Priority Mail International packages are subject to the addressing requirements contained in 122. In addition, mailers should include the name and address of the sender and addressee on a separate slip enclosed in the parcel. See 122.
Priority Mail International items must be marked “AIRMAIL” or “PAR AVION” or bear one of the two prescribed airmail labels (i.e., either PS Label 19-A, Par Avion Airmail, or PS Label 19-B, Par Avion Airmail). The airmail marking or label should be placed below and to the left of the delivery address.
Mailers must complete the applicable customs form, and, if applicable, fulfill any other nonpostal export requirements described in chapter 5.
Mailers must seal their items with clinched staples, banding, adhesives, sewing, tape, or other materials used to seal parcels. See DMM 601. The seal must be sufficient to allow detection of tampering.
Every parcel must be securely and substantially packed. In packing, the sender must consider the nature of the contents, the climate, the length of the journey, and the numerous handlings involved in the conveyance of international mail. Heavy wrapping paper or waterproof paper is permitted only as the outside covering of a carton. Heavy objects, such as cans of food, must be surrounded with other contents or packing material in order to prevent their shifting within the parcel. For recommended packing procedures, see DMM 601.
Ordinary paperboard containers are not acceptable. Parcels must be packed in one of the following:
- Canvas or similar material.
- Double-faced corrugated or solid (minimum 275-pound test) fiber boxes or cases.
- Strong wooden boxes made of lumber at least 1/2-inch thick or plywood of at least three plies.
If otherwise acceptable, boxes may be secured with screwed or nailed lids, and bags may be closed by sewing.
