292 International Priority Airmail (IPA) Service

292.1 Description

292.11 General

International Priority Airmail (IPA) service, including IPA M-bags, is a commercial service designed for volume mailings of all First-Class Mail International postcards, letters, and large envelopes (flats), and for volume mailings of First-Class Package International Service packages (small packets). The sender must prepare mailpieces in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter and with the shape-based requirements of the applicable service — see 240 for First-Class Mail International items, and see 250 for First-Class Package International Service items. IPA shipments are typically flown to the foreign destinations (exceptions apply to Canada and Mexico) and are then entered into that country’s air or surface priority mail system for delivery. Separate prices are provided for International Service Center (ISC) drop shipments, presorted mail, and nonpresort mail. Volume incentives are available through customized agreements.

292.12 Mail Sealed Against Inspection

With the exception of M-bags (see 261.23), IPA mailpieces are sealed against inspection.

292.13 IPA M-bags

292.131 IPA M-bags — General

IPA M-bags (direct sacks of printed matter to one addressee) may be entered in conjunction with an IPA mailing, are subject to the provisions of 260, and may be sent to all destination countries that are referenced in Exhibit 292.45a. When using this method of mail preparation, the sender must complete PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail, and PS Tag 158, M–bag Addressee Tag. Tags must be securely attached to the neck of the sack.

292.132 IPA M-bags — Customs Forms

IPA M-bags always require a fully completed PS Form 2976, which is to be affixed to PS Tag 158. Mailers must electronically transmit customs declaration information as required under 123.32 by using USPS-produced Global Shipping Software (GSS) or other USPS-approved software listed at https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=internationalvendors. To request information about either of these software solutions, send an e-mail to globalbusiness-sales@usps.gov.

292.2 Eligibility

292.21 Qualifying Mailpieces

To qualify for IPA service, a mailpiece must meet the First-Class Mail International characteristics as defined in 141.5 (except for weight — see 292.24) or the First-Class Package International Service characteristics as defined in 141.6 (except for weight — see 292.24). Mailpieces do not have to be of the same size and weight to qualify. Any item sent with IPA service must conform to the size limits for First-Class Mail International postcards, letters, or large envelopes (flats) as described in 240, or for First-Class Package International Service packages (small packets) as described in 250.

292.22 Availability

IPA service is available only to the foreign countries that are listed in Exhibit 292.45a, which shows the foreign office of exchange code and the price group assigned to each country. For additional information for Canada, see Exhibit 292.45b.

292.23 Minimum Quantity Requirements

292.231 Minimum Quantity

All mailings must meet a minimum weight quantity of 50 pounds. To achieve the 50-pound minimum, mailings may include a combination of presort mail, worldwide nonpresort mail, or M-bags.

292.232 Presort Eligibility — Full Service

Only a direct country container with a minimum of 2 pounds qualifies for the presort price. All remaining mail must be prepared and paid at the worldwide nonpresort price.

292.233 Presort Eligibility — ISC Drop Shipment

Eligibility for the presort price is as follows:

1. Direct country price. For price groups 1–19, a minimum of 2 pounds for each direct country container.
2. Mixed country price. For price groups 9–14, a minimum of 5 pounds for each price group; for price groups 10–15, a minimum of 5 pounds for each price group prepared under 292.482a, or a minimum of 5 pounds for each sack prepared under 292.482b.

All remaining mail must be prepared and paid at the worldwide nonpresort price.

292.24 Maximum Weight Limits

The maximum weight for an IPA container is 66 pounds. The maximum weight for an individual IPA item is as follows:

1. Letter-size item: 3.5 ounces.
2. Flat-size item: 17.6 ounces.
3. Package-size item: 4.4 pounds.

292.25 Dutiable Items

Dutiable items may be sent in accordance with the applicable rules in this subchapter for each respective category of mail. Priority Mail International items, either ordinary or insured, may not be mailed with IPA service.

292.26 Customs Forms Requirements

For items requiring PS Form 2976, mailers must electronically transmit customs declaration information as required under 123.32 by using USPS-produced Global Shipping Software (GSS) or other USPS-approved software listed at https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=internationalvendors. To request information about either of these software solutions, send an e-mail to globalbusiness-sales@usps.gov.

292.27 Extra Services

Extra services are not available for items sent with IPA service.

292.3 Prices and Postage Payment Methods

292.31 Prices

IPA service has two price options: a presort price with 19 price groups, and a worldwide nonpresort price. Both options offer full-service prices for mail deposited at offices other than the drop shipment offices listed in 292.532, and drop shipment prices for mail deposited at one of the drop shipment offices. The per-piece price and per-pound price are shown in Notice 123, Price List. The per-piece price applies to each piece regardless of its weight. The per-pound price applies to the net weight (gross weight minus tare weight of container) of the mail for the specific price group. Fractions of a pound are rounded to the next whole pound for postage calculation.

