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 Flat Rate Envelopes and the Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes.

231.2 Physical Characteristics

231.21 Weight Limits

231.211 Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes

The maximum weight for items mailed using Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes is 4 pounds.

231.212 Priority Mail International Medium and Large Flat Rate Boxes

The weight limit for items mailed using the Medium and Large Flat Rate Boxes is 20 pounds.

231.213 Priority Mail International Ordinary Parcels

The maximum weight limit for Priority Mail International service is 70 pounds, but lower country-specific weight limits might apply. To determine the maximum weight limit for each country, see the Individual Country Listings.

231.22 Dimensions — Priority Mail International Parcels

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

1. For Priority Mail International parcels, the surface area of the address side of the item to be mailed must be large enough to completely contain the postage, PS Form 2976-E (the envelope for the customs label), and any other applicable endorsements or markings. PS Form 2976-E is approximately 10-1/4 inches wide and 7-1/4 inches high.
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