230 Priority Mail International

231 Description and Physical Characteristics

231.1 General

Priority Mail International service is considered a parcel stream for mail exchange purposes, with the exception of the flat-rate envelope and the small flat-rate box.

231.2 Physical Characteristics

231.21 Weight Limits

231.211 Priority Mail International Flat-Rate Envelope and Small Flat-Rate Box

The maximum weight for items mailed using the flat-rate envelope and small flat-rate box is 4 pounds.

231.212 Priority Mail International Regular/Medium and Large Flat-Rate Boxes

The weight limit for items mailed using the regular/medium and large flat-rate boxes is 20 pounds.

231.213 Priority Mail International Ordinary Parcels

Weight limits for Priority Mail International service vary by country and are noted in the Individual Country Listings. However, the maximum weight limit for any Priority Mail International shipment is 70 pounds.

231.22 Dimensions — Priority Mail International Parcels

The minimum and maximum dimensions for Priority Mail International parcels are as follows:

1. For all parcels, the minimum length and width is 5-1/2 inches by
   3-1/2 inches.
2. The maximum size dimensions for Priority Mail International parcels vary by country and are noted in the Individual Country Listings. See 231.23 for determining length or length and girth combined for rectangular and nonrectangular parcels.

231.23 Measuring Parcel Dimensions

For all parcels, length is the longest side of the parcel, and girth is the measurement around the thickest part that is perpendicular to the length. The following examples can assist mailers in determining length or length and girth combined for rectangular and nonrectangular parcels. See Exhibit 231.23.

Exhibit 231.23 

Measuring Parcel Dimensions