Federal Register Notices
Below is a current list of the Federal Register notices filed by the Mailing Standards Department of the United States Postal Service. To search all USPS Federal Register notices please see: GPO Federal Register Collection.
View Previous Federal Register Notices:
Published in the Federal Register December 19, 2019.
USPS Returns Service
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) section 505.3.0, and various other sections, to eliminate the traditional Merchandise Return Service (MRS) portion of merchandise returns and to enhance USPS Returns® service.
DATES: Effective Date: January 26, 2020
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Key at (202) 268-7492, Vicki Bosch at (202) 268-4978, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on July 23, 2018 (83 FR 34807-34811) to amend DMM section 505.3.0, Merchandise Return Service (MRS), to eliminate traditional MRS processes and introduce an enhanced USPS Returns service.
The Postal Service received one formal response to the proposed rule relating only to terminology used to describe users of the Enterprise Payment System (EPS).
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register December 3, 2019.
International Country Listing for South Sudan
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to incorporate minor changes.
DATES: Effective date: January 26, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Lassiter at 202-268-2914.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Modifications to the country price list for international mail that appears in Part D of the Mail Classification Schedule have been posted under Docket Number MC2020-27 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's website at http://www.prc.gov.
On May 6, 2019, the designated operator for the Republic of South Sudan sent International Bureau Circular number 76 to remind designated operators to send dispatches addressed to South Sudan using ISO country code “SS”. The Postal Service will add South Sudan to the following sections of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM): section 292.45a; the Index of Countries and Localities; the Country Price Groups and Weight Limits; and the Individual Country Listings.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register October 29, 2019.
Mailing Cremated Remains
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, Publication 52, in various sections to require markings on mailpieces containing cremated remains, to eliminate the use of USPS-produced Priority Mail Express® labels for domestic shipments, and to limit the use of additional mailing services.
DATES: Date of publication in the Postal Bulletin: November 7, 2019.
For Further Information Contact: Karen F. Key at (202) 268-7492 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service published a notice of prospective revision of standards; invitation to comment on September 17, 2019, (84 FR 48959-48960) to:
1. Require the use of Label 139, Cremated Remains, on all domestic or international mailpieces containing cremated remains.
2. Eliminate the use of Labels 11-B, 11-F, and 11-HFPU, for domestic shipments containing cremated remains.
3. Limit the additional mailing services for mailpieces containing cremated remains to insurance and return receipt.
The Postal Service did not receive any comments to this notice of prospective revision of standards.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register October 22, 2019.
International Competitive Services Product and Price Changes
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to reflect the prices, product features, and classification changes to Competitive Services and other minor changes, as established by the Governors of the Postal Service.
DATES: Effective date: January 26, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Lassiter at 202-268-2914.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
New prices will be posted under Docket Number CP2020-5 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's website at http://www.prc.gov.
Over the course of time, country names have changed due to a variety of political or cultural reasons. By notice filed on October 9, 2019, in PRC Docket No. MC2020-7, and in collaboration with International Postal Affairs and requests made through the Universal Postal Union, the Postal Service is updating country names throughout mailing standards, changing Republic of Macedonia to Republic of North Macedonia.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register October 22, 2019.
International Mailing Services: Proposed Product and Price Changes - CPI
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed Rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to reflect changes coincident with recently announced mailing services price adjustment.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 21, 2019.
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 through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, to: ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “January 2020 International Mailing Services Price Change – CPI.” Faxed comments are not accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Lassiter at 202-268-2914.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
International Price and Service Adjustments
On October 9, 2019, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective on January 26, 2020. The Postal Service proposes to revise Notice 123, Price List, available on Postal Explorer® at https://pe.usps.com, to reflect these new price changes. The new prices are or will be available under Docket Number R2020-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s website at www.prc.gov.
Over the course of time, country names have changed due to a variety of political or cultural reasons. By notice filed on October 9, 2019, in PRC Docket No. MC2020-7, and in collaboration with International Postal Affairs and requests made through the Universal Postal Union, the Postal Service proposed to update country names throughout mailing standards, changing Republic of Macedonia to Republic of North Macedonia and using the short name North Macedonia. This proposed rule seeks public comment on proposed updates to the IMM that are designed to implement this name change.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register October 17, 2019.
Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMâ), to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for competitive products.
DATES: Effective Date: January 26, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Foti at (202) 268-2931 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This final rule describes new prices and product features for competitive products, by class of mail, established by the Governors of the United States Postal Serviceâ. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2020-5 on the Postal Regulatory Commission PRC Web site at http://www.prc.gov, and on the Postal Explorer® Web site at http://pe.usps.com.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register October 17, 2019.
