DMM Advisory | Postal Explorer

Postal Explorer

The Postal Service is reminding customers that metallic mercury and devices containing metallic mercury are always prohibited in the mail stream. This includes antique items such as thermometers, barometers, blood pressure monitors and similar devices.

Pricing & Classification DMM Advisory

Message board to keep postal customers informed of changes to mailing standards, services, and prices.

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May 11, 2022

International Service Suspension Notice – effective May 13, 2022

The Postal Service™ will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective May 13, 2022, the Postal Service will suspend international mail acceptance to

China until further notice due to unavailable transportation.

Customers are asked to refrain from mailing the following services to China until further notice:

First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) – effective 5/13/22
International Priority Airmail (IPA) Packets – effective 5/13/22
International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) Packets – effective 5/13/22
Priority Mail International (PMI) – previously suspended 4/29/22

Unless otherwise noted, service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

For already deposited items (PMI entered prior to 4/29/22 and FCPIS, IPA Packets and ISAL Packets entered prior to 5/13/22), the Postal Service will transport to destination and delays are to be expected.For deposited items (PMI entered on or after 4/29/22 and FCPIS, CeP, IPA Packets and ISAL Packets entered on or after 5/13/22), the Postal Service will endorse the items as “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender” and place them in the mail stream for return to sender.

Due to COVID-19, international shipping has been suspended to many countries.According to DMM 604.9.2.3, customers are entitled to a full refund of their postage costs when service to the country of destination is suspended.

The detailed procedures to obtain refunds for Retail Postage, eVS, PC Postage, and BMEU entered mail can be found through the following link: https://postalpro.usps.com/international-refunds

The Postal Service is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update customers until the situation returns to normal. Please visit our International Service Alerts page for the most up to date information: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/?utm_source=residential&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=res_to_intl