * * *
[Revise the title to 244.2 to read as follows:]
244.2 Markings
The following markings apply to First-Class Mail International
items:
* * * * *
[Delete current item 244.2 b in its entirety and redesignate
current item c as the new item b, and revise new item b to read as
follows:]
b. First-Class Mail International letters and large envelopes
(flats) that qualify as free matter for the blind or physically
handicapped must bear the marking ``Free Matter for the Blind or
Physically Handicapped'' in the upper-right corner of the address side
of the mailpiece. See 274.2.
244.3 Sealing
[Revise the second sentence of 244.3 to read as follows:]
* * * Mailpieces not sealed by conventional means, such as
moistening the gummed flaps on envelopes, must be closed in such a
manner as to prevent the contents from falling out or being damaged
during postal handling and transport. * * *
244.4 Packaging
[Revise the introductory text of 244.4 to read as follows:]
The following packaging methods may be used for First-Class Mail
International letter-size and flat-size items:
* * * * *
[Delete current item 244.4d in its entirety, and redesignate
current items e and f, as items d and e.]
* * * * *
270 Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons
* * * * *
272 Postage Prices
Postage is free for the following eligible items marked ``Free
Matter for the Blind or Physically Handicapped'':
[Revise item 272a and b and insert new items c and d to read as
follows:]
a. A First-Class Mail International item.
b. The Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes.
c. The Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes.
d. A Priority Mail International parcel weighing up to 15 pounds.
* * * * *
273 Weight and Size Limits
273.1 Weight Limit
[Revise the first paragraph of 273.1 to read as follows:]
For First-Class Mail International or First-Class Package
International Service items, or the Priority Mail International Flat
Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes, the weight limit is 4
pounds.
* * * * *
273.2 Size Limits
[Revise 273.2 in its entirety to read as follows:]
[[Page 64772]]
For First-Class Mail International items, see 241.2.
For First-Class Package International Service items, see 251.2.
For Priority Mail International parcels, see 231.2.
274 Mail Preparation
* * * * *
274.2 Marking
[Revise 274.2 in its entirety to read as follows:]
In addition to the markings required in 244.2 for First-Class Mail
International items, in 254.2 for First-Class Package International
Service items and in 234.2 for Priority Mail International parcels,
free matter must be marked ``Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped''
in the upper right-hand corner of the address side of the mailpiece.
* * * * *
275 Extra Services
* * * Only the following extra services are authorized:
[Revise item 275a to read as follows:]
* * * * *
a. Registered Mail service for First-Class Mail International
items, First-Class Package International Service items, and Priority
Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes.
* * * * *
3 Extra Services
310 Certificate of Mailing
311 Individual Pieces
* * * * *
311.2 Availability
311.21 At Time of Purchase
A customer may purchase a certificate of mailing (individual
pieces) when sending the following:
* * * * *
[Insert new item 311.21c and redesignate current items c through f
as items d through g.]
c. Unregistered for First-Class Package International Service
items.
* * * * *
311.3 Fees
* * * * *
311.32 Three or More Individual Pieces
[Revise 311.32 to read as follows:]
When mailing three or more pieces, the mailer may optionally use PS
Form 3877. In addition to the correct postage, the mailer must pay the
certificate of mailing fee for each article on PS Form 3877 by affixing
ordinary (uncanceled) stamps, meter imprints, or PC Postage imprints to
the PS Form 3877. Mailers paying for the postage with a permit imprint
may also pay the fee at the time of mailing using the same permit
imprint account. For a separate fee, the mailer may request a duplicate
copy of PS Form 3877 after mailing (see 311.22). See Notice 123, Price
List.
* * * * *
312 Bulk Quantities--Certificate of Mailing
* * * * *
312.2 Availability
312.21 At Time of Entry
A customer may purchase a certificate of bulk mailing when sending
the following identical-weight items:
* * * * *
[Insert new item 312.21c and redesignate current items c through f
as d through g.]
c. Unregistered for First-Class Package International Service
items.