New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY:
On October 9, 2019, the Postal Service (USPS®) filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective January 26, 2020. 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.
DATES: Submit comments on or before November 18, 2019.
ADDRESSES: 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. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “January 2020 Domestic Mailing Services Proposal.” Faxed comments are not accepted.
Confidentiality
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, by calling 202-268-2906.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacqueline Erwin at (202) 268-2158, or Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Proposed prices will be available under Docket No. R2020-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's Web site at www.prc.gov. The Postal Service's proposed rule includes: Changes to prices, mail classification updates, product simplification efforts, and a few minor revisions to the DMM.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register October 1, 2019.
Stamped Mail
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) in various sections to revise the previously adopted provision for stamped mail weighing more than 13 ounces and extend that provision to physical characteristics.
DATES: Effective Date: October 1, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: L’Tisha Slagle at (202) 268-6271, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service published a final rule on October 9, 2009, (74 FR 52147-52148) announcing restrictions on the mailing of pieces weighing over 13 ounces bearing only postage stamps as the postage payment method.
To enhance the safety and security of Postal Service employees and customers, the Postal Service is now updating the Aviation Security Program, also known as the Anonymous Mail Program, to restrict the method of deposit for all mailpieces bearing stamps as the only postage payment method that weigh more than 10 ounces or that measure more than one half inch in thickness. Under the revised standards set forth below, domestic and international mailpieces that weigh more than 10 ounces or measure more than one half inch in thickness and bear only postage stamps as the postage payment method, may not be deposited into collection receptacles, including street, lobby, and apartment boxes, or other unattended locations. These stamped mailpieces also may not be picked up by a city, rural, or highway contract letter carrier for delivery, or through Pickup on Demand® service. Instead, mailpieces that bear only stamps as the postage payment method and that weigh more than 10 ounces or measure more than one half inch in thickness, must be presented by the sender at a Post Office® location.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register September 17, 2019.
Mailing Cremated Remains
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Notice of prospective revision of standards; invitation to comment.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, Publication 52, in various sections to require markings on mailpieces containing cremated remains, to eliminate the use of USPS-produced Priority Mail Express® labels for domestic shipments, and to limit the use of additional mailing services.
DATES: Submit comments on or before October 17, 2018.
ADDRESSES: 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. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Mailing Cremated Remains.” Faxed comments are not accepted.
Confidentiality
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.
For Further Information Contact: Karen F. Key at (202) 268-7492 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Publication 52 in various sections to:
1. Require the use of Label 139, Cremated Remains, on all domestic or international mailpieces containing cremated remains.
2. Eliminate the use of Labels 11-B, 11-F, and 11-HFPU, for domestic shipments containing cremated remains.
3. Limit the additional mailing services for mailpieces containing cremated remains to insurance and return receipt.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register May 28, 2019.
International Mail Manual; Incorporation by Reference
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service announces the issuance of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) dated March 4, 2019, and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.
DATES: This final rule is effective on May 28, 2019. The incorporation by reference of the IMM is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 28, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Nagla, (202) 268-7279.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The International Mail Manual was issued on March 4, 2019, and was updated with Postal Bulletin revisions through February 14, 2019. It replaced all previous editions. The IMM continues to enable the Postal Service to fulfill its long-standing mission of providing affordable, universal mail service. It continues to: (1) increase the user’s ability to find information; (2) increase the user’s confidence that they have found the information they need; and (3) reduce the need to consult multiple sources to locate necessary information. The provisions throughout this issue support the standards and mail preparation changes implemented since the version of March 4. 2018. The International Mail Manual is available to the public on the Postal Explorer® Internet site at http://pe.usps.com.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register May 28, 2019.
Domestic Mail Manual; Incorporation by Reference
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service announces the issuance of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) dated March 4, 2019, and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.
DATES: This final rule is effective on May 28, 2019. The incorporation by reference of the DMM dated March 4, 2019, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 28, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Nagla (202) 268-7279.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The most recent issue of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) is dated March 4, 2019. This issue of the DMM contains all Postal Service domestic mailing standards, and continues to: (1) increase the user’s ability to find information; (2) increase confidence that users have found all the information they need; and (3) reduce the need to consult multiple chapters of the Manual to locate necessary information. The issue dated March 4, 2019, sets forth specific changes, including new standards throughout the DMM to support the standards and mail preparation changes implemented since the version issued on March 5, 2018.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register May 14, 2019.
New Electronic Signature Option
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final Rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to include a more flexible option for package addressees to provide an electronic signature indicating delivery of a package.
