DATE: Published in the Federal Register December 20, 2012.

New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
In October 2012, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective in January 2013. This final rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) that we will adopt to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments.

DATES: Effective date: January 27, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Prices will be available under Docket Number R2013-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's website at www.prc.gov. The Postal Service's final rule includes a summary of comments received and responses to those comments, several mail classification changes, modifications to mailpiece characteristics, and changes in classification terminology.

Comments
Summary
The Postal Service received nine formal responses to our proposed rule as comments, two of which included comments about more than one issue. There were three responses by mailers, two by vendors, and four by associations.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register December 7, 2012.

International Mail: Product Rate and Fee Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
On October 11, 2012, the Postal Service filed a notice of international mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective on January 27, 2013. On October 23, 2012, the USPS™ published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (Volume 77, Pages 64768-64775) with changes to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®). The proposed rule included changes that we would adopt to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments and classification changes, including changes resulting from the Postal Regulatory Commission granting the Postal Service's request in Docket No. MC2012-44 to transfer First-Class Mail International® packages (small packets) and rolls from the market-dominant product list to the competitive product list. This final rule conveys the comments received on the proposal and the final mailing standards.

DATES: Effective January 27, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Klutts at 813-877-0372.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Prices will be available under Docket Number R2013-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's website at www.prc.gov.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register November 28, 2012.

New Marking Standards for Parcels Containing Hazardous Materials

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 601.10 to adopt new mandatory marking standards for parcels containing mailable hazardous material that will align with the revised requirements provided by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This revision also provides terminology and categorization changes needed to respond to the pending elimination of the "Other Regulated Material" (ORM-D) category and the partial elimination of the "consumer commodity" category by the DOT.

DATE: Effective January 1, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Gunther at 202-268-7208.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service will revise DMM 601.10, and make corresponding revisions to Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, chapters 2, 3 and 7, and Appendices A and C, to adopt new marking standards for parcels containing mailable hazardous materials. In August 2012, these marking standards were added to the DMM for optional-use by mailers and supplement the previously authorized DMM marking standards for parcels containing mailable hazardous materials.

With this revision, the Postal Service will require the use of these markings on parcels intended for air and surface transportation. However, the new markings standards will be deferred for parcels intended for surface transportation to coincide with the delayed implementation date for ground transportation provided by the DOT.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register November 15, 2012.

Outbound International Mailings of Lithium Batteries

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) to new standards when mailing primary and secondary lithium cells or lithium batteries internationally, or to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO destinations.

DATE: Effective date: November 15, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Klutts at 813-877-0372

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
In the final rule published on May 14, 2012, (77 FR 28259-28261), the Postal Service implemented new international standards effective May 16, 2012, that prohibited the mailing of lithium batteries and cells internationally and when sent to and from any Army Post Office™ (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO),or Diplomatic Post Office (DPO) location. The Postal Service took this action to bring its international mailing standards into compliance with international standards for the acceptance of dangerous goods in international mail.

We also stated in that notice that we anticipated on January 1, 2013, customers would be able to mail specific quantities of lithium batteries internationally (including to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location) when the batteries are properly installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate. Through recent discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), we are pleased to announce that we will be able to implement the following changes effective November 15, 2012. In addition, we will also make parallel changes to other USPS publications that make reference to the international mailing of lithium batteries such as Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) and Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register November 2, 2012.

Retirement of FASTforward Technology

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 602.5.0 to terminate the use of FASTforward® technology as a Move Update option for commercial First-Class Mail®, First-Class Package Service™, Standard Mail®, and Parcel Select Lightweight® mailings.

DATE: Effective date: January 27, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Hunt at 901-681-4651, or Bill Chatfield at 202-268-7278.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On September 4, 2012, the Postal Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 53830) to retire FASTforward technology. We received no formal comments on the proposal. Therefore, we will proceed as proposed.