* * * * *
312.3 Fees
[Revise 312.3 to read as follows:]
In addition to the correct postage, the applicable certificate of
bulk mailing fee must be paid for mailings of identical-weight pieces
reported on PS Form 3606. The mailer may pay the fee by ordinary
(uncanceled) stamps, meter imprints, or PC Postage imprints by affixing
them to the form. Mailers paying for the postage with a permit imprint
also may pay the fee, at the time of mailing, with the same permit
imprint account. For a separate fee, the mailer may request a duplicate
copy of PS Form 3606 after mailing (see 312.22). See Notice 123, Price
List, for all applicable fees.
* * * * *
330 Registered Mail
* * * * *
332 Availability
* * * Registered Mail service is available for the following types
of mail:
* * * * *
[Add new item d to read as follows:]
d. First-Class Package International Service items, including free
matter for the blind items.
* * * * *
334 Processing Requests
334.1 Mailing Receipt and Registration Number
* * * * *
334.13 Accepting Clerk's Responsibility
The accepting clerk must:
* * * * *
[Revise item 334.13d. to read as follows:]
d. Enter the registration fee and postage plus the return receipt
fee, if applicable, on the receipt.
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 334.5 to read as follows:]
334.5 Return Receipt
Return receipts can be purchased for Registered Mail items to most
countries. (See 340 and 350 and Individual Country Listings.)
* * * * *
350 Restricted Delivery
[Revise 350 in its entirety to read as follows (this replaces all
the current text from 351 through 354.2):]
Restricted delivery service is no longer available and was
discontinued effective January 27, 2013. It was limited to First-Class
Mail International items, the Priority Mail International Flat Rate
Envelopes and the Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes when used in conjunction
with Registered Mail service.
[Delete 351 through 354.2 in their entirety.]
* * * * *
380 Supplemental Services
381 International Reply Coupons
[Revise 381 in its entirety to read as follows:]
381.1 Description
As of January 27, 2013, the U.S. Postal Service no longer sells
international reply coupons. However, coupons previously sold by the
U.S. Postal Service can still be used or exchanged (see 381.2). The
following standards apply to international reply coupons:
a. The sender of a letter may prepay a reply by purchasing reply
coupons that are sold and exchangeable for postage stamps by
participating postal administrations in member countries of the
Universal Postal Union.
b. International reply coupons (in French, Coupons-Reponse
Internationaux) are printed in blue ink on paper that has the letters
``UPU'' in large characters in the watermark. The front of each coupon
is printed in French. The reverse side of the coupon shows the text
relating to its use in German, English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and/
or Russian.
[[Page 64773]]
381.2 Previously Sold Coupons and Exchange Value
The following standards apply to the exchange of international
reply coupons:
a. International reply coupons sold by the United States Postal
Service prior to January 27, 2013, are exchangeable in any other member
country for a stamp or stamps representing the minimum postage on an
unregistered air letter. Unused U.S. coupons (that is, those with the
U.S. selling price stamped on them that are not ultimately redeemed by
recipients in other countries) may be exchanged only by the original
purchaser for United States postage stamps at a discount of 1 cent
below the purchase price.
b. With the exceptions noted in 381.3d, international reply coupons
purchased in foreign countries are exchangeable at U.S. Post Office
facilities toward the purchase of postage stamps and embossed stamped
envelopes at the current maximum First-Class Mail International 1-
ounce, letter-size price, per coupon, irrespective of the country where
they were purchased. See Notice 123, Price List.
381.3 Processing Requests
The following standards apply when processing international reply
coupons:
a. Under Universal Postal Union's regulations, participating member
countries are not required to place a control stamp or postmark on the
international reply coupons that they sell. Therefore some foreign
issue reply coupons that are tendered for redemption may bear the name
of the issuing country (generally in French) rather than the optional
control stamp or postmark. Such coupons are exchangeable for U.S.
postage as specified in 381.2b.
b. A Post Office facility redeeming an unused U.S. coupon must
postmark it in the unpostmarked circle. A Post Office facility
exchanging a foreign reply coupon must postmark it. Post Office
facilities must not accept foreign coupons that already bear a United
States Postal Service postmark.
c. The only valid version of the international reply coupons
printed by the Universal Postal Union is Item Number 330800, which is
approximately 3.75 inches by 6 inches, has a barcode on the reverse
side, and has an expiration date of December 31, 2013. This policy is
for international reply coupons issued by the United States before
January 27, 2013 as well as for those issued by foreign postal
administrations.
d. Reply coupons formerly issued by the Postal Union of the
Americas and Spain are no longer valid. These coupons are printed in
green ink and bear the caption Cupon Respuesta America-Espanol.
