Postal Explorer > International Mail Manual - Issue 32 > 2 Conditions for Mailing > 270 Matter for the Blind

270 Matter for the Blind

271 Description

Matter for the blind in international mail is limited to:

a. Books, periodicals, and other matter (including unsealed letters) impressed in Braille or other special type for the use of the blind.

b. Plates for embossing literature for the blind.

c. Discs, tapes, or wires bearing voice recordings and special paper intended solely for the use of the blind, provided they are sent by or addressed to an officially recognized institution for the blind.

d. Sound recordings or tapes that are mailed by a blind person.

e. Those items listed in DMM 703.

272 Postage Rates

a. Surface: Free.

b. Air: No separate airmail rates are provided for matter for the blind. If airmail service is desired, use airmail letter-post, air parcel post, or other category that meets service request. These items are subject to the weight, size, and preparation requirements of the category of mail selected.

273 Weight and Size Limits

273.1 Weight Limit

The weight limit is 15 pounds.

273.2 Size Limits

273.21 Envelopes and Packages

a. Minimum length and height: 5-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches.

b. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inch.

c. Maximum length: 24 inches.

d. Maximum length, height, depth (thickness) combined: 36 inches.

273.22 Rolls

a. Minimum length: 4 inches.

b. Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6-3/4 inches.

c. Maximum length: 36 inches.

d. Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42 inches.

274 Preparation Requirements

274.1 Addressing

See 122.

274.2 Marking

274.21 Matter for the Blind Sent as Surface Mail

For surface mail accepted as matter for the blind, the word "FREE" must be placed in the upper-right corner, immediately above the words "MATTER FOR THE BLIND."

274.22 Name of Officially Recognized Institution

The officially recognized institution for the blind must appear in the address or the return address for the following items:

a. Disks, tapes, or wires bearing voice recordings.

b. Special paper intended solely for the use of the blind.

274.3 Sealing

Matter for the blind must not be sealed, even if registered.

274.4 Packaging

274.41 Subject to Postal Inspection

Matter for the blind is subject to postal inspection (see ASM 274), and must be prepared in such a way that the contents are protected but inspection of the contents is not hindered.

274.42 Types of Containers

The items must be placed in wrappers, in rolls, between cardboard, or in bags, boxes, unsealed envelopes, or containers. Dangerous fasteners may not be used. The articles may also be tied with string or twine in a manner that will permit them to be easily untied.