FASTforward, a licensed hardware/software change-of-address system, was developed in 1996 to enable Multi-Line Optical Character Reader (MLOCR) users a means to meet the Move Update requirement for their commercial mailings. Using the best technology then available, most of the FASTforward "black boxes" were 386/486 processors using secured cards and cabling operations. By 2009, many of the original black boxes were failing, and finding replacement parts became difficult. In February 2009, the USPS™ announced its intention to retire the FASTforward system by the end of FY2012 and migrate the licensees to the newer more robust NCOALink® MPE (Mail Processing Equipment) licensed software system. In August 2011, the USPS established an ad hoc workgroup consisting of postal personnel, MLOCR manufacturers and mailers and representatives of the National Association of Presort Mailers (NAPM). The workgroup has resolved the issues to ensure a smooth migration from the antiquated FASTforward system to the newer NCOALink MPE system.

The termination date for FASTforward will be January 27, 2013. Mailers may begin to use the NCOALink MPE system at any time as a method of meeting the Move Update standards.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register October 26, 2012.

Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for the following competitive products: Express Mail®, Priority Mail®, First-Class Package Service™, Parcel Select®, Parcel Post®, Extra Services, Return Services, Mailer Services, and Recipient Services.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 27, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Choiniere (202) 268-7231 or Garry Rodriguez (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This final rule describes new prices and product features for competitive products, by class of mail, established by the Governors of the United States Postal Service®. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2013-3 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's (PRC) Web site at http://www.prc.gov, and are also located on the Postal Explorer® website at http://pe.usps.com.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register October 23, 2012.

International Mailing Services: Proposed Product and Price Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:
In October 2012, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective on January 27, 2013. The Postal Service proposes to revise various sections of Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) to reflect new prices and classification changes.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 23, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, RM 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of "International Mailing Services Price Change." Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Klutts at 813-877-0372.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Proposed prices are or will be available under Docket Number R2013-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's website at www.prc.gov.

This proposed rule includes price and classification changes for First-Class Mail International® and extra services. The proposed rule also reflects price and classification changes that result from the Postal Regulatory Commission granting the Postal Service's request in Docket No. MC2012-44 to transfer First-Class Mail International packages (small packets) and rolls from the market-dominant product list to the competitive product list.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register October 23, 2012.

International Product and Price Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to reflect the prices, product features, and classification changes to Competitive Services, as established by the Governors of the Postal Service.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 27, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Klutts at 813-877-0372.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
New prices are available under Docket Number CP2012-2 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's Web site at http://www.prc.gov.

This final rule describes the international price and classification changes and the corresponding mailing standards changes for the following Competitive Services:

• Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG®)
• Express Mail International® (EMI)
• Priority Mail International® (PMI)
• First-Class Package International Service ™
• International Priority Airmail™ (IPA®)
• International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®)
• Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to One Addressee (M-bags)
• International Extra Services:

• Certificate of Mailing
• Registered Mail™ Service
• Return Receipt Service
• Pickup On Demand® Service

• International Money Transfer Services:

• International Postal Money Orders and Money Order Inquiry Fee
• Sure Money® (DineroSeguro®)

New prices are located on the Postal Explorer® website at http://pe.usps.com.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register October 23, 2012.

New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:
In October 2012, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective in January 2013. This proposed rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) that we would adopt to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 23, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC, 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of "January 2013 Domestic Mailing Services Proposal." Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Proposed prices are or will be available under Docket Number R2013-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's website at www.prc.gov.

The Postal Service's proposed rule includes several mail classification changes, modifications to mailpiece characteristics, and changes in classification terminology.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register October 17, 2012.

