Publication 417, Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Eligibility: Nonprofit and Other Qualified Organizations > 6 Content-Based Restrictions
6 Content-Based Restrictions
6-1 Overview
6-1.1 Effective Date
6-1.2 Summary of Restrictions
6-1.3 Legislative History
6-1.3.1 Public Law 101-509
6-1.3.2 Public Law 103-123
6-1.3.3 Public Law 103-329
6-1.4 Different Rules for Products and Advertisements
6-2 Summary of Process for Determining Eligibility of Mailpiece
6-3 Six-Step Process
6-3.1 Step 1: Examine Mailpiece for Products
6-3.1.1 Process
6-3.1.2 Restrictions and Provisions
6-3.1.3 Front-End and Back-End Premiums
6-3.1.4 Organization-Produced Material
6-3.1.5 Publications
6-3.2 Step 2: Determine If Products Meet Statutory Provisions
6-3.2.1 Process
6-3.2.2 Three Statutory Product Provisions
6-3.2.3 Low-Cost Item
6-3.2.4 Gift or Donated Item
6-3.2.5 Periodical Publication
6-3.3 Step 3: Examine Mailpiece for Advertisements
6-3.3.1 Process
6-3.3.2 Definition of Advertising
6-3.3.3 Advertising Matter
6-3.3.4 Premiums
6-3.3.5 Determining What Product or Service Is Advertised
6-3.3.6 An Organization’s Advertising of Its Publication
6-3.3.7 Nonadvertising Matter
6-3.3.8 References to Membership Benefits
6-3.3.9 Acknowledgments of Donors and Sponsors
6-3.3.10 Public Service Announcements
6-3.4 Step 4: Determine Prohibited or Restricted Advertisements
6-3.4.1 Process
6-3.4.2 Insurance Policies
6-3.4.3 Travel Arrangements
6-3.5 Step 5: Determine If the Mailpiece Meets Content Requirements for a Periodical Publication
6-3.5.1 Process
6-3.5.2 Content Requirements
6-3.5.3 Comparison With Other Tests
6-3.6 Step 6: Determine Substantial Relatedness of Advertised Products and Services
6-3.6.1 Substantially Related Requirement: Relation to Other Rules for Advertisements
6-3.6.2 Process
6-3.6.3 Organization’s Purpose
6-3.6.4 Determining Whether a Product or Service is Substantially Related
6-3.6.5 Specific Nature of Articles Need Not Be Considered