292.32 Computation of Postage

Postage is computed on PS Form 3700, Postage Statement — International Mail.

292.321 Computing Worldwide Nonpresort Prices

Compute postage at the worldwide nonpresort price as follows:

1. Multiply the number of pieces in the mailing by the applicable per-piece price.
2. Multiply the net weight (in whole pounds) of the entire mailing by the applicable per-pound price.
3. Add together the two totals in steps 1 and 2.

292.322 Computing Presort Prices

Compute postage at the presorted price as follows:

1. Multiply the number of pieces in the mailing destined for countries in a specific price group by the appropriate per-piece price.
2. Multiply the net weight (in whole pounds) of those pieces by the corresponding per-pound price.
3. Add together the two totals in steps 1 and 2.

292.33 Postage Payment Methods

292.331 General

Postage must be paid by postage meter, permit imprint, or precanceled stamps (see DMM 604).

292.332 Postage Meter

Payments made by postage meter are subject to the following standards:

1. Piece Price. The applicable per-piece postage shown in Notice 123, Price List, must be affixed to each mailpiece when paying with a meter. A mailer who has an ICM agreement must affix the applicable per-piece postage as set forth in the ICM agreement.
2. Pound Price. Postage for the pound price portion must be paid either by meter stamp(s) attached to the postage statement or from the mailer’s authorized permit imprint advance deposit account.
3. Postage Endorsement. Each piece must be legibly endorsed with the words “INTERNATIONAL PRIORITY AIRMAIL.”
4. Specifications for Endorsement. The endorsement required in 292.332c must appear on the address side of each piece and must be applied by a printing press, hand stamp, or other similar printing device. It must appear either above the name of the addressee and to the left or below the postage, or adjacent to the meter stamp in either the postal inscription slug area or ad plate area. If the postal endorsement appears in the ad plate area, no other information may appear in the ad plate. The endorsement may not be typewritten or hand-drawn. The endorsement is not considered adequate if it is included as part of a decorative design or advertisement.
5. Unmarked Pieces. Unmarked pieces lacking the postage endorsement are subject to the applicable First-Class Mail International or First-Class Package International Service single-piece price.
6. Drop Shipment of Meter Mail. A mailer who wants to enter meter IPA mail at a Post Office facility other than where the meter is licensed must obtain a drop shipment authorization. To obtain an authorization, the mailer must submit a written request to the postmaster at the office where the mail will be entered (see DMM 705).

292.333 Precanceled Stamps

Payments made by precanceled stamps are subject to the following standards:

1. Piece Price. The same denomination of stamp must be affixed to every piece in the mailing.
2. Pound Price. Additional postage is paid at the time of mailing by advance deposit account or meter stamp affixed to the back of the accompanying postage statement.
3. Postage Endorsement. Each piece must be legibly endorsed with the words “INTERNATIONAL PRIORITY AIRMAIL.”
4. Specifications for Endorsement. The endorsement required in 292.333c must appear on the address side of each piece and must be applied by a printing press, hand stamp, or other similar printing device. It must appear either above the name of the addressee and to the left or below the postage, or adjacent to the precanceled stamp. The endorsement may not be typewritten or hand-drawn. The is not considered adequate if it is included as part of a decorative design or advertisement.
5. Unmarked Pieces. Unmarked pieces lacking the postage endorsement are subject to the applicable First-Class Mail International or First-Class Package International Service single-piece price.

292.334 Permit Imprint

Mailers may use a permit imprint for mailings that contain identical-weight pieces. Any of the permit imprint formats shown in Exhibit 152.64 is acceptable but must include the “INTL PRIORITY AIRMAIL” rate marking. Postage is calculated as described in 292.32 and is deducted from the mailer’s advance deposit account. Permit imprints must not denote bulk mail, nonprofit, or other domestic or special mail. Mailers may use permit imprint with nonidentical-weight pieces only if authorized to use postage mailing systems under DMM 705.

292.4 Mail Preparation

292.41 Addressing and Return Address

IPA mailpieces are subject to the addressing requirements contained in 122, including the requirement of a U.S.-origin return address as defined in 122.2.

1. Exception — Canada: IPA items destined for Canada must have the applicable alphanumeric postcode included in the delivery address. See 122.1j for the address formatting requirements that generally apply to mailpieces sent to Canada.
2. Exception — Direct Country Containers: IPA letter-size and flat-size pieces not requiring a customs form prepared in direct country containers (see 292.46 and 292.48) are not subject to the interline addressing requirement that is specified in 122.1d. At the sender’s risk, the English translation of the destination post office or city name may be omitted from an address that is printed in Russian, Greek, Arabic, Hebrew, Cyrillic, Japanese, or Chinese characters. An English translation of the country name (for example, Japan) is still required on the individual mailpieces.