Customers possessing any of these coupons should return them to their
correspondents in the country of issue for redemption through the
selling post office.
e. Postmasters must process exchanged foreign and redeemed U.S.
international reply coupons as prescribed in 11-6.6, ``International
Reply Coupons'' in Handbook F-101, Field Accounting Procedures.
* * * * *
4 Treatment of Outbound Mail
* * * * *
420 Unpaid and Shortpaid Mail
* * * * *
423 Shortpaid Mail
* * * * *
423.2 Disposition
* * * * *
423.24
[Revise the title of 423.24 to read as follows:]
423.24 First-Class Mail International Items (including Postcards),
First-Class Mail Package International Service, Airmail M-Bags,
Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes, and Priority Mail
International Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes
423.241 Items Paid With a Permit Imprint or USPS-Produced PVI Label
[Revise the text of 423.241 to read as follows:]
Regardless of the amount of deficiency, consider as paid in full
each shortpaid First-Class Mail International item (including a
postcard), First-Class Package International Service, Airmail M-bag,
Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope, and Priority Mail
International Small Flat Rate Priced Box that is paid with a permit
imprint or USPS-produced postage validation imprinter (PVI) label, and
dispatch it to the appropriate International Service Center (ISC).
423.242 Items Paid With Any Other Postage Payment Method
[Revise the text of the introduction of 423.242 to read as
follows:]
The disposition of a shortpaid First-Class Mail International item
(including a postcard), First-Class Package International Service,
Airmail M-bag, Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope, and
Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Priced Box that is paid
with a postage payment method other than a permit imprint or USPS-
produced PVI label is based on the amount of the deficiency, as
follows:
* * * * *
7 Treatment of Inbound Mail
* * * * *
770 Undeliverable Mail
771 Mail of Domestic Origin
* * * * *
[Revise 771.5 in its entirety to read as follows:]
771.5 Return Charges for Letter-Post Items
771.51 General
Except as noted in 771.52, any undeliverable-as-addressed mail item
listed below that a foreign postal administration returns to the U.S.
sender is not subject to the payment of return charges. This provision
applies to postal items that were originally entered at the following
rates of postage:
a. Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope.
b. Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Priced Box.
c. First-Class Mail International (including postcards).
d. First-Class Package International Service.
e. Airmail M-bag.
f. International Priority Airmail (IPA), including M-bags.
g. International Surface Air Lift (ISAL), including M-bags.
771.52 Exceptions
Delivery Post Office facilities should collect return charges from
the U.S. sender under the following circumstances:
a. If a returned letter-post item listed in 771.51 bears a short-
paid endorsement that was originally applied by the Postal Service
dispatching exchange office, the delivery office should collect the
amount of the postage deficiency that would otherwise have been
collected from the foreign addressee.
b. If a returned letter-post item listed in 771.51 bears a
collection instruction that was applied by an International Service
Center (ISC), international exchange office, or mail recovery center,
the delivery office should collect the ``due amount'' that is specified
on the mailpiece.
* * * * *
[[Page 64774]]
780 Items Mailed Abroad by or on Behalf of Senders in the United States
781 Payment Required
* * * * *
781.2 Handling Charges
[Revise 781.2 to read as follows:]
Undeliverable-as-addressed mail returned to the sender for which
outbound postage was not paid to the U.S. Postal Service is subject to
the payment of handling charges. On delivery to the sender, the sender
may be charged the applicable First-Class Mail International or First-
Class Package International Service price for the weight and shape of
the returned piece.
* * * * *
9 Inquiries, Indemnities, and Refunds
* * * * *
920 Inquiries and Claims
921 Inquiries
* * * * *
921.2 Initiating an Inquiry
* * * * *
Exhibit 921.2 Time Limits for Inquiries
[Revise the ``Note'' in Exhibit 921.2 to read as follows:]
Note: Inquires are not accepted for First-Class Mail International
items, First-Class Package International Service items, Priority Mail
International Flat Rate Envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes, or
M-bags.
