Postal Explorer > International Mail Manual - Issue 32 > 3 Special Services > 360 Recorded Delivery

360 Recorded Delivery

361 Description

Recorded delivery is the international service equivalent of domestic certified mail. It provides the mailer with a numbered mailing receipt and affords the opportunity to obtain confirmation of delivery through the purchase of a separate return receipt for an additional fee (see 342). The originating Post Office facility does not maintain a mailing record for recorded delivery service items. However the destination post office is required to retain a record of delivery for each recorded delivery service item that is tendered to an addressee.

362 Availability

Recorded delivery service is available when mailing letter-post items postcards and postal cards aerogrammes matter for the blind and M-bags to the destination countries listed in Exhibit 362.

Exhibit 362

Destination Countries Accepting Recorded Delivery

363 Recorded Delivery Fee

The recorded delivery fee is $2.40 and is in addition to postage and other special service fees if applicable.

364 Processing Requests

364.1 General Use

PS Form 8099 Receipt for Recorded Delivery is used for recorded delivery. Only labels printed by the Postal Service may be used on recorded delivery mail.

364.2 Marking

364.21 Sender's Responsibility

The sender must prepare PS Form 8099 Receipt for Recorded Delivery and place it on the address side above the address and to the right of the return address; or for cards above the address in such a way as not to affect address legibility and postage. Add the endorsement "A REMETTRE EN MAIN PROPRE" (or the equivalent in a language known in the country of destination) in bold letters when the mailpiece is to be delivered to the addressee in person (restricted delivery). Request a return receipt at the time of mailing if one is desired. Complete PS Form 2865 at the time of mailing to request a return receipt or to request restricted delivery.

364.22 Accepting Clerk's Responsibility

Verify that the PS Form 8099 has been properly completed and that the correct fee and amount of postage have been affixed; postmark the receipt and return it to the mailer.

364.3 Where to Mail

Customers may mail recorded delivery items at a Post Office facility station or branch. They may also deposit the item in street letterboxes if a Post Office receipt is not desired.

364.4 Return Receipt and Restricted Delivery

Return receipts and restricted delivery service may be purchased for recorded delivery items to all countries with which restricted delivery service is available. (See 350 for restricted delivery service.) If a return receipt is requested the sender's complete return address must be placed on the mailpiece.