224 Mail Preparation

224.1 Preparation by Sender

1. Complete the “From” and “To” portions of Label 11–B, Express Mail Post Office to Addressee, or online label for each piece of mail and affix the completed label to each piece.
2. Prepare and affix the appropriate customs form to the piece of mail. See the Individual Country Listings for countries that offer Express Mail International for required customs declarations.

224.2 Preparation by Acceptance Employee

1. Check the address label to ensure that the sender has completed the “From” and “To” portions.
2. Verify that the customer has properly completed the appropriate customs declaration form, if required.
3. Enter the originating facility ZIP Code; date and time received; weight; merchandise insurance fee, if applicable (see 221.41 and 221.42); total postage; and initial. Ensure that the correct amount of postage is affixed to the mailpiece.
4. Give the Customer Receipt copy to the mailer and retain the Finance Copy. Peel off the backing of the remaining portion and affix it to the item. For online shipments, customer receipts are not necessary; for non–IRT and POS offices, record the required finance information on the special form provided for this purpose.
5. After acceptance, place each item in the appropriate working pouch and forward it to the international exchange office authorized to dispatch Express Mail International to that destination. (See Handbook T–5, International Mail Operations.)

224.3 Customs Forms Required

See the Individual Country Listings for countries that offer Express Mail International. Mailers are responsible for determining customs requirements and complying with them. Before mailing merchandise, mailers should confirm whether an import license is required for that class of goods.