292.42 Marking

292.421 Letter-Size and Flat-Size Mailpieces

The sender should mark “PAR AVION” or “AIR MAIL” on the address side of each piece. Alternatively, the user may use a bordered airmail envelope that contains an “AIR MAIL” endorsement.

292.422 Packages (Small Packets)

Items that might be mistaken for another class of mail because of their size, weight, or appearance should be marked “LETTER-POST” on the address side.

292.43 Sealing and Packaging

292.431 Mixed Country and Worldwide Nonpresort Price

All IPA mailpieces entered at the mixed country and worldwide nonpresort price must meet the sealing and packaging methods for First-Class Mail International service under IMM 244.3 and 244.4, and for First-Class Package International Service under IMM 254.3 and 254.4.

292.432 Direct Country Price

Mailers must meet the following sealing and packaging standards for IPA mail entered at the direct country price:

1. Letters. Letter-size mailpieces entered at the direct country price must meet one of the following requirements:
1. The sealing and packaging methods for First-Class Mail International service under IMM 244.3 and 244.4.
2. The physical standards of a machinable letter under DMM 201.3.
2. Flats. Flat-size mailpieces entered at the direct country price must meet the sealing and packaging methods for First-Class Mail International service under IMM 244.3 and 244.4.
3. Small Packets. Package-size mailpieces (small packets) entered at the direct country price must meet the sealing and packaging methods for First-Class Package International Service under IMM 254.3 and 254.4.

292.44 Physical Characteristics and Requirements for All Bundles

The following standards apply:

1. Thickness. Bundles of letter-size mail should be no thicker than approximately a handful of mail (4 to 6 inches thick). Bundles of flat-size mail may be thicker than 6 inches but must not weigh more than 11 pounds.
2. Securing Bundles. Each bundle must be securely tied to withstand normal transit. Placing rubber bands around the length and then the girth is the preferred method of securing bundles of letter-size mail. Plastic strapping placed around the length and then the girth is the preferred method of securing bundles of flat-size mail.
3. Separation of Bundles. Letter-size and flat-size mail must be bundled separately.
4. Facing of Pieces. All pieces in bundles must be faced in the same direction.

Note: Parcel-size pieces do not require bundling.

292.45 IPA Foreign Office of Exchange Codes and Price Groups

See Exhibit 292.45a for the IPA foreign office of exchange code and price group assigned to each country. For additional information for Canada, see Exhibit 292.45b.

Exhibit 292.45a

IPA Foreign Office of Exchange Codes and Price Groups

 