Implementation of Full-Service Intelligent Mail Requirements for Automation Prices

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) throughout various sections to modify eligibility requirements for mailers to obtain automation prices for First-Class Mail®, Standard Mail®, Periodicals®, and Bound Printed Matter® when mailing postcards, letters, and flats. Effective January 2014, use of “full-service” Intelligent Mail® would be required to obtain automation prices. Additionally, the 10/24 transitional barcoded tray label format would be eliminated and mailers would be required to use the 24-digit Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb™) format on tray, tub, and sack labels.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 16, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 A.M. and 4 P.M., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Comments and questions can also be emailed to mailingstandards@usps.gov using the subject line "full-service January 2014."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On April 20, 2012, the Postal Service published an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (77 FR 23643-23647) to require use of full-service Intelligent Mail to obtain automation prices for First-Class Mail (FCM), Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter (BPM) when mailing postcards, letters, and flats.

Background
In January 2009, the Postal Service offered the mailing industry two Intelligent Mail options for automation discounts: basic-service and full-service. Currently, a large number of mailers are using these options and reaping significant benefits and value.

When using the full-service option, mailers are required to: Apply unique Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) to identify each letter, postcard, and flat mailpiece; individually meet the eligibility requirements for automation prices according to class and shape; apply unique Intelligent Mail tray barcodes (IMtb) on trays, tubs, and sacks; apply unique Intelligent Mail container barcodes (IMcb) on placards for containers, such as pallets; schedule appointments through Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST®) if their mail is accepted at an origin facility and entered at a downstream USPS™ processing facility; and use an approved electronic method to transmit to the Postal Service mailing documentation and postage statements. If the mailing is being prepared or presented on behalf of another entity, the electronic documentation (eDoc) should include additional information to support the by/for mailing relationships. Effective January 2014, the requirements relative to the by/for relationships would be enforced.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register October 15, 2012.

Every Door Direct Mail-Retail

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
This final rule establishes the retail option of Every Door Direct Mail-Retail® (EDDM-Retail) as a formal product offering within Mailing Services, and ends the market test period for this initiative.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 27, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield at 202-268-7278 or Dave Mastervich at 202-268-7419.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service's final rule includes the announcement to make EDDM-Retail a permanent product, and contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) that we adopt to implement the changes. The price for Standard Mail® saturation flats with simplified addresses (EDDM flats) entered at a BMEU will be different than the price for EDDM-Retail flats effective with the January 2013 price change.

EDDM-Retail a Permanent Product

In December 2010, the Postal Service announced a new market test to begin in January 2011, to enable customers to mail saturation flats with simplified addresses to all types of delivery in an even more simplified manner. The USPS™ developed a Web Tool to assist customers in determining which routes cover certain delivery areas and the number of residential, business, and total deliveries for each delivery route or Post Office Box™ section. The USPS also waived permit imprint application fees and annual presort mailing fees for mailers paying postage at the time of mailing while entering mail (up to 5000 pieces per day) at the office of delivery. In addition, mailers do not maintain a trust account for postage payment, instead paying at the time of mailing and using a simplified postage statement.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register October 3, 2012.

New Marking Standards for Parcels Containing Hazardous Materials

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 601.10 to adopt new mandatory marking standards for parcels containing mailable hazardous material that will align with the revised requirements provided by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This proposed rule also provides terminology and categorization changes needed to respond to the pending elimination of the "Other Regulated Material" (ORM-D) category and the partial elimination of the "Consumer Commodity" category by the DOT.

DATES: Submit comments on or before October 23, 2012.

ADDRESSES: : Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, D.C., by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 202-268-2906 in advance for an appointment. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of "Hazardous Materials." Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Gunther at 202-268-7208.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service proposes to revise DMM 601.10, and to make corresponding revisions to Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, chapters 2, 3 and 7, and Appendices A and C, to adopt new marking standards for parcels containing mailable hazardous materials. These marking standards were recently added to the DMM for optional-use by mailers, as an alternative to the current DMM marking standards for parcels containing mailable hazardous materials.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register September 24, 2012.

New Pallet Preparation Standards for Periodicals

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 705.8.10.2 to align pallet preparation standards for Periodicals with those currently required for Periodicals prepared in sacks and similar containers. The Postal Service will also align the preparation standards for merged pallets of Periodicals in DMM 705.10, 705.12 and 705.13 with other DMM sections by allowing mailers using these programs to place Periodicals bundles directly on mixed area distribution center (ADC) pallets.

