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June 1, 2005 Standard Mail Eligibility Standards
The new standards clarifying eligibility requirements for all Standard Mail take effect June 1, 2005. This clarification was published as a final rule in the October 27, 2004, Federal Register. Many customers have indicated they appreciate our efforts to clarify the line between what can be mailed as Standard Mail and what is required to be mailed as First-Class Mail. Knowing what constitutes personal information is an important step in determining whether a piece may be mailed as Standard Mail. As explained in the Federal Register final rule, the clarification did not change the process for I N S I D E USPS NEWS & Events CMO Corner PCSC – Making Headlines! Determining Standard Mail Eligibility Flowchart Redesign Postage Statements Released Domestic Mail Manual Redesign Businesses "Stick" To Their Message Mail Moment Study Escrow Rate Case Current & Proposed Rates Strategic Transformation Plan MPTQM- Certified Mailers What's New in the DMM? As Dr. Barcode INFO at USPS	making specific determinations without changing the standard for “personal information.” We provided the definition that personal information “includes any information specific to the addressee” along with an example taken from a customer support ruling (CSR), on how this principle is applied in practice. Updated CSRs, including ones that discuss, in typical situations, whether contents of mailpieces include “personal information” are now available. Additionally, new CSRs are added that assist with making decisions in the development of interesting and effective mail pieces. These new CSRs, which are based on actual mailpieces submitted, provide useful guidance for customers and are available on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com; click on “DMM Advisory.” Also, see the Determining Standard Mail Eligibility flowchart in this issue. Customers are encouraged to work with their local postmasters or business mail entry offices in the same manner as in the past, to obtain rulings and other guidance. PROPOSED AND CURRENT RATES INSIDE SEE R-1