Country Labeling Name	Foreign Office of Exchange Code	Price Group
Afghanistan	KBL	19
Albania	TIA	16
Algeria	ALG	19
Andorra, via Spain	MAD	15
Angola	LAD	19
Anguilla	AXA	17
Antigua and Barbuda	ANU	17
Argentina	BUE	10
Armenia	EVN	19
Aruba	AUA	17
Ascension, via Great Britain	LAL	16
Australia 1	SYD	09
Austria	VIE	12
Azerbaijan	BAK	19
Bahamas	NAS	17
Bahrain	BAH	19
Bangladesh	DAC	19
Barbados	BGI	17
Belarus	MSQ	16
Belgium	BRU	12
Belize	BZE	17
Benin	COO	19
Bermuda	SGE	17
Bhutan, via Great Britain	LAL	19
Bolivia	LPB	17
Bosnia-Herzegovina	SJJ	16
Botswana	GBE	19
Brazil	CWB	10
British Virgin Islands	RAD	17
Brunei Darussalam	BWN	18
Bulgaria	SOF	16
Burkina Faso	OUA	19
Burma (Myanmar)	RGN	19
Burundi	BJM	19
Cambodia	PNH	18
Cameroon	DLA	19
Canada	See Canadian Labeling Information in Exhibit 292.45b	1
Cape Verde	RAI	19
Cayman Islands	GCM	17
Central African Republic	BGF	19
Chad	NDJ	19
Chile	SCL	17
China	BJS	14
Colombia	BOG	17
Comoros Islands, via France	CDG	19
Congo, Dem. Rep. of the	FIH	19
Congo, Rep. of the	BZV	19
Cook Islands	RAR	9
Costa Rica	SJO	17
Cote d’Ivoire	ABJ	19
Croatia	ZAG	16
Curacao (includes Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius)	CUR	17
Cyprus	LCA	19
Czech Republic	PRG	16
Denmark	CPH	12
Djibouti	JIB	19
Dominica	DOM	17
Dominican Republic	SDQ	17
Ecuador	UIO	17
Egypt	CAI	19
El Salvador	SAL	17
Equatorial Guinea	SSG	19
Eritrea	ASM	19
Estonia	TLL	16
Ethiopia	ADD	19
Falkland Islands, via Great Britain	LAL	17
Faroe Islands, via Denmark	CPH	16
Fiji	NAN	18
Finland	HEL	12
France 2	CDG	05
French Guiana	CAY	17
French Polynesia	FAA	18
Gabon	LBV	19
Gambia	BJL	19
Georgia, Republic of	TBS	19
Germany	FRA	4
Ghana	ACC	19
Gibraltar	GIB	15
Great Britain (includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and The Isle of Man)	LAL	3
Greece	ATH	13
Greenland, via Denmark	CPH	15
Grenada	GND	17
Guadeloupe	PTP	17
Guatemala	GUA	17
Guinea	CKY	19
Guinea-Bissau	OXB	19
Guyana	GEO	17
Haiti	PAP	17
Honduras	TGU	17
Hong Kong	HKG	11
Hungary	BUD	16
Iceland	REK	15
India	DEL	14
Indonesia	JKT	18
Iraq	BGW	19
Ireland	DUB	13
Israel	TLV	13
Italy	MIL	7
Jamaica	KIN	17
Japan	NRT	6
Jordan	AMM	19
Kazakhstan	ALA	19
Kenya	NBO	19
Kiribati	TRW	18
Korea, Republic of (South)	SEL	11
Kosovo, Republic of	PRN	16
Kuwait	KWI	19
Kyrgyzstan	FRU	16
Laos	VTE	18
Latvia	RIX	16
Lebanon	BEY	19
Lesotho	MSU	19
Liberia	MLW	19
Libya	TIP	19
Liechtenstein, via Switzerland	ZRH	15
Lithuania	VNO	16
Luxembourg	LUX	15
Macao	MFM	16
Macedonia	FRA	16
Madagascar	TNR	19
Malawi	LBE	19
Malaysia	KUL	18
Maldives	MLE	19
Mali	BKO	19
Malta	MAR	19
Martinique	FDF	17
Mauritania	NKC	19
Mauritius	PLU	19
Mexico	MEX	2
Moldova	KIV	19
Monaco	MON	12
Mongolia	ULN	18
Montenegro	TGD	17
Montserrat	MNI	17
Morocco	CAS	19
Mozambique	MPM	19
Namibia	WDH	19
Nauru	INU	18
Nepal	KTM	18
Netherlands	AMS	12
New Caledonia	NOU	18
New Zealand 3	AKL	09
Nicaragua	MGA	17
Niger	NIM	19
Nigeria	LOS	19
Norway	OSL	12
Oman	MCT	19
Pakistan	ISB	19
Panama	PTY	17
Papua New Guinea	BOR	18
Paraguay	ASU	17
Peru	LIM	17
Philippines	MNL	14
Pitcairn Island, via New Zealand	AKL	18
Poland	WAW	12
Portugal (includes Azores and Madeira Islands)	LIS	13
Qatar	DOH	19
Reunion	RUN	19
Romania	BUH	16
Russia	MOW	16
Rwanda	KGL	19
Saint Christopher and Nevis	SKB	17
Saint Helena, via Great Britain	LAL	19
Saint Lucia	SLU	17
Saint Pierre and Miquelon, via Canada	See Canadian Labeling Information in Exhibit 292.45b	17
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines	KTN	17
San Marino, via Italy	MIL	12
Sao Tome and Principe, via Portugal	LIS	16
Saudi Arabia	DMM	19
Senegal	DKR	19
Serbia, Republic of	BEG	16
Seychelles	SEZ	19
Sierra Leone	FNA	19
Singapore	SIN	11
Sint Maarten	SXM	17
Slovak Republic (Slovakia)	BTS	16
Slovenia	LJU	13
Solomon Islands	HIR	18
South Africa	JNB	14
Spain (includes Canary Islands)	MAD	8
Sri Lanka	CMB	19
Suriname	PBM	17
Swaziland	MTS	19
Sweden	STO	12
Switzerland	ZRH	12
Taiwan	TPE	14
Tajikistan	DYU	19
Tanzania	DAR	19
Thailand	BKK	14
Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of	DIL	18
Togo	LFW	19
Tonga	TBU	18
Trinidad and Tobago	POS	17
Tristan da Cunha, via South Africa	JNB	19
Tunisia	TUN	19
Turkey	IST	16
Turkmenistan	ASB	16
Turks and Caicos Islands	GDT	17
Tuvalu, via Fiji	NAN	18
Uganda	KLA	19
Ukraine	IEV	19
United Arab Emirates	DXB	19
Uruguay	MVD	17
Uzbekistan	TAS	19
Vanuatu	VLI	18
Vatican City	VAT	15
Venezuela	CCS	17
Vietnam	SGN	18
Wallis and Futuna Islands, via New Caledonia	NOU	18
Western Samoa	APW	18
Yemen	SAH	19
Zambia	LUN	19
Zimbabwe	HRE	19
1 At the mailer’s option, a finer sortation for IPA items addressed to Australia may be used. If this option is chosen, items addressed with postal codes beginning with 0, 1, 2, 4, and 9 and uncoded mail should be sorted and prepared in direct country containers tagged to Sydney. Both the three-letter exchange office code (“SYD”) and the country name (“Australia”) should be entered in the “To” block of PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail. Items addressed with postal codes beginning with 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 should be sorted and prepared in direct country containers tagged to Melbourne. Both the three-letter exchange office code (“MEL”) and the country name (“Australia”) should be entered in the “To” block of PS Tag 115. 2 For all destinations to France other than Monaco. For Monaco, see the entry for Monaco in this exhibit. 3 For all destinations to New Zealand other than Cook Islands. For Cook Islands, see the entry for Cook Islands in this exhibit.