DATES: Effective Date: June 23, 2019
For Further Information Contact: Karen F. Key at (202) 268-7492,
Tiffany S. Jesse at (202) 268-7303, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on March 15, 2019, (84 FR 9470-9471) to amend the DMM in various sections to offer a more flexible option for package addressees (or their representatives) to provide an electronic signature indicating delivery of a package, when the sender chooses the following signature services: Priority Mail Express®, Signature Confirmation™ service, and Insurance for more than $500. Generally, current practice is for the recipient of the package to sign at the time of delivery.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register May 2, 2019.
Forms of Identification
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) for clarity and consistency in the standards regarding forms of identification.
DATES: Effective Date: June 23, 2019
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Key at (202) 268-7492, Catherine Knox at (202) 268-5636, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on March 1, 2019, (84 FR 7005-7010) to amend the DMM in various sections for clarity and consistency in the standards regarding forms of identification.
The Postal Service received 4 formal responses to the proposed rule. Two responses were in agreement with the revisions to provide clarity and consistency regarding forms of identification.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register March 18, 2019.
New Mailing Standards for Mailpieces Containing Liquids
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), section 601.3.4 to clarify and supplement the mailing standards for mailpieces containing liquids.
DATES: Effective Date: March 28, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Collins at (202) 268-5551 or Wm. Kevin Gunther at (202) 268-7208.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on July 9, 2018, (83 FR 31712-31713) requesting public feedback on potential changes to DMM 601.3.4. The original proposed rule provided for a 30-day comment period. At the request of the mailing industry, the comment period was subsequently extended to September 30, 2018. During the comment period, the Postal Service received twenty formal comments, and engaged in a number of discussions with mailers and with various members of the mailing and hazardous materials transportation industries.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register March 15, 2019.
New Electronic Signature Option
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed Rule.
SUMMARY: The Postal Service is proposing to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to include a more flexible option for package addressees to provide an electronic signature indicating delivery of a package.
DATES: Submit comments on or before April 15, 2019.
ADDRESSES: 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. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “New Electronic Signature Option”. Faxed comments are not accepted.
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.
For Further Information Contact: Karen F. Key at (202) 268-7492,
Tiffany S. Jesse at (202) 268-7303, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend the DMM in various sections to offer a more flexible option for package addressees (or their representatives) to provide an electronic signature indicating delivery of a package, when the sender chooses the following signature services: Priority Mail Express®, Signature Confirmation™ service, and Insurance for more than $500. Generally, current practice is for the recipient of the package to sign at the time of delivery.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register March 1, 2019.
Forms of Identification
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed Rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) for clarity and consistency in the standards regarding forms of identification.
DATES: Submit comments on or before April 1, 2019.
ADDRESSES: 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. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Forms of Identification”. Faxed comments are not accepted. All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.
For Further Information Contact: Karen Key at (202) 268-7492, Catherine Knox at (202) 268-5636, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend the DMM in various sections for clarity and consistency in the standards regarding forms of identification.
The Postal Service is proposing to add a new section 608.10.0, Forms of Identification. This new section will act as the primary source for consistent standards on forms of acceptable and unacceptable identification. DMM section 608.10.0 will include subsections that: (1) provide a table of the products and services that require forms of acceptable identification and the number of forms (primary and secondary) required, (2) provide a description of “primary” forms of acceptable identification and include a table of which “primary” forms are acceptable for each product and service, (3) provide a description of “secondary” forms of acceptable identification, and (4) provide examples of forms of unacceptable identification.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register February 11, 2019.
International Mailing Services: Mailing Services Product and Price Changes - CPI
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
On October 17, 2018, the Postal Service published proposed product and price changes to reflect a notice of price adjustments filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The PRC found that price adjustments contained in the Postal Service’s notice could go into effect on January 27, 2019. The Postal Service has revised Notice 123, Price List to reflect the new prices and Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) to reflect the product changes.
DATES: Effective February 11, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paula Rabkin at 202-268-2537.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Proposed Rule and Response
On October 10, 2018, the Postal Service filed a notice with the PRC in Docket No. R2019-1 of mailing services price adjustments, effective on January 27, 2019. On October 27, 2018, the USPS® published a notice of proposed product and price changes in the Federal Register entitled “International Mailing Services: Proposed Product and Price Changes--CPI” (83 FR 52351). The notice included price changes that the Postal Service would adopt for products and services covered by Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) and publish in Notice 123, Price List, on Postal Explorer® at https://pe.usps.com. The Postal Service received no comments.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT