Printed matter, or printed matter in combination with merchandise items, must be placed into one or more individual packages bearing the name and address of the sender and addressee. Each package must be marked “POSTAGE PAID — M–BAG.”
The sacks and mailing tags (i.e., PS Tag 158) needed for M–bag entry can be obtained from local Post Office facilities. Airmail pouches, if available, will be furnished to customers who intend to utilize that type of M–bag service.
PS Tag 158, M-bag Addressee Tag, must be completed for all types of M–bags and attached to the neck of the sack. It must bear the requisite amount of stamped or meter postage or the sender’s authorized permit imprint or indicia (see 262.4). For IPA M-bags, mailers must also attach PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail. For ISAL M-bags, mailers must also attach PS Tag 155, Surface Airlift Mail.
If multiple sacks are sent to the same foreign addressee, PS Tag 158 must be marked with an identifiable fraction such as 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, etc.
The Post Office facility must label the sack with the name of the country of destination in large letters and the name of the U.S. dispatching exchange office in small letters (for example, Great Britain via New York), and send it to that exchange office for dispatch to destination.
M-bags must be accompanied by a fully completed PS Form 2976, which is to be affixed to PS Tag 158, M-bag Addressee Tag. The maximum allowable value is $400. When paying with a permit imprint, mailers must electronically transmit customs data by using USPS-produced Global Shipping Software (GSS) or other USPS-approved software. To request information about either of these software solutions, send an e–mail to globalbusiness-sales@usps.gov.