Exhibit 292.45b

Canadian Mail Container Labeling Information (Full-service Only)

 

ZIP Code of Entry Post Office*	Canadian Destination	U.S. Exchange Office Code	U.S. Exchange Office (or ISC)	Foreign Office of Exchange Code
005, 010–089, 100–212, 214–268, 270–297, 400–418, 420–427, 470–471, 476–477	MONTREAL QC FWD	003	JFK	YMQ
006–009, 298–339, 341–342, 344, 346–347, 349–352, 354–399, 723	MONTREAL QC FWD	33112	MIA	YMQ
430–469, 472–475, 478–516, 520–528, 530–532, 534–535, 537–551, 553–567, 570–577, 580–588, 600–620, 622–631, 633–641, 644–658, 660–662, 664–681, 683–693, 700–701, 703–708, 710–714, 716–722, 724–731, 733–741, 743–816, 822–831, 840–847, 870–875, 877–885, 893, 897–898	TORONTO ON FWD	60290	ORD	For IPA letter-size: TOR. For IPA package-size: YTO. For IPA flat-size: YTO (the preferred code — this code will be required on 7/27/2014) or TOR (an optional code that can be used until 7/27/2014).
590–599, 820–821, 832–838, 894–895, 937–961, 970–986, 988–999	VANCOUVER BC FWD	94013	SFO	YVR
850–853, 855–857, 859–860, 863–865, 889–891, 900–908, 910–928, 930–936	VANCOUVER BC FWD	90899	LAX	YVR
967–969	VANCOUVER BC FWD	96820	HNL	YVR
* The “ZIP Code of Entry Post Office” column is relevant only for a mailing claimed at the full-service price (i.e., not drop shipped at an ISC) to determine its Canadian destination and U.S. exchange office code container information.

292.46 Presort Mailings: Direct Country — Price Groups 1 through 14

292.461 General

Price groups 1 through 14 may be prepared in direct country containers (full-service price and ISC drop shipment price). Each direct country container must contain at least 2 pounds of mail. The mailer must separately containerize items bearing customs forms from items not bearing customs forms and must prepare letter-size, flat-size, and package-size items in separate containers as defined in 292.462a and 292.462b. Smaller quantities qualify only for a mixed country price (price groups 9 through 14 only) under 292.47, or for the worldwide nonpresort price under 292.49. The maximum container weight is 66 pounds.

292.462 Preparation

The mailer must prepare direct country containers of presorted IPA mail (full-service price and ISC drop shipment price) as follows:

1. Letter-Size and Flat-Size Mail. For each direct country container of letter-size or flat-size mail, the mailer must do the following:
1. Mail Preparation. Prepare letter-size items in letter trays, either 1–foot or 2-foot, depending on volume. Prepare flat-size items in flat trays/tubs. Do not prepare the content of trays in bundles. Face all letter-size items and flat-size items in the same direction. Ensure that all trays are full enough to keep the mail from mixing during transportation. Cover (i.e., sleeve or lid) all letter-size and flat-size trays and secure them with strapping.
2. Container Tags. Complete the front side of PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail, which identifies the mail to ensure it receives priority handling. Check the appropriate box to indicate if the container contains items with or without customs forms, identify the destination country, and enter the date of mailing, the 10-digit permit number, the foreign office of exchange code as listed in Exhibit 292.45a or Exhibit 292.45b, and the price group as listed in Exhibit 292.45a. To the front side of the tag, apply a barcode that indicates the mailer’s permit number, the product code, the service type code, the container type code, the mail contents shape type code, the foreign office of exchange code, and the serial number of the container. (To request technical specifications for the barcode, send an e-mail to globalbusiness-sales@usps.gov.) Finally, tape PS Tag 115 to the tray cover.
2. Packages. For each direct country container of package-size items, the mailer must do the following:
1. Mail Preparation. Prepare package-size items by placing them loose in sacks.
2. Container Tags. Complete the front side of PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail, which identifies the mail to ensure it receives priority handling. Check the appropriate box to indicate if the container contains items with or without customs forms, identify the destination country, and enter the date of mailing, the 10-digit permit number, the foreign office of exchange code as listed in Exhibit 292.45a or Exhibit 292.45b, and the price group as listed in Exhibit 292.45a. To the front side of the tag, apply a barcode that indicates the mailer’s permit number, the product code, the service type code, the container type code, the shape type code, the foreign office of exchange code, and the serial number of the container. (To request technical specifications for the barcode, send an e-mail to globalbusiness-sales@usps.gov). Finally, attach PS Tag 115 to the neck of the sack.
3. Direct Country Container Label. A mailer who claims the ISC drop shipment price and enters the mail at an authorized drop shipment location under 292.532 is not required to prepare container labels. A mailer who claims the full-service price must complete 2-inch container labels (and insert them into the applicable container label holder) as follows (see Exhibit 292.462 for the list of U.S. Exchange Offices):