* * * * *
940 Postage Refunds
[Revise the title of 941 to read as follows:]
941 Postage Refunds for First-Class Mail International, First-Class
Package International Service, and Priority Mail International
941.1 General
[Revise 941.1 to read as follows:]
A refund may be made when postage, extra service fees, or other
charges have been paid on the following First-Class Mail International,
First-Class Package International Service, or Priority Mail
International items:
a. Items for which full service was not rendered.
b. Items that were paid in excess of the proper price.
* * * * *
Country Price Groups and Weight Limits
[Revise the text to read as follows:]
Listed below are the countries and their price groups and weight
limits for the five principal categories of international mail.
Complete tables of prices and weights appear in the Individual Country
Listings (ICLs).
* * * * *
[Revise footnote 2 to read as follows:]
2. First-Class Mail International maximum weights: Letters, 3.5
ozs.; Large Envelopes (flats), 4 lbs. Note that the heading in the
maximum weight column lists both ounces and pounds (``ozs./lbs.'') and
that there are two numbers in the entry for each country (``3.5/4'')--
this indicates that the maximum weight for Letters is 3.5 ozs., and
that the maximum weight for Large Envelopes (flats) is 4 lbs. For
First-Class Package International Service, maximum weight is 4 lbs.
* * * * *
[Revise footnote 5 to read as follows:]
5. Korea, Democratic People's Republic of (North Korea): First-
Class Package International Service is not available. In addition,
Priority Mail International parcel services are not available,
including the Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes. Priority Mail International
Flat Rate Envelopes (maximum weight: 4 lbs.) may be used. Regardless of
mail class, dutiable items and merchandise are prohibited.
* * * * *
[In the table, revise the heading for ``First-Class Mail
International'' to read as ``First-Class Mail International and First-
Class Package International Service'']
* * * * *
Individual Country Listings
* * * * *
First-Class Mail International (240)
* * * * *
[For each country that offers First-Class Mail International
service, revise the introductory text to read as follows, however,
retain the country's current Price Group designation.]:
For the prices and maximum weights for letters, large envelopes
(flats) and postcards, see Notice 123, Price List.
Size Limits
[For each country that offers First-Class Mail International
service, revise the text to read as follows:]
Letters: See 241.212
Postcards: See 241.221
Large Envelopes (Flats): See 241.232
* * * * *
Matter for the Blind (270)
[For each country that offers Matter for the Blind, revise the
first paragraph to read as follows:]
Free when sent as First-Class Mail International or First-Class
Package International Service, or in Priority Mail International Flat
Rate Envelopes or the Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes. Weight limit: 4
pounds.
Extra Services
Certificate of Mailing (313)
[For each country that offers certificate of mailing service,
revise the fees to read as follows:]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individual Pieces Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individual article (PS Form 3817)................... $1.20
Firm mailing books (PS Form 3877), per article 0.44
listed (minimum 3).................................
Duplicate copy of PS Form 3817 or PS Form 3877 (per 1.20
page)..............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulk Quantities Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
First 1,000 pieces (or fraction thereof)............ $7.05
Each additional 1,000 pieces (or fraction thereof).. 0.85
Duplicate copy of PS Form 3606...................... 1.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 64775]]
* * * * *
International Business Reply Service (382)
[For each country that offers International Business Reply service,
revise the fees to read as follows:]
Fee: Envelopes up to 2 ounces $1.75; Cards $1.25
* * * * *
International Reply Coupons (381)
[For each country revise the text to read as follows:]
Discontinued January 27, 2013
* * * * *
Registered Mail (330)
[For each country that offers international Registered Mail
service, revise the fee to read as follows:]
Fee: $12.95
* * * * *
Restricted Delivery (350)
[For each country revise the text to read as follows:]
Discontinued January 27, 2013
Return Receipt (340)
[For each country that offers international return receipt service,
revise the fee to read as follows:]
Fee: $3.50
* * * * *
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR Part 20 to
reflect these changes if our proposal is adopted.
Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2012-25992 Filed 10-22-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P