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236 Mail Preparation

236.1 Addressing

Name and address of sender and addressee must also be recorded on a separate slip enclosed in the parcel. See 122.

236.2 Marking

Parcels that are paid for at the Priority Mail International rate of postage must be marked “AIRMAIL” or “PAR AVION” or bear one of the two prescribed airmail labels (i.e., either PS Label 19-A or PS Label 19-B). The airmail marking or label should be placed below and to the left of the delivery address.

236.3 Sealing

236.31 Requirements

All international parcels must be sealed.

236.32 Sealing Materials

Senders must seal their own parcels. Wax, gummed-paper tape, nails, screws, wire, metal bands, or other materials may be used to seal parcels. The seal must be sufficient to allow detection of tampering.

236.4 Packaging

236.41 Packaging Requirements

Every parcel must be securely and substantially packed. In packing, the sender must consider the nature of the contents, the climate, the length of the journey, and the numerous handlings involved in the conveyance of international mail.

236.42 Types of Containers

Ordinary paperboard containers are not acceptable. Parcels must be packed in one of the following:

  1. Canvas or similar material.
  2. Double-faced corrugated or solid (minimum 275-pound test) fiber boxes or cases.
  3. Strong wooden boxes made of lumber at least 1/2-inch thick or plywood of at least three plies.
236.43 Use of Wrapping Paper

Heavy wrapping paper or waterproof paper is permitted only as the outside covering of a carton.

236.44 Boxes With Screwed or Nailed Lids

If otherwise acceptable, boxes with screwed- or nailed-on lids and bags closed by sewing may be used. Heavy objects, such as cans of food, must be surrounded with other contents or packing material in order to prevent their shifting within the parcel. For illustrations or recommended packing procedures, see DMM 601.

236.45 Customs Forms Required

All Priority Mail International parcels must bear PS Form 2976-A.

236.46 Nonpostal Documentation

Forms required by nonpostal export regulations are described in chapter 5.




ARCHIVED IMM
ARCHIVED IMM