The USPS announced several new Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) advisory notices in the last two weeks. The notices follow below by date.

June 7, 2010

Booklets: New Optional Design for Letter-Sized Booklets
We revised 201.3.0 to modify language that refers to the bound edge of a booklet as an edge and to rename the bound edge as the spine; to modify the reference to cover paper for one design format; to extend booklet design parameters; and to introduce a second folding option in the folded booklet category.

New Deflection Standards for Commercial Flat-Size Mail
We revised 301.1.0 to implement new deflection standards on commercial flat-size mail.

New Facing Identification Mark (FIM) E Pattern
We revised 708.9.0 to add a new FIM E pattern that will be used for future customized services.

Click-N-Ship Insurance Indemnity Coverage Increase-Feasibility Test Extension
We revised 709.4.0 to extend the feasibility test period that permits the purchase of domestic Click-N-Ship online insurance coverage up to $5,000.00.

Labeling List Changes
We revised Labeling List(s) L001, L002, L003, L004, L005, L007, L008, L009, L011, L201, L606, and L607 to reflect changes in mail processing operations.

June 4, 2010

Change in Intelligent Mail Barcode Requirements for Letter-Size and Flat-Size Business Reply Mail, Courtesy Reply Mail
We recently revised the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to postpone the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) requirement for Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) and permit reply mail (PRM) pieces until May 2011. Current DMM standards, which we are not proposing to change, require an IMb on all BRM letters and on all PRM pieces as of May 2011.

This advance announcement is intended to provide customers with reasonable time to use up existing stock. We will be publishing a Federal Register proposed rule to require BRM flats (in addition to letters as stated above) to use an Intelligent Mail Barcode as of May 2011.  In addition, in the Federal Register proposed rule, Courtesy Reply Mail that does include a barcode must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode effective May 2011.

Published Federal Register Notices & Approaching DMM Revisions
The following four Federal Register notices have been published and are now posted on the Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com.

Business Reply Mail Online Application Option - eliminates the option to apply for a Business Reply Mail permit online. The application for applying online for Qualified Business Reply Mail is also being eliminated.

Restricting the Mailing of Replica or Inert Explosive Devices - adds new standards for items that are replicas or inert explosive devices must be sent by Registered Mail service only.

Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) - Nonpostal Documentation - clarifies that postal employees may, upon request, sign a bill-of-lading for a mailer's transportation provider as a courtesy to the customer. However, PS Form 8125 is the sole source of evidence for USPS purposes of the transfer of the custody of pieces entered at the time of induction. [This article will be in the July 1 Postal Bulletin].

Treatment of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco as Nonmailable Matter - implements the specific provisions of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act, which restricts the mailability of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco sent through the U.S. Postal Service. [Effective date is June 29, 2010].

June 2, 2010

New MailPro Available
The May/June MailPro is available now on usps.com/mailpro. You'll find informative articles on the 2010 National Postal Forum, new deflection standards, Intelligent Mail, and much more.