DATES: Effective Date: January 27, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Vance at 202-268-7595, or Kevin Gunther at 202-268-7208.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The separation of mail destinating within the origin mixed ADC (OMX) surface reach of the mailer’s plant (or entry point) from the remaining mixed ADC mail is crucial for maintaining acceptable service performance, for the benefit of both Periodicals customers and USPS® processing operations. To assure that these separations are being made, effective January 27, 2013, the Postal Service will revise DMM 705.8.10.2 to provide the option for mailers to prepare both the OMX and mixed ADC pallets at no minimum volume threshold, and to require the preparation of both pallets at volumes of 100 pounds or more. Mailers will be required to sack the bundles if they choose not to prepare either pallet level below the 100-pound threshold. The Postal Service also will require that mailers prepare the mixed ADC pallet in accordance with labeling list L009 instead of the currently required L004.

In response to inquiries from the mailing industry, the Postal Service also will provide an option for mailers of merged pallets of Periodicals, prepared under DMM 705.10, 705.12 and 705.13, to place Periodicals bundles directly on OMX and mixed ADC pallets.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register September 4, 2012.

Retirement of FASTforward Technology

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service proposes to revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 602.5.0 to terminate the use of FASTforward® technology as a Move Update option for commercial First-Class Mail®, First-Class Package Service™, Standard Mail®, and Parcel Select Lightweight™ mailings.

DATES: We must receive comments on or before October 4, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of "FASTforward Discontinuation" Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Hunt at 901-681-4651, or Bill Chatfield at 202-268-7278.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FASTforward, a licensed hardware/software change-of-address system, was developed in 1996 to enable Multi-Line Optical Character Reader (MLOCR) users a means to meet the Move Update requirement for their commercial mailings. Using the best technology then available, most of the FASTforward "black boxes" were 386/486 processors using secured cards and cabling operations. By 2009, many of the original black boxes were failing, and finding replacement parts became difficult. In February 2009, the USPS™ announced its intention to retire the FASTforward system by the end of FY2012 and migrate the licensees to the newer; more robust NCOALink® MPE (Mail Processing Equipment) licensed software system.

In August 2011, the USPS established an ad hoc workgroup consisting of postal personnel, MLOCR manufacturers, mailers, and representatives of the National Association of Presort Mailers (NAPM). The workgroup has worked to resolve all issues, enabling a smooth migration from the antiquated FASTforward system to the newer NCOALink MPE system.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register August 23, 2012.

Electronic Transmission of Customs Data - Outbound International Letter-Post Items

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule with comment period.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) to require that customs data be electronically transmitted for international letter-post mailpieces bearing a customs declaration form when the items are paid with a permit imprint.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 5, 2012. We must receive your comments on or before September 24, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of "Electronic Transmission of Customs Data." Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Klutts at 813-877-0372.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
In the final rule published on December 5, 2011 (76 FR 75786-75794), the Postal Service announced that, effective January 22, 2012, mailers paying the retail price would no longer be permitted to enter Express Mail International® or Priority Mail International® items bearing a permit imprint at a business mail entry unit (BMEU) since the information contained on the customs declaration was not electronically transmitted. That final rule supported policy changes to require the electronic transmission of customs data prior to mailing in a greater range of circumstances. Electronic transmission of customs data enables the Postal Service and other federal agencies to ensure mailers’ compliance with federal export requirements. Effective November 5, 2012, the same requirements will also apply to the following classes of mail when the item bears a PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender’s Declaration:

• First-Class Mail International®.
• Airmail M-bags
• International Priority Airmail™ (IPA®), including IPA M-bags.
• International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), including ISAL M-bags.

