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MailPro
News for Mailing Professionals

The Forever Stamp can be used for International mail, but additional postage would need to be affixed.

Will pricing based on shape apply to First-Class Mail International items?

No.

I always used Publishers’ Periodicals rates to mail my publications. What practical options
will be available?

Mailing options for books and sheet music and Publishers' Periodicals include International Priority Airmail (IPA), M-bag and International Surface Air Lift (ISAL). "Single-piece" mailing options would be First-Class Mail International and Priority Mail International. Larger volume options also are available through ICM agreements.

What product lines can be sent with Registered Mail service?

Registered Mail service (without insurance) will be available for purchase for all First-Class Mail International items and for the Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope. Please see the IMM for country restrictions.

Besides the rates, will there be any other changes to IPA and ISAL?

Yes, a separate rate group is being established for Australia. In addition, an IPA M-bag option is being introduced.

Are there any significant changes to special services?

The structure of "extra services," formerly known as special services, remains unchanged except for the elimination of Recorded Delivery service.

Is there any change to initiating an inquiry for the new International Mail categories?

For International Mail, an inquiry must be initiated before a claim can be submitted. For GXG, Express Mail International and Priority Mail International, customers should call 1-800-222-1811 to initiate an inquiry. Upon determination that a claim can be filed, we will provide you with a claim packet, containing detailed instructions. If a customer receives an article from a foreign country in damaged condition, or with some or all contents missing, he or she needs to take the mailing container, wrapping, packaging and any other contents to any Post Office for inspection. The Postmaster will verify damage and have the customer complete PS Form 2855, Claim for Indemnity—International Registered Mail, Insured, Ordinary Parcel and Express Mail. Note that for Registered Mail, regardless of the declared value of a registered item, the maximum amount of indemnity payable for loss, damage or rifling is $44.86.

Can the Forever Stamp be used for International Mail?

Any nondenominated stamps (except for those that bear unique markings, such as First-Class Presort, Nonprofit Org.) may be affixed to items that are sent to foreign countries. The postage value of such stamps is linked to its appropriate domestic rate (e.g., the Lady Liberty and U.S. Flag stamp has a postage value of 39 cents). The postage value of the Forever Stamp will be the domestic First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter rate that is in effect on the day of use. Since international postage rates are always higher than the comparable domestic rates, additional postage would have to be affixed.

Can domestic stamped envelopes be used for International Mail?

Yes, but since international postage rates are always higher than the postage value, additional postage would have to be affixed.

Were the rates for postcards eliminated?

No, postcards are part of First-Class Mail International. The rates for eligible cards will be 69 cents to Canada and Mexico, 52 cents to the Marshall Islands and Micronesia and 90 cents to all other countries. Remember, for postcard rates, cards can be no larger than 4-1/4 by 6 inches.

Are International Reply Coupons (IRCs) still available?

Yes, the selling price will be $2.00 each. IRCs are exchangeable in any other UPU-member country for a stamp(s) representing the minimum postage for an unregistered air letter.

Is there still a nonmachinable surcharge for letters?

Yes, the nonmachinable surcharge for First-Class Mail International letters weighing 1 ounce or less is increased to 17 cents. As always, 1-ounce letters that do not meet aspect ratio or that have any nonmachinable characteristics would be subject to the nonmachinable surcharge.

I see that Aerogrammes are no longer available, but can Aerogrammes still be mailed?

Aerogrammes can be mailed as First-Class Mail International. However, since the First-Class Mail International rate is higher, additional postage would have to be affixed.