
124.52 Antique Firearms.
Antique firearms sent as curios or museum pieces may be accepted for
mailing without regard to the provisions of 124.513 through
124.516.

124.53 Rifles and Shotguns.
While unloaded rifles and shotguns not precluded by 124.511 and
124.512e are mailable, mailers must comply with the Gun Control Act
of 1968, Public Law 90-618, 18 USC 921, et seq., and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, 26 CFR 178, as well as state and local
laws.  The mailer may be required by the Postal Service to establish, by
opening the parcel or by written certification, that the gun is unloaded and
not precluded by 124.512e.  It is recommended that all such mailings
be sent by registered mail.

124.54 Legal Opinions About Mailing Firearms.
Postmasters are not authorized to give opinions concerning the legality of
any shipment of rifles or shotguns (see 124.125).

124.55 Switchblade and Ballistic Knives

124.551 When Mailable.
Knives (including sharp-pointed instruments such as stilettos which lack
cutting edges) having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure
applied to a button or other device in the handle, or by operations of
inertia, gravity, or both, or having a detachable blade that is propelled by a
spring-operated mechanism, are mailable only when sent to

a.
The following designated supply or procurement officers and employees
ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives for use in connection with the
activities of their respective governments or organizations:

(1)
Civilian or Armed Forces supply or procurement officers and employees of
the Federal Government.

(2)
Supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National
Guard, or the militia of a state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

(3)
Supply or procurement officers or employees of the municipal government of
the District of Columbia or of the government of any state or territory, or of
any county, city, or other political subdivision of a state or territory.

b.
Manufacturers of such knives, or bona fide dealers therein, in connection
with a shipment made pursuant to an order from any person designated in
124.551a.  (For advertisements for the mailing of switchblade and
ballistic knives, see 123.441.)

124.552 Identification of Addressee.
When the postmaster of the delivery office, or the carrier responsible for
delivering it, has knowledge that a shipment (or parcel) contains an article
or articles described in 124.551, before making delivery, he must
satisfy himself that the addressee is in one of the categories of
124.551a.  This provision does not authorize anyone to open any mail
article not addressed to himself (see 115.2).

124.553 Explanation of Mailing.
When the postmaster is in doubt as to the mailability of a proposed
shipment of ballistic or switchblade knives, in mail which is not sealed
against inspection, he may ask the mailer to furnish a written statement
explaining how the mailing complies with this section.  If the explanation is
not satisfactory, the postmaster must forward it to the appropriate rates and
classification center, for a ruling.  This provision does not authorize the
detention of mail which is sealed against inspection (see 115.3).

124.56 Marking Parcels of Firearms or Switchblade or Ballistic Knives.
No markings of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents may
be placed on the outside wrapper or container of any parcel containing
firearms or ballistic or switchblade knives.

124.57 Sharp Objects and Knives.
Sharp-pointed or sharp-edged instruments such as knives, tools, ice picks,
razor blades, which are otherwise mailable, must be wrapped to protect their
points and edges from cutting through the outer carton in which they are
shipped.

124.6 Perishable Matter

124.61 Time Factor.
Mailable, perishable matter may be sent through the mail only if it can
reach its destination in good condition in the normal transit time between the
mailing and address points.  Mailable, perishable foods may be shipped at the
mailer's risk, provided they are not subject to rapid decay or do not generate
obnoxious odors.  Express Mail, Priority Mail, special handling, or special
delivery service is recommended.

124.62 Preparation

a.
Containers used to ship perishable matter must be constructed to protect
and securely contain the contents.

b.
Fruits and vegetables are not mailable unless presented in dry condition.

c.
Water ice used as a refrigerant must be packed as though it were a liquid
in accordance with 121.53.  Parcels containing dry ice (carbon
dioxide solid) must be packed in containers which permit the release of carbon
dioxide gas.  If a fiberboard box is used, sufficient insulation is necessary
to prevent condensation and wetting of the shipping carton.

124.63 Live Animals

a. Live Day-Old Poultry.
Live day-old chickens, ducks, geese, partridges, pheasants,* guinea fowl,
quail, and turkeys are acceptable in the mail only under the conditions listed
below.  (*Pheasants may only be mailed during the period April through August.)

(1)
They must be presented for mailing in the original unopened hatchery box
from the hatchery of origin.

(2)
The date and hour of hatching must be noted on the box by a representative
of the hatchery who has personal knowledge thereof.  (In the case of COD
shipments made by a hatchery for the account of others, the name or initials
and address of the hatchery or the post office box number and address of the
hatchery must be prominently shown in connection with this requirement.)

(3)
They must not be over 24 hours old.

(4)
The box must be properly ventilated and of proper construction and strength
to bear safe transmission in the mail.  (These boxes must not be stacked more
than 10 high.)

(5)
They can be delivered to the addressee within 72 hours of the time of
hatching, regardless of whether the addressee resides in town or on a rural or
highway contract route.

(6)
They must be mailed sufficiently early in the week to avoid receipt at the
office of address, in case of missed connections, on a Sunday, on a national
holiday, or on the afternoon preceding a Sunday or holiday.

(7)
Shipments must not be forwarded to the addressee from the office of origin
address nor returned to mailer if delivery cannot be made to either the
addressee or sender within 72 hours of the time of hatching, but must be
disposed of in accordance with 159.437b(1).  Shipments delayed
beyond the 72-hour limit by washouts, snow blockades, wrecks, and the like,
must be disposed of by postmasters in accordance with 159.437b(1).

(8)
If a COD shipment is received at the office of address and it is not
promptly accepted by the addressee, it must be held for delivery until the
expiration of the 72-hour period from the time of hatching, if there is a
possibility that delivery may be made within that period.  If, at the
expiration of the 72-hour period, the shipment has not been accepted, it will
be sold.  COD shipments are not sold to the original addressee unless paid for
in full, including all postal service charges.  If the parcel is sent as
ordinary or insured mail, it must be disposed of in accordance with
159.437b(1).

(9)
Boxes of day-old poultry of approximately identical size, securely fastened
together to prevent separation in transit, may be accepted for mailing as a
single parcel, provided such parcel does not exceed 100 inches in length and
girth combined.

(10)
Day-old poultry, originally shipped by air express or air cargo and then
presented for mailing, must be in first-class condition, and prepared in
accordance with paragraphs 124.63a(1) through 124.63a(6).

(11)
The shipments must bear special delivery or special-handling postage in
addition to regular postage, except those sent at the First-Class Mail rate.

(12)
Day-old poultry vaccinated with Newcastle Disease (live virus) are
nonmailable.

(13)
Each box should bear, in addition to the address label on top, another
address label on the side, or the narrow end if the box is rectangular in
shape, to eliminate unnecessary handling when boxes are stacked.

(14)
Whenever live, day-old poultry is to be transported by aircraft, all
provisions of the airline tariffs must be met and air carriers must have
equipment available to safely deliver shipments within the specified time
limitations, allowing for delays en route in air and ground transportation.

(15)
Day-old pheasants may only be accepted in the mail during the period April
through August each year.

b. Other Animals

(1) Mailable

(a)
Small, harmless, coldblooded animals (except snakes and turtles) which do
not require food or water or attention during handling in the mail and which
do not create sanitary problems or obnoxious odors are mailable.  For example,
the following are mailable:  baby alligators and caymans not exceeding 20
inches in length, bloodworms, earthworms, mealworms, salamanders, leeches,
lizards, snails, and tadpoles.

(b)
Adult chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, doves, pigeons, pheasants,
partridges, and quail, as well as ducks, geese, and swans sent by Express Mail
in biologically secure containers approved by the Office of Classification and
Rates Administration are mailable, if next day delivery is available, if the
number of birds per parcel is in accordance with the container manufacturer
limits, and if individual birds weigh more than 6 ounces.  Indemnity is paid
only for loss, damage, or rifling, as provided in 295.3 and
295.4.

Note:  Animals mailed into the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
require a permit issued by the Director of Agriculture of that Territory.

(2) Nonmailable.
No warmblooded animals, except the specified birds under specific
conditions, are acceptable.  The following are examples of animals which are
not mailable: hamsters, mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs,
squirrels, parakeets, and canaries (see also 124.141b).

Note:  Animals are restricted in the mail, because of health, humane
treatment, handling and transportation feasibility, and related cost
considerations.

c. Insects

(1)
Bees are acceptable in the continental surface mail when shipped in
accordance with Federal and state regulations to ensure that they are free of
disease.  Packages of honeybees must bear special delivery or special handling
postage, except those sent at the First-Class Mail rate. Only queen honeybees
may be shipped by aircraft.

(2)
Other live, nonpoisonous, and nondisease-conveying insects may be sent
through the mail when properly prepared for mailing and when shipped in
accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  When such
insects are mailed into the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, they are
also subject to regulations of the Director of Agriculture of that Territory.

d. Live Scorpions.
Live scorpions which are to be used for purposes of medical research or for
the manufacture of antivenom are accepted only in the continental surface mail
when packaged in a double mailing container, both parts of which are closed or
fastened to prevent escape of the scorpions.  The inner container must be of
material which cannot be punctured by the scorpions and must be plainly marked
"Live Scorpions."  Cushioning materials must be used when necessary to prevent
shifting of the inner container.  The outer container must be of sufficient
strength to prevent crushing of the package or exposure of the contents during
normal handling in the mail, and also must be plainly marked "Live Scorpions."

e. Packaging.
Shipping containers for mailable animals must be, at a minimum, made of
275-pound test, double wall, corrugated, weather-resistant fiberboard (W5c) or
equivalent and must be adequately ventilated.  They must be constructed to
prevent escape of the animals while in the mail and to preclude the container
and its contents from being crushed in normal handling.  They must be marked
with a return address and a description of the contents.  Packages marked "If
Undeliverable, Abandon" shall not be accepted.

f. Acceptance.
Postmasters must not accept any shipment of animals that they reasonably
believe cannot reach its destination in a viable condition.  In addition to
the requirements of 124.63a through 124.63e, in determining
whether to accept live animals for mailing, postmasters must consider the
following:

(1)
Expected temperatures (weather conditions) while in the mail;

(2)
Types of vehicles on which they are to be transported;

(3)
Expected transit time; and

(4)
Types of packaging, including protection against suffocation, crushing, and
handling impacts.

g.  Disposal.
Parcels of live animals that cannot be delivered to the addressee or
returned to the sender within 72 hours (in the case of live day-old poultry)
or the timeframe specified for delivery indicated on the parcel (for other
animals), must be immediately disposed of in accordance with
159.437b(1).  Undeliverable parcels containing other live animals,
not subject to an indicated timeframe must be immediately disposed of in
accordance with 159.437b(1), if it reasonably appears that the
animals cannot be returned to the sender in a viable condition.

124.64 Dead Wild Animals.
The dead bodies, or parts thereof, of any wild animals, wild birds, or eggs
are acceptable for mailing only when they have been lawfully killed or taken,
and their shipment is not prohibited by law of the United States or of the
state, territory, district, or foreign country or subdivision thereof in which
killed or taken or offered for shipment.  Mailing of fresh game is also
subject to requirements of 124.64.

124.65 Furs, Hides, Skins, or Pelts

a.
Parcels containing fur, hides, skins, or pelts of wild animals are mailable
only when their contents are properly dried or cured, have no offensive odor,
and are plainly marked, labeled, or tagged on the outside with the names and
addresses of the shipper and addressee, together with such endorsement, if
any, as may be required by state laws.

b.
Hides and pelts must be wrapped when necessary to prevent damage to other
mail.

124.66 Mailing Plants (39 USC 3014; 18 USC 1716B)

124.661  General.
In general, plants and plant products are mailable within the United States
and its territories and possessions.  However, to prevent the spread of plant
pests, diseases, and insect infestations, the movement of plants, plant pests,
plant products, and other related matter, through the mail and otherwise, is
subject to certain restrictions and prohibitions of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA).

124.662  Mailing Restrictions.
As provided in 39 USC 3014(b), any plant, plant product, or other article
capable of carrying a dangerous plant disease or insect infestation is
nonmailable from a quarantined area, if the movement of any such item by
common carrier is prohibited by a USDA quarantine that has been established
pursuant to 7 USC 161.

124.663  Exceptions.
Any such plant, plant product, or other article is mailable from a
quarantined area if (a) its movement by common carrier is allowed under
conditions prescribed in the notice of quarantine or in other USDA
regulations, issued under 7 USC 161, governing its inspection, disinfection,
certification, and other conditions for its movement and (b) if its movement
by mail complies with all such conditions.

124.664  Penalties.
18 USC 1716B provides criminal penalties for mailing anything nonmailable
under 39 USC 3014(b), unless the item is excepted under postal regulations.

124.665  USPS Regulations.
Publication 14, Mailing Plants, describes pertinent portions of
these restrictions and prohibitions, and prescribes procedures for their
application consistent with the mail security regulations in DMM
115.  It also prescribes packaging requirements for plants allowed
in the mail.

124.666  USDA Notices and Regulations.
USDA quarantine notices, issued under 7 USC 161, are prominently displayed
at post offices within the respective quarantined areas.  They are also
published in the Federal Register and codified in 7 CFR (see, e.g., 7
CFR 301 and 318).  Detailed information concerning them, as well as other USDA
regulations, may be obtained by writing to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices).

124.7 Building Construction Materials.
Building construction materials are not mailable if their acceptance and
processing are likely to damage or injure mail, postal employees, or postal
property.  Factors considered include but are not limited to whether the
matter may pose potential storage problems at the facilities that may handle
and store the matter; whether the volume of materials may impede the flow of
mail in Postal Service transportation or mail distribution systems; whether
the volume of materials may lead to security problems; and whether the
processing of the matter may create safety hazards for postal employees.

125 Mail Addressed From, To, or Between Military Post Offices Overseas

125.1 Preparation and Handling

125.11 Postage.
See 780 for parcels sent by surface mail and 383 for
parcels sent by air.

125.12 Packaging Requirements.
In addition to meeting the requirements in 121 and specific
packaging requirements for items mailable under 124, packages
addressed from, to, or between overseas military post offices must, as a
minimum, be packed in containers equivalent to the fiberboard boxes specified
in 121.321c.  Wood, metal, or plastic containers of similar strength
are equally acceptable. All containers of liquids and substances which easily
liquefy must be packed, with sufficient absorbent material to take up all
leakage in case of breakage, inside a second sealed waterproof container.

125.13 Addressing.
See 122.8.

125.14  Weight and Size.
See 751 for parcels sent by surface mail and 351 for
parcels sent as First-Class zone-rated (Priority) Mail, if there is no
exception to the size and weight limitations.

125.15 Airlift Mail

125.151
First-Class letter mail, including postal cards and postcards, and
sound-recorded communications having the character of personal correspondence
are given airlift service on a space-available basis between overseas military
post offices outside the 48 contiguous States, and between those military post
offices and the point of embarkation or debarkation of such mail within the 50
States.  See 134.2 for these same articles mailed by certain
servicemen.  When postage is paid on sound recordings, they must be marked by
the mailer on the address side "Sound Recorded Personal Correspondence" to
ensure airlift service.  Those mailed free under 134.2 must be marked
only as required by that section.

125.152
Parcels of any class paid at surface postage rates not exceeding the weight
and size limits in 125.152a and 125.152b are airlifted to,
from, or between overseas military post offices outside the 48 contiguous
States.  These parcels must be marked with the large letters SAM (space
available mail) on the address side, preferably below the postage and above
the name of the addressee.  Postal employees must place these letters on all
such parcels at the time of acceptance

a.
when mailed from the 48 contiguous States, the weight and size limits are
not more than 15 pounds in weight and not more than 60 inches in length and
girth combined; and

b.
when mailed from an APO or FPO outside the 48 contiguous States, the weight
and size limits are not more than 70 pounds in weight and not more than 100
inches in length and girth combined.

125.153
Mail sent either thirdor fourth-class may qualify for parcel airlift
service (PAL), which provides for air transportation on a space-available
basis to or from military post offices outside the contiguous 48 States.  An
additional fee is charged for PAL services (see 918).

125.154
Airlift service in 125.152 and 125.153 is not provided
for mailings of publications sent in bulk to exchanges or news agents for
subsequent resale or distribution.

125.155
Second-class publications published once each week or more frequently and
featuring principally current news of interest to members of the Armed Forces
and the general public, which are mailed at or addressed to any Armed Forces
post office outside the 48 contiguous States, are given the airlift service
provided in 125.152.

125.16 General Restrictions

125.161
Hazardous, restricted, or perishable materials mailed to, from, and between
overseas military post offices are subject to the mailability conditions of
the International Mail Manual, 130.  Also, see Publication 52,
Acceptance of Hazardous, Restricted, or Perishable Matter, 630.

125.162
Firearms are subject to the provisions of 124.

a.
To export firearms not specifically prohibited by footnote F of
Conditions Applied to Mail Addressed to Military Post Offices Overseas,
see Postal Bulletin 21658, 2-11-88, pages 3-10.  A mailer
exporting permissible firearms must present an export license from the Office
of Munitions Control, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-0001 (see the
International Mail Manual).

b.
The following provisions govern the importation of firearms by military
personnel by mail from overseas military post offices in accordance with
Revenue Ruling 69-309, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF):

(1)
Incident to a permanent change of duty or release from active duty, any
member of the Armed Forces who has been stationed on active duty outside the
United States for the preceding 60 days may, without an import permit, present
up to three rifles or shotguns, mailable under 124.5 to the
appropriate Armed Forces transportation officer to be forwarded to the
member's residence as unaccompanied baggage officially shipped through the
U.S. Mail.  Firearms imported in this manner must be intended for the member's
personal use.

(2)
Any member of the Armed Forces who wishes to import more than three
firearms, mailable under 124.5, must prepare ATF Form 6 and comply
with Department of Defense regulation 5030.49-R and other appropriate military
directives.

(3)
The three-firearm limitation does not apply to firearms, mailable under
124.5, for which the member of the Armed Forces has proof of prior
ownership in the United States.  The member may personally mail these other
firearms back into the United States or any of its possessions, if he can
establish to the satisfaction of the U.S. Customs Service that he previously
took the firearms out of the United States or any of its possessions.

(4)
Any member of the Armed Forces importing firearms under paragraphs
125.162b(1), 125.162b(2), or 125.162b(3) of this
subsection must prepare ATF Form 6-A under 27 CFR 178.114(b), and he or his
authorized agent must furnish this form and associated certification to the
Customs officer releasing the firearms.

125.163
For regulations on the importation of animal and plant products, see
Publication 4, Importing Animal and Plant Products Through Overseas
Military Post Offices.

125.164
Mail addressed for delivery to retirees at military post offices overseas
is limited to less than 1 pound in weight when the designation "Box R" is part
of the address or when the letter "R" precedes the APO or FPO number. This
restriction does not apply to mail which is endorsed "Free Matter for the
Blind or Handicapped."

125.2  Conditions Prescribed by the Department of Defense.
See Conditions Applied to Mail Addressed to Military Post Offices
Overseas in the Postal Bulletin.  This table is published in its
entirety approximately twice a year.  Changes to the table are published in
the Bulletin as they occur.

125.3 Military Ordinary Mail (MOM)

125.31
The letters MOM are an acronym for military ordinary mail.  This is a
category of overseas military mail authorized by the Department of Defense
(DOD) for use on mail originated by elements of DoD or by contractors to whom
MOM privileges are granted by DOD.  DOD limits the use of MOM to official mail
sent at second-, third-, or fourth-class postage rates but which, in
accordance with DOD criteria, is determined to require faster service over
that of sealift transportation to, from, and between overseas points.

125.32
DOD requires the sender to identify each piece of official mail for which
MOM service is intended by applying the letters MOM on the address side of
each mailpiece, below the postage or penalty mail indicia and above the name
of the addressee.  The letters MOM shall be of a size, shape, or color that
make them obvious.

125.33
The size and weight limitations of MOM parcels are the same as those for
ordinary second-, third-, or fourth-class mail.

125.34
Postal Service transportation of MOM is by surface means.  Expedited
service for MOM is determined and provided by and at the expense of DOD.

125.4 Privacy of Mail in the Military Postal System Overseas.
Information about mail security and mail cover regulations prescribed by
the Department of Defense for mail in the military postal system overseas may
be obtained from the Department of Defense.

126 Mail Sent via Department of State to U.S. Government Personnel Abroad

126.1 Availability

126.11 General.
The Department of State makes its facilities available for the transmission
of certain types of personal mail to authorized U.S. citizen employees of the
Federal Government stationed in other countries. Authorized use of these
facilities permits the mailer to pay domestic instead of international postage
rates and to avoid foreign customs clearance requirements.  Mailers should
recognize, however, that the Department of State prescribes certain service
limitations and requirements which are subject to change and which may differ
among Foreign Service posts.  The Department generally does not accept
dangerous or fragile material or goods from sources outside of the United
States.

126.12 Compliance.
The Department of State opens and inspects mail sent to it for transmission
abroad to determine whether the mail complies with this regulation and with
the Department of State's further requirements.  Mail which does not comply
may be returned by the Department of State to the Postal Service for
appropriate disposition.

126.13 If Not Available.
If the facilities of the Department of State are not available, senders may
write or mail articles to the addressee directly, using either regular
international mail services (see the International Mail Manual) or, if
the addressee has been assigned an APO or FPO address, using applicable
military mail services (see 125).  Information on whether the
addressee has an APO or FPO address is obtained directly from the addressee.