With this change, customs data must be electronically transmitted before a mailer can enter any mailpiece bearing a customs declaration at a BMEU. This update will assist the Postal Service and other federal agencies to monitor mailers’ compliance with federal export regulations that, among other things, prohibit certain goods from being sent to persons, entities, or countries determined to be adverse to U.S. interests. Data required to be transmitted includes the sender’s name and address, the addressee’s name and address, details about the item’s contents, and the date of mailing. In addition, for IPA and ISAL mailings prepared in direct country sacks, we will require mailers to generate a receptacle barcode that includes the shipment date and permit number. To comply with these standards, 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 globalbusinesssales@usps.gov.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register July 25, 2012.

Proposed Eligibility Criteria for Bound Printed Matter Parcels

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is considering the adoption of a new criterion for eligibility of Bound Printed Matter (BPM) parcels by adding a physical density threshold for individual mailpieces.

DATES: Comments on this advance notice are due September 10, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, D.C., by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 1-202-268-2906 in advance for an appointment. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of "New Eligibility for BPM Parcels." Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kayla Dobbs at 202-268-6753, or Wm. Kevin Gunther at 202-268-7208.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BPM parcels is an economical ground-based product containing qualifying bound printed matter, weighing no more than 15 pounds and requiring postage payment by permit imprint. BPM is primarily used by commercial shippers who do not require expedited delivery. This product is not available for purchase at Post Office™ retail units and is not typically used by non-business mailers.

Statutory requirements under title 39, U.S. Code, require that each class of mail or type of mail service bear the direct and indirect costs attributable to that class or service. In this regard, the Postal Service expenses related to the BPM parcel product continues to exceed the revenues generated by its sales. In fiscal year 2011, BPM parcels realized a 98.8% cost coverage.

Greater efficiency in the packaging of BPM parcels will provide for more expedient handling of BPM parcels and will contribute to the cost coverage of the BPM product. To that end, the Postal Service is considering the implementation of a new minimum mailpiece density requirement for BPM parcels, with an effective date targeted for July, 2013.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register June 29, 2012.

New Pallet Preparation Standards for Periodicals

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), to align pallet preparation standards for Periodicals with those currently required for Periodicals prepared in sacks and similar containers.

DATES: Submit comments on or before July 30, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, D.C., by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 1-202-268-2906 in advance for an appointment. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of "Periodicals Pallet Standards." Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Vance at 202-268-7595, or Kevin Gunther at 202-268-7208.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Prior to January 22, 2012, mailers were required to prepare bundles of flat-size Periodicals in mixed area distribution center (ADC) sacks (or similar containers), labeled according to labeling list L009; and in origin mixed ADC (OMX) sacks (or similar containers), labeled according to labeling list L201. These standards assured that the OMX and the mixed ADC separations were always made, and the sacks that were prepared could then be presented directly for acceptance or placed on pallets in accordance with DMM 705.8.10.2.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register June 7, 2012.

International Service Change – Timor-Leste

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
At the request of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the Postal Service is adding this country to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to reflect Timor-Leste's independence from Indonesia, and its joining the Universal Postal Union as a separate member country.

DATES: Effective Date: June 24, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Klutts at 813-877-0372.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The United States Postal Service® gives notice that, on May 7, 2012, the Postal Service filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a notice of a minor classification change to add the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste) to the Mail Classification Schedule (MCS). The Commission concurred with the notice in its Order No. 1351, issued on May 23, 2012. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket No. MC2012-17. Consequently, the Postal Service will revise IMM sections 213.5, 243.1, 292.452, 293.452, the Index of Countries and Localities, the Country Price Groups and Weight Limits, and the Individual Country Listings to add a listing for the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste).

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register June 6, 2012.

POSTNET Barcode Discontinuation

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

SUMMARY:
This document corrects an earlier revision to the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) which discontinued price eligibility based on the use of POSTNET™ barcodes on all types of mail. The correction adds DMM revisions that were inadvertently omitted in the original final rule.