Line 1: Appropriate U.S. Exchange Office and Routing Code
Line 2: Contents — DRX COUNTRY
Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location

Example:

ISC NEW YORK NY 003 ipa — DRX country ABC STORE ALBANY NY

Exhibit 292.462 

Labeling of IPA Mail to Postal Service Exchange Offices (Full–service only)

 

IPA Acceptance Office 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix	U.S. Exchange Office and Routing Code for Line 1
005, 010–089, 100–212, 214–268, 270–297, 400–418, 420–427, 470–477	ISC NEW YORK NY 003
006–009, 298–339, 341–342, 344, 346–347, 349–352, 354–399	ISC MIAMI FL 33112
424, 430–469, 478–516, 520–528, 530–532, 534–535, 537–551, 553–567, 570–577, 580–588, 600–620, 622–631, 633–641, 644–658, 660–662, 664–681, 683–693, 700–701, 703–708, 710–714, 716–731, 733–741, 743–799, 885	ISC CHICAGO IL 60290
590–599, 800–816, 820–838, 840–847, 893–895, 897–898, 937–961, 970–986, 988–999	ISC SAN FRANCISCO CA 94013
850–853, 855–857, 859–860, 863–865, 870–875, 877–884, 889–891, 900–908, 910–928, 930–936	ISC LOS ANGELES CA 900
967–969	P&DC HONOLULU HI 967

292.47 Presort Mailings: Mixed Country — Price Groups 9 through 14

292.471 General

The mailer may prepare price groups 9 through 14 in mixed country containers (ISC drop shipment price) only after all possible direct country containers have been prepared. Each mixed country price group must contain at least 5 pounds of mail that is destined within the same price group. The mailer must separately containerize items bearing customs forms from items not bearing customs forms and must prepare letter-size, flat-size, and package-size items in separate containers as defined in 292.472a and 292.472b. Smaller quantities qualify only for the worldwide nonpresort price under 292.49. The maximum container weight is 66 pounds.

292.472 Preparation

The mailer must prepare mixed country containers of presorted IPA mail (ISC drop shipment price) as follows:

1. Letter-Size and Flat-Size Mail. For each mixed country container of letter-size or flat-size mail, the mailer must do the following:
1. Mail Preparation. Prepare letter-size items in letter trays, either 1–foot or 2-foot, depending on volume. Prepare flat-size items in flat trays/tubs. Bundle letter-size and flat-size pieces as defined in 292.44, and bundle each country separately. Face all letter-size items and flat-size items in the same direction and apply a label (facing slip) to the top item as defined in 292.473. Cover (i.e., sleeve or lid) all letter-size trays and flat-size trays/tubs and secure them with strapping.
2. Container Tags. Complete the front side of PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail, which identifies the mail to ensure it receives priority handling. Identify the date of mailing, the 10-digit permit number, and the price group as listed in Exhibit 292.45a followed by the word “Mixed” (e.g., “14–Mixed”). Finally, tape PS Tag 115 to the tray cover.
2. Packages. For each mixed country container of package-size items, the mailer must do the following:
1. Mail Preparation. Prepare package-size items by placing them loose in sacks.
2. Container Tags. Complete the front side of PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail, which identifies the mail to ensure it receives priority handling. Identify the date of mailing, the 10-digit permit number, and the price group as listed in Exhibit 292.45a followed by the word “Mixed” (e.g., “14–Mixed”). Finally, attach PS Tag 115 to the neck of the sack.

292.473 Direct Country Bundle Label for Mixed Country Containers

Only letter-size and flat-size direct country bundles prepared for mixed country containers require a label (facing slip). The mailer must complete the label and place it on the address side of the top item of each bundle in such a manner that it will not become separated from the bundle. The pressure-sensitive labels and optional endorsement lines used domestically for presort mail are prohibited for IPA service. Bundle labels must contain the following information:

Line 1: Foreign Office of Exchange Code. (See Exhibit 292.45a or Exhibit 292.45b.)

Line 2: Country Labeling Name. (See Exhibit 292.45a.)

Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location (City and State).

Example:

VIE AUSTRIA ABC COMPANY WASHINGTON DC

292.48 Presort Mailings — Price Groups 15 through 19

292.481 General

Mailers must prepare price groups 15 through 19 in direct country containers (full-service price and ISC drop shipment price) or mixed country containers (ISC drop shipment price). Each direct country container must contain at least 2 pounds of mail. Each mixed country price group must contain a minimum of 5 pounds when prepared under 292.47, or a minimum of 5 pounds for each sack when sorted under 293.483. Smaller quantities qualify only for the worldwide nonpresort price under 292.49. The mailer must separately containerize items bearing customs forms from items not bearing customs forms. The maximum container weight is 66 pounds.

292.482 Preparation

The mailer has two options to prepare direct country or mixed country containers of presorted IPA mail, as follows:

1. Prepare mail as described in 292.46 and 292.47, including using letter-size trays for letter-size items, flat-size trays/tubs for flat-size items, and sacks for package-size items.
2. Prepare mail in sacks for all processing categories as defined in 292.483 and 292.484.

292.483 Direct Country and Mixed Country — Optional Sack Preparation

The mailer may optionally prepare direct country sacks or mixed country sacks of presorted IPA mail when sacks are used for all processing categories as follows:

1. Full-Service and ISC Drop Shipment — Direct country sacks.
1. Preparation. Mail (letter-size, flat-size, and package-size) that is addressed to an individual country and that contains 2 pounds or more must be sorted into direct country sacks. Mail that cannot be made up into direct country sacks must be prepared and entered as mixed country sacks or as worldwide nonpresort sacks. The mailer must bundle letter-size and flat-size items as defined in 292.44. The mailer must bundle letter-size items and flat-size items separately, although nonidentical items may be commingled within each of these categories. Face all letter-size items and flat-size items in the same direction and apply a label (facing slip) to the top item as defined in 292.472. Place package-size items loose in the sack provided that items bearing customs forms are separated from items not bearing customs forms.
2. Container Tags. The mailer must complete the front side of PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail, which identifies the mail to ensure it receives priority handling. The mailer must check the appropriate box to indicate if the sack contains items with or without customs forms, identify the destination country, and enter the date of mailing, the 10-digit permit number, the foreign office of exchange code as listed in Exhibit 292.45a and Exhibit 292.45b, and the price group as listed in Exhibit 292.45a. The mailer must apply a barcode to the front side of the tag that indicates the mailer’s permit number, the product code, the service type code, the container type, the shape type, the foreign office of exchange code, and the serial number of the sack. (To request technical specifications for the barcode, send an e–mail to globalbusiness-sales@usps.gov). Finally, the mailer must attach PS Tag 115 to the neck of the sack.
3. Direct Country Container Label. A mailer who claims the ISC drop shipment price and enters the mail at an authorized drop shipment location under 292.532 is not required to prepare container labels. A mailer who claims the full-service price must complete 2-inch container labels (and insert them into the applicable container label holder) as follows (see Exhibit 292.483 for the list of U.S. Exchange Offices):

Line 1: Appropriate U.S. Exchange Office and Routing Code
Line 2: Contents — DRX COUNTRY
Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location

Example:

ISC NEW YORK NY 003 ipa — DRX country ABC STORE ALBANY NY

Exhibit 292.483 

Labeling of IPA Mail to Postal Service Exchange Offices
(Full-service only)

 

IPA Acceptance Office 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix	U.S. Exchange Office and Routing Code for Line 1
005, 010–089, 100–212, 214–268, 270–297, 400–418, 420–427, 470–477	ISC NEW YORK NY 003
006–009, 298–339, 341–342, 344, 346–347, 349–352, 354–399	ISC MIAMI FL 33112
424, 430–469, 478–516, 520–528, 530–532, 534–535, 537–551, 553–567, 570–577, 580–588, 600–620, 622–631, 633–641, 644–658, 660–662, 664–681, 683–693, 700–701, 703–708, 710–714, 716–731, 733–741, 743–799, 885	ISC CHICAGO IL 60290
590–599, 800–816, 820–838, 840–847, 893–895, 897–898, 937–961, 970–986, 988–999	ISC SAN FRANCISCO CA 94013
850–853, 855–857, 859–860, 863–865, 870–875, 877–884, 889–891, 900–908, 910–928, 930–936	ISC LOS ANGELES CA 900
967–969	P&DC HONOLULU HI 967

2. ISC Drop Shipment — Mixed country sacks.
1. Preparation. Mixed country sacks can be prepared only after all possible direct country sacks have been prepared. The mailer must prepare mixed country sacks for items that contain 5 pounds or more and that are destined within the same price group. Mail that ultimately cannot be made up into direct country sacks or mixed country sacks must be prepared and entered at the worldwide nonpresort price. The mailer must bundle letter-size and flat-size items as defined in 292.44. The mailer must bundle letter-size and flat-size items separately, although nonidentical items may be commingled within each of these categories. Face all letter-size items and flat-size items in the same direction and apply a label (facing slip) to the top item as defined in 292.484. Place package-size items that cannot be bundled because of their physical characteristics loose in the sack provided that items bearing customs forms are separated from items not bearing customs forms.
2. Container Tags. The mailer must complete the front side of PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail, which identifies the mail to ensure it receives priority handling. On the front of the tag, the mailer must identify the date of mailing, the 10-digit permit number, and the price group as listed in Exhibit 292.45a followed by the word “Mixed” (e.g., “15–Mixed”). Finally, the mailer must attach PS Tag 115 to the neck of the sack.

292.484 Presorted Mail — Direct Country Bundle Label

Only letter-size and flat-size direct country bundles prepared for mixed country sacks require a label (facing slip). The mailer must complete the label and place it on the address side of the top item of each bundle in such a manner that it will not become separated from the bundle. The pressure-sensitive labels and optional endorsement lines used domestically for presort mail are prohibited for IPA service. Bundle labels must contain the following information:

Line 1: Foreign Office of Exchange Code. (See Exhibit 292.45a and Exhibit 292.45b.)

Line 2: Country Labeling Name. (See Exhibit 292.45a.)

Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location (City and State).

Example:

VIE AUSTRIA ABC COMPANY WASHINGTON DC

292.49 Worldwide Nonpresort Preparation

The following standards apply when the mailer prepares worldwide nonpresort IPA mail (full-service price and ISC drop shipment price):

1. General. A mailer claiming any mail at the direct country or mixed country price cannot enclose the mail in worldwide nonpresort sacks. The mailer must bundle letter-size and flat-size mail. All types of mail, including letter-size bundles, flat-size bundles, and loose items, can be commingled in the same sack. Labels (facing slips) are not required on any bundles. Containers other than sacks are not authorized unless other equipment is specified by the acceptance office — for example, the mailer may present nonpresorted letter-size mail in trays if authorized by the acceptance office. The maximum weight of any container is 66 pounds.
2. Worldwide Nonpresort Container Label. A mailer who claims the ISC drop shipment price and enters the mail at an authorized drop shipment location under 292.532 is not required to prepare container labels. A mailer who claims the full-service price must complete 2-inch container labels (and insert them into the applicable container label holder) as follows (see Exhibit 292.483 for the list of U.S. Exchange Offices):

Line 1: Appropriate U.S. Exchange Office and Routing Code
Line 2: Contents WKG
Line 3: Mailer, Mailer Location

Example:

ISC MIAMI FL 33112 IPA — WKG ABC COMPANY MIAMI FL

292.5 Mail Entry and Deposit

292.51 Separation by Price Group

The mailer must physically separate the containers by price group at the time of mailing as indicated on the container tag.

292.52 Full Service

Mailings must be deposited at a Post Office facility where bulk mail is accepted and where the mailer holds an advance deposit account or postage meter license.

292.53 Drop Shipment

292.531 General

To qualify for the drop shipment price, mailers must present the mail to one of the locations in 292.532. The mailer must pay postage at the drop shipment location either through an advance deposit account or postage meter license at the serving Post Office facility. As an alternative, mailers who are participating in the plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) program may have the mail verified, accepted, and paid for at the mailer’s plant or at the origin Post Office facility serving the mailer’s plant if authorized under DMM 705. PVDS mail must be transported by the mailer to the drop shipment location, and the mail must be accompanied by PS Form 8125, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance.

292.532 Drop Shipment Locations

Drop shipments are available through the offices noted in Exhibit 292.532.

Note: California, Illinois, and New York locations accept both “cleared” mail (mail that has been previously presented and paid for at a BMEU) and “uncleared” mail (mail that has not been previously presented and paid for at a BMEU). For Florida locations, refer to footnotes 1 and 2 for special requirements.

Exhibit 292.532 

IPA Drop Shipment Locations

 

State	Facility
California	LOS ANGELES ISC US POSTAL SERVICE 5800 w century blvd los angeles ca 90009-9998 SAN FRANCISCO ISC US POSTAL SERVICE 660 W FIELD RD SAN FRANCISCO CA 94128-3161
Florida	MIAMI ISC 1 US POSTAL SERVICE 11698 NW 25TH ST MIAMI FL 33112-9997 MIAMI PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION CTR 2 US POSTAL SERVICE 2200 NW 72ND AVE MIAMI FL 33152-9997
Illinois	JT WEEKER ISC US POSTAL SERVICE 11600 W IRVING PARK RD CHICAGO IL 60666-9998
New York	JOHN F KENNEDY AIRPORT MAIL CTR US POSTAL SERVICE JOHN F KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BLDG 250 JAMAICA NY 11430-9998

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