126.14 Further Information.
Current information on services provided to particular Foreign Service
posts abroad via the facilities of the Department of State should be obtained
by writing to the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Pouch Division (for
address, see Address List in Appendices) or telephoning (202) 647-6575.

126.2 Mailing Conditions for Authorized Mail

126.21 Mailability.
Postal mailability standards (see International Mail Manual, 130)
apply to mail sent to the Department of State for transmission abroad, in
addition to any restrictions imposed by the Department of State on what may be
transmitted abroad through its facilities.

126.22 Addressing

126.221
The following form of address must be used for all envelopes and for
packages weighing 2 pounds or less authorized for transmission by the
Department of State:




]
]


NAME
FOREIGN CITY (omit name of country)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON DC  20520]




126.222
Magazines, newspapers, and packages over 2 pounds authorized for
transmission by the Department of State must be addressed as above with ZIP
Code 20521.

126.223
Mail addressed for delivery through the Agency for International
Development (AID) using the ZIP Code 20523 is subject to the requirements of
this section.

126.23 Special Services Not Available.
Registry, insurance, special delivery, special handling, return receipt for
merchandise, Express Mail, and COD services are not available for mail
transmitted through Department of State facilities.  When addressed for
transmission via the Department of State, mail sent by any special service
above is returned to the sender endorsed "Service Not Available."

126.24 Weight and Size Limits.
No package may weigh more than 40 pounds or exceed 24 inches in length or
62 inches in length and girth combined.

126.25 Postage Rates.
Postage for mail sent abroad via the facilities of the Department of State
is to be paid at the applicable domestic rate for the class of mail and the
type of service desired.  For mail subject to zone rates, the postage rates
from the mailing office to Washington, DC, apply.

126.26 International Postal Forms.
Customs declarations, stickers, etc., are not required on mail sent through
Department of State facilities.

126.3 Prohibited Materials

126.31 Dangerous or Fragile Material.
The Department of State does not accept dangerous or fragile materials for
transmission through its facilities.  The Department maintains examples of
such materials in its regulations.  These include materials not mailable under
International Mail Manual, 130, as well as glass containers, and any
parcels not meeting the Department's size and weight limitations set out in
126.24.  Also, see Publication 52, Acceptance of Hazardous,
Restricted, or Perishable Matter, 630.

126.32 Other Prohibitions.
The Department of State's regulations as of June 1980 also contained the
following list of materials which it does not accept for transmission:

a.
The personal effects of deceased U.S. citizens.

b.
Any item which is illegal to import into the receiving country or export
from the sending country.

c.
Any goods from third-country sources addressed to the Department of State
requiring clearance by customs authorities before onward shipment to posts
abroad.

d.
Alcoholic beverages, plants, and animals.

e.
Foodstuffs in excess of 25 pounds per authorized individual per calendar
year.

f.
Any items shipped to circumvent the weight limitations provided for
household effects, air freight, and food allowances.  The prohibition in
126.32f does not preclude the occasional shipment of clothing, gifts,
printed materials, personal necessities, or household wares.

126.33 Current Information.
Current information on prohibitions maintained by the Department of State
should be obtained from the office listed in 126.14.

126.4 Security of Mail Sent via Department of State.
The Department of State does not assume any liability for loss or damage to
any mail it accepts for transmission abroad.  The sender, by using the
Department's facilities, consents to examination by the Department by means
such as x-ray; letter-bomb detector; and opening, searching, and divulging the
contents of any package.  The Department of State will not open a sealed
envelope which it believes to contain only correspondence or documents, except
with the consent of the sender or addressee or under a Federal search warrant.
 

127 Minimum Sizes
The following minimum size standards apply to all mailable matter:

a.
All mailpieces must be at least 0.007 inch thick.

b.
All mailpieces (other than keys and identification devices mailed pursuant
to 611.13) which are 1/4 inch thick or less must be

(1)
rectangular in shape,

(2)
at least 3-1/2 inches high, and

(3)
at least 5 inches long.

c.
Except for pieces mailed at third-class carrier-route rates, the placement
(orientation) of the address on the mailpiece establishes which dimensions are
its height and length.  The length is the dimension that is parallel to the
address as read; the height is perpendicular to the length.

d.
Because of the placement (orientation) of the address, a mailpiece may not
meet the minimum size standards in 127b.  Except for keys and
identification devices (see 611.3), all pieces that do not meet the
minimum size standards in 127a and 127b are nonmailable and
prohibited from the mail.  Use Notice 5, Return to Sender, to return
to the sender any nonmailable piece found in the mailstream.  Process pieces
that lack a return address as provided in 159.

e.
Because of the placement (orientation) of the address, a mailable piece of
First-Class Mail or single-piece rate third-class mail weighing 1 ounce or
less may be subject to a nonstandard surcharge (see 353 or
629.23).

f.
Determine the processing category of a mailpiece (see 128) solely
by its physical dimensions regardless of the placement of the address.

128 Processing Categories

128.1 General

a.
Separate all mail into one of five processing categories.  The criteria for
each category are based solely on the physical dimensions of a mailpiece,
regardless of the placement (orientation) of the address on the piece.  The
five categories are

(1)
letter size,
(2)
flat size,
(3)
machinable parcels,
(4)
irregular parcels, and
(5)
outside parcels.

b.
Unless specifically permitted by regulations, bulk mailings may not consist
of pieces from more than one category.

128.2 Letter Size.
Letter-size mail is matter with the following dimensions:



A.  Minimum (inches)

Length - 5 in.
Height - 3-1/2 in.
Thickness - .007 in.

B.  Maximum (inches)

Length - 11-1/2 in.
Height - 6-1/8 in.
Thickness - 1/4 in.



128.3 Flat Size.
Flat-size mail is unwrapped, paper-wrapped, sleeve-wrapped, and enveloped
matter exceeding one or more of the maximum dimensions for letter-size mail
(see 128.2) but not exceeding any of the maximum dimensions for
flat-size mail.



A.  Minimum (inches)

Length - over 11-1/2 in., or
Height - over 6-1/8 in., or
Thickness - over 1/4 in.

B.  Maximum (inches)

Length - 15 in.
Height - 12 in.
Thickness - 3/4 in.




128.4 Machinable (Regular) Parcels

128.41 Criteria.
Machinable pieces are those that can be processed by bulk mail center
parcel sorters.  This includes parcels meeting the following minimum and
maximum criteria and not having any characteristics that would make them flat
size (128.3), irregular parcels (128.5), or outside
parcels (128.6).




A.  Minimum (inches/ounces)

Length - 6 in.
Width - 3 in.
Height/Thickness - 1/4 in.
Weight - 8 oz.
Note:  Pieces weighing between 6 and 8 ounces are machinable, if all
sides are rectangular in shape.

B.  Maximum (inches/pounds)

Length - 34 in.
Width - 17 in.
Height/Thickness - 17 in.
Weight - 35 lbs.

Note:  For books or other printed matter, the maximum weight is 25
pounds.


128.42 Soft Goods in Paper Bags or Plastic Bags.
Soft goods wrapped in paper bags or plastic bags are machinable, provided

a.
all other machinability criteria of 128.4 are met, and

b.
the parcels conform to the packaging requirements and guidelines of
121.74 for soft goods.

128.43 Enveloped Printed Matter.
Enveloped printed matter weighing up to 5 pounds is machinable, providing

a.
all other machinability criteria of 128.4 are met, and

b.
the parcels conform to the packaging requirements of 121.324.

128.44 Exceptions.
Some parcels which do not meet all the general criteria may be successfully
processed on BMC parcel sorters.  For example, a film case may be a machinable
parcel.  A BMC general manager may authorize mailers to enter such parcels as
machinable parcels rather than as irregular parcels, if properly labeled.
Film cases must be identified as required by 753.2m.

128.45 Exclusions.
Pieces meeting the criteria of flat size (see 128.3), irregular
parcels (see 128.5), or outside parcels (see 128.6) are
not machinable.  Specific items which are not machinable are

a.
rolls and tubes,

b.
paper-wrapped or sleeve-wrapped printed matter,

c.
merchandise samples which are not individually addressed,

d.
enveloped materials not reinforced with tape or not meeting the
requirements of 128.43,

e.
articles not securely packaged, and

f.
unpackaged articles.

128.5 Irregular Parcels.
Irregular parcels are parcels which cannot be processed by BMC parcel
sorters.  This includes parcels with any of the following characteristics:

a.
Length less than 6 inches.
b.
Width less than 3 inches.
c.
Height/thickness less than 1/4 inch.
d.
Weight less than 8 ounces.  Exception:  Pieces weighing between 6 and 8
ounces are machinable if all sides are rectangular in shape.

e.
Rolls and tubes up to 26 inches long.

f.
Merchandise samples which are not individually addressed.

g.
Unwrapped, paper-wrapped, or sleeve-wrapped articles which are not letter
size (see 128.2) or flat size (see 128.3).

h.
Articles enclosed in envelopes which are not letter size (see
128.2), flat size (see 128.3), or machinable parcels (see
128.4).

128.6 Outside Parcels.
Outside parcels are those parcels which because of size, shape, density,
container, or contents cannot be processed in postal sacks.  They include
parcels having any of the following characteristics:

a.
Length over 34 inches.

b.
Width over 17 inches.

c.
Height/thickness over 17 inches.

d.
Weight over 35 pounds.  Exception:  Cartons of books and other printed
matter weighing over 25 pounds are outside parcels.

e.
High-density parcels weighing more than 15 pounds and exerting more than 60
pounds per-square-foot (.4167 pound per-square-inch) pressure on their
smallest side; e.g., metal castings, hardware, machine parts, auto parts, and
similar heavy items.  Exception:  This provision does not apply to books and
other printed matter.  To determine if a parcel exerts more than 60 pounds
per-square-foot pressure on its smallest side,

(1)
determine the weight of the parcel and the surface area of the smallest
side in square inches, and

(2)
divide the weight of the parcel by the number of square inches on the
smallest side of the parcel.  A result of more than .4167 pound per square
inch indicates that the parcel exerts a pressure of more than 60 pounds per
square foot on its smallest side.

Examples:





MeasurementPressure
Weight ofof smallestSquareper square
Parcelside (inches)inchesinch


1. 25 lbs6 X 636.6944
2. 30 lbs12 X 896.3125
3. 25 lbs12 X 672.3472




Note:  See 121.73 for packaging high-density parcels.

f. Liquids.
The following liquid containers are outside parcels (see 121.53
for packaging to ensure mailability):

(1)
Cartons containing over 24 ounces of liquid in one or more glass containers.

(2)
Cartons containing 1 gallon or more of liquid in metal or plastic
containers.

(3)
Cans, paints.

g.
Rolls and tubes longer than 26 inches.

h.
Metal-band strapped boxes, metal boxes, and wood boxes.

i.
Articles outside of boxes or other containers, including tires, trailer
hitches, exhaust pipes, shrubs, and trees.

j.
Harmful matter and hazardous materials.  (See 124 for mailability
requirements.)

k.
Containers with all dimensions exceeding the minimum dimensions for a
machinable (regular) parcel, if their coefficient of friction or ability to
slide on a smooth, hard surface is not similar to that of a domestic-class
fiberboard box of the same approximate size and weight.

129 Envelopes and Cards

129.1 Color.
Only light-colored envelopes and cards which do not interfere with the
reading of the address and postmark should be used.  Do not use brilliant
colors.

129.2 Quality.
Envelopes and cards should be constructed of paper strong enough to
withstand normal handling.  Highly glazed paper or paper with an overall
design is not satisfactory.

129.3 Window Envelopes.
Window envelopes, or open-panel envelopes, may be used under the following
conditions:

a.
The address window on all letter-size envelopes should be located within
the area described in 122.33.  The window can be placed 1/2 inch
from the bottom of the envelope, but 5/8 inch is preferred.  (See
122.141 regarding address position.)  The address window must be
parallel with any edge of the envelope on flat-size mail (see
128.3).  (See 122.39 for recommendations; 127 for
size standards.)

b.
The window must be of sufficient size and transparency so that each
character in the address and optional endorsement line (if used) is visible
throughout an insert's movement within its envelope.  Mail which does not
conform to this standard may be rejected or returned.

c.
The provisions in 122 governing addressing also apply to window
envelopes.  Nonaddress printing, computer-punched holes, or other extraneous
information should not be placed alongside or below the city, state, or ZIP
Code lines of the address.

d.
The return address should appear in the upper left corner.  If there is no
return address and the delivery address does not show through the window, the
piece must be handled as dead mail.

e.
The address disclosed through the window must be on white paper or paper of
a very light color.

f.
When used for registered mail, window envelopes must conform with the
conditions in 911.35.

g.
When used for business reply mail, window, or open-panel envelopes must
conform to the conditions of 917.56.

129.4 Green-Border Envelopes and Cards.
The use of envelopes and cards bearing a green border must be used for
First-Class Mail only.  All envelopes and cards bearing a green border are
charged postage equivalent to the First-Class rate.  When printed on
letter-size mail (128.2), green borders must not enter the barcode
area as defined in 122.33.