DATES: Effective Date: January 28, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278 or Jeff Freeman, 202-268-2922.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On May 3, 2012, the Postal Service published a final rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 26185-26191) to discontinue price eligibility for POSTNET barcodes for all types of mail. This revision adds DMM revisions (regarding Periodicals automation letters and flats) that were inadvertently omitted in the original final rule, but does not change any of the DMM revisions previously published in that rule.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register May 16, 2012.

Outbound International Mailings of Lithium Batteries and Other Dangerous Goods

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) part 136, to incorporate standards that prohibit the outbound international mailing of lithium batteries and devices containing lithium batteries.

DATES: Effective Date: May 16, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Falwell at 202-268-2576.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service is taking this action to bring its international mailing standards into compliance with international standards for the acceptance of dangerous goods in international mail.

International standards have recently been the subject of discussion by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), and the Postal Service anticipates that on January 1, 2013, customers will be able to mail specific quantities of lithium batteries internationally, when the batteries are properly installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.

Until such time that a less restrictive policy can be implemented consistent with international standards, and in accordance with UPU Convention, lithium batteries are not permitted in international mail. The UPU Convention and regulations are consistent with the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions). The Technical Instructions concerning the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Post do not permit "dangerous goods" as defined by the ICAO Technical Instructions in international mail. Currently, the only exceptions to this general prohibition relate to certain medical materials, infectious substances and radioactive materials when they are treated in accordance with additional requirements listed in the Technical Instructions. Lithium-ion cells and lithium metal batteries are listed in the Technical Instructions as Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods. The prohibition on mailing lithium batteries and cells internationally also applies to mail sent by commercial air transportation to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register May 14, 2012.

Mailings of Lithium Batteries

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 601.10.20, to incorporate standards that prohibit the outbound international mailing of lithium batteries and devices containing lithium batteries. This prohibition also extends to the mailing of lithium batteries to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location. However, this prohibition does not apply to lithium batteries authorized under DMM 601.10.20 when mailed within the United States or its territories.

DATES: Effective Date: May 16, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Hall at 202-268-6010 or Margaret Falwell at 202-268-2576.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service is taking this action to bring its international mailing standards into compliance with international standards for the acceptance of dangerous goods in international mail.

International standards have recently been the subject of discussion by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), and the Postal Service anticipates that on January 1, 2013, customers will be able to mail specific quantities of lithium batteries internationally (including to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location) when the batteries are properly installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.

Until such time that a less restrictive policy can be implemented consistent with international standards, and in accordance with UPU Convention, lithium batteries are not permitted in international mail. The UPU Convention and regulations are consistent with the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions). The Technical Instructions concerning the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Post do not permit "dangerous goods" as defined by the ICAO Technical Instructions in international mail. The prohibition on mailing lithium batteries and cells internationally also applies to mail sent by commercial air transportation to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register May 9, 2012.

Periodicals — Recognition of Distribution of Periodicals via Electronic Copies

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 707.6 to permit limited reporting of electronic copies of Periodicals publications to satisfy the circulation standards for Periodicals qualification. Standards require that at least 50% of the circulated copies be distributed to those who subscribe to a general publication or request a Requester publication.

DATES: Effective Date: May 9, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Thomas 202-268-8069.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On, February 3, 2012, the Postal Service published a Federal Register proposed rule Periodicals – Recognition of Distribution of Periodicals via Electronic Copies (77 FR 5470-5471) revising DMM 707.6 by adding optional reporting of electronic copies of Periodicals publications as a legitimate form of distribution. Recent advances in technology allow distribution of Periodicals publications through various electronic media channels. According to the standards that govern the Periodicals class, all paid circulation for publications authorized in the General category, and all requested circulation for publications authorized in the Requester category, may be counted toward the publication's eligibility for Periodicals prices.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register May 3, 2012.

POSTNET Barcode Discontinuation

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) throughout various sections to discontinue price eligibility based on the use of POSTNET™ barcodes on all types of mail.

DATES: Effective Date: January 28, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278 or Jeff Freeman, 202-268-2922.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On March 2, 2012, the Postal Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 12764-12769) to discontinue price eligibility for POSTNET barcodes. For automation letters and flats and for Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM), an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb™) will be required.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register April 27, 2012.

Picture Permit Imprint Indicia

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 604.5 to add picture permit imprint indicia standards allowing customers to include business-related color images, such as corporate logos, company brand or trademarks, in the permit indicia area of First-Class Mail® full-service automation letters and postcards, and all Standard Mail® letters.

DATES: Effective Date: June 24, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nii-Kwashie Aryeetey 202-268-7442 or Suzanne Newman at 202-268-5581.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The use of picture permit imprint indicia is designed to improve the effectiveness of a mailpiece by including a business-related color image within the permit imprint indicia. When tested, indicia placed in the in the upper right corner of the mailpiece that contained color images did not impede the Postal Service’s ability to obtain the required postage payment information from the permit indicia.

Additionally, market research shows that customers believe that picture permit imprint indicia will enhance the perception of mail. Mailers indicated that they would use picture permit imprints for existing mail volume and some said they would increase their mail volumes if picture permit imprint indicia were allowed.

Therefore, this final rule expands current permit imprint standards to allow mailers to, subject to additional Postal Service standards, include a color image of a business-related design, such as corporate logos or trademarks, as part of their permit imprint indicia on full service automation IMb™ mailings, for a per piece fee in addition to postage. Mailers interested in picture permit imprint indicia may contact picturepermit@usps.com for more information.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register April 20, 2012.

Advance Notice of Implementation of Full-Service Intelligent Mail Required For Automation Prices

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is planning to move to the Full-Service Intelligent Mail® option to access automation prices for letters, postcards and flats, effective January 2014. The "Full-Service" Intelligent Mail program requires use of unique Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb™) applied to letter, postcard and flat mailpieces, trays, sacks, and containers, such as pallets, and submission of electronic mailing documentation. This plan includes the transition to the use of eDocumentation, along with additional information to support the By/For relationships, and replacement of the 10/24 transition tray label with the full use of the 24-digit tray label Intelligent Mail barcode format.

This Federal Register notice provides advance information to help mailers prepare and plan for the transition to Full-Service and asks for information about the possible challenges mailers perceive to moving to Full-Service, the operational changes they will have to make, the costs and benefits of those changes, and steps the Postal Service could take to assist mailers in moving to Full-Service. The USPS™ looks forward to mailer feedback on all aspects of this plan. In addition, the USPS strongly encourages current Full-Service users to provide feedback about the benefits and value-added they have experienced by converting to Full-Service.

DATES: Comments on this advance notice of proposed rulemaking are due June 4, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington DC 20260-5015. Comments and questions can also be emailed to mailingstandards@usps.gov using the subject line "Full-Service January 2014."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BACKGROUND
In January 2009, USPS offered the mailing industry two Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb™) options for automation discounts. The options included the "Full-Service" option, requiring unique IMbs, and the "basic" IMb option, which does not require unique barcodes. Currently, a large number of mailers are using the Full-Service and basic IMb options and enjoy the additional benefits and value of using these options.

As part of the transformation of data visibility and continued evolution of technological innovations, the Postal Service is planning to move to the Full-Service Intelligent Mail option to qualify for any automation letter, postcard, and flat prices, effective January 2014. Full-Service Intelligent Mail combines use of unique scan codes with the provision of electronic information on mail makeup and preparation to enable a variety of high-value services and efficient mail processing, and to establish a stronger partnership between mailers and the Postal Service. The vision is to create 100 percent visibility into the mail stream by 2014. This vision means that customers will know in real time where their mail or packages are in the postal network and precisely when they are delivered. Use of the IMb, especially Full-Service, allows the mailing industry to use information and technology to build value in the mail.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register March 28, 2012.

USPS Package Intercept — New Product Offerings

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule with comments.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 507.5 and 508.7 to implement second phase of USPS Package Intercept™ service introducing an electronic process for Commercial customers requesting USPS Package Intercept and other related features.

DATES: Effective Date: June 24, 2012. We must receive your comments on or before June 15, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of "Package Intercept — New Product Offerings". Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Key at 202-268-7492 or Suzanne Newman at 202-268-5581.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On January 22, 2012, USPS Package Intercept service was introduced as a new domestic service that replaced the former recall of mail process. Plans were announced to implement new features for USPS Package Intercept service using a phased-in approach. The Postal Service proposes to implement the second phase of the program on June 24, 2012, by offering an electronic application method for commercial customers to register and request USPS Package Intercept service through the Business Customer Gateway at https://gateway.usps.com/bcg/login.htm. Additional related features include allowing these customers to redirect

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register March 16, 2012.

Mobile Commerce and Personalization Promotion

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 709.3 to add a new temporary promotion in the summer of 2012 for Presorted and automation First-Class Mail® cards, letters and flats, and Standard Mail® letters and flats bearing two-dimensional mobile barcodes or equivalent print technology.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2012.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Krista Becker at 202-268-7345, Bill Chatfield at 202-268-7278, or mobilebarcode@usps.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On February 21, 2012, the Postal Service filed a notice (R2012-6) with the Postal Regulatory Commission to temporarily reduce the prices for certain types of First-Class Mail and Standard Mail letters items that contain, in or on the mailpiece, a transactional two-dimensional barcode or similar print technology such as watermarks or tags (collectively "Mobile Barcode" or "Mobile Barcodes") readable by consumer mobile devices. In recognition of the success of the mobile barcode promotion in the summer of 2011, the Postal Service offers a revised promotion from July 1, 2012, through August 31, 2012.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register March 2, 2012.

International Postal Service – Global Expedited Package Services (GEPS) Contracts

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) to incorporate a change concerning the requirements that a mailer must meet in order to qualify for a Global Expedited Package Services (GEPS) contract.

DATES: Effective date: April 1, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret M. Falwell, 202-268-2576.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The United States Postal Service® gives notice that, on January 30, 2012, the Postal Service filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a notice of a minor classification change for the international competitive product Global Expedited Package Services (GEPS) Contracts. The minor classification change concerns the requirements that a mailer must meet in order to qualify for a GEPS contract. This change is designed for consistency with published commercial plus pricing discounts for Express Mail International and Priority Mail International. The Commission concurred with the notice in its Order No. 1225, issued on February 10, 2012. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket No. MC2012-8.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register March 2, 2012.

POSTNET Barcode Discontinuation

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service proposes to revise various sections of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to set the timetable for discontinuing the use of POSTNET™ barcodes on all types of mail for price eligibility.

DATES: We must receive comments on or before April 2, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of "POSTNET Discontinuation."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278 or Jeff Freeman, 202-268-2922.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service's proposed rule includes the basis for discontinuing use of POSTNET barcodes and allowing only Intelligent Mail® barcodes (IMb™) for automation price eligibility purposes. The Postal Service understands that many mailers currently use POSTNET barcodes and we are committed to providing information to and working with individual mailers and software providers to ensure that the use of an Intelligent Mail barcode is achievable for all mailing customers. This proposed rule also contains the proposed revisions to the DMM to implement the changes.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

DATE: Published in the Federal Register February 3, 2012.

Periodicals — Recognition of Distribution of Periodicals via Electronic Copies

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:
The Postal Service proposes to revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 707.6, to allow publishers who use electronic distribution methods to report such circulation as paid or requested distribution, as applicable.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before March 5, 2012. Early comments are encouraged.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: Product Classification@usps.gov, with a subject line of "epublications." Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Thomas at 202-268-8069.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Recent advances in technology allow distribution of Periodicals publications through various electronic media channels. According to the standards that govern the Periodicals class, all paid circulation for publications authorized in the General category, and all requested circulation for publications authorized in the Requestor category may be counted toward the publication’s eligibility for Periodicals prices.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT