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[Federal
Register Volume 76, Number 231 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[Rules and
Regulations]
[Pages
74704-74708]
From the
Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc
No: 2011-30879]
POSTAL
SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Folded
Self-Mailers and UnenvelopedMailpieces
AGENCY:
Postal Service \TM\.
ACTION:
Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United
States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) 201.3.14, to
provide
new standards for folded self-mailers (FSM) and unenveloped
mailpieces
that are mailed at automation or machinable prices. To avoid
confusion
with revised standards for FSM mailpieces having loose
enclosures, the Postal Service renames mailpieces that are designed
to
carry
discs, and expands the standards that apply to tabs to include
folded
self-mailers.
DATES: Effective January 5, 2013.
FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Vance (202) 268-7595 or Susan
Thomas
(202) 268-8069.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 15, 2011, the Postal Service
published
a Federal Register proposed rule (76 FR 50438-50441) for
changes to
the design and construction of folded self-mailers and
unenvelopedmailpieces that are mailed at automation or machinable
prices.
The proposed standards were issued after two years of
collaborative work with mailers to analyze and test a wide variety
of
folded
self-mailer letter-size designs. In response to the proposed
standards,
the Postal Service received 51 comments. Many of those who
commented
provided input on more than one aspect of the proposal. Each
comment
was given consideration and modifications were made to the
proposed
standards when possible. This final rule will be adopted based
on our
proposed rule with only minor revisions. These standards do not
apply to
cards, envelopes, booklet style letters, or mailpieces
designed
to carry discs.
General
The
final rule includes DMM recommendations for design elements and
sealing
methods for FSMs. To avoid confusion about the types of
mailpieces
included in this change, the Postal Service renames
mailpieces
that are designed to carry discs in 201.3.4.
To simplify the
requirements that apply to tabs that can be used to seal unenveloped
letter-sizedmailpieces, DMM 201.3.11 is modified to include folded
self-mailers. The final rule also includes recommended revisions to
the
proposed requirements based on observations of a wide variety of
FSMs
tested over the past several years.
Although the effective date of these revisions is not until January
5, 2013, we encourage all customers who prepare FSMs mailed at
automation or machinable prices to begin conversion to these design
concepts as soon as possible.
Definition
A
folded self-mailer is formed of panels that are created when one
or more
unbound sheets of paper are folded together and sealed to make
a
letter-size mailpiece. The number of sheets in the mailpiece and the
number of
the times the sheets are folded determine the number of
panels.
Sheets that are bound by one or more staples are not considered
folded
self-mailers even when all other preparation recommendations are
met.
Physical
Characteristics
The
maximum height for all automation and machinable FSMs is 6
inches and
the maximum length is 10\1/2\ inches, with a maximum
thickness
of \1/4\ inch. The maximum weight of three ounces is
applicable
to all mailpieces prepared without envelopes.
The
paper basis weight for folded self-mailers is based on book-
grade
paper unless otherwise specified and varies depending on the
total
weight of the mailpiece and/or optional elements that are
incorporated in the design. The final fold must be at the bottom for
all
designs except oblong style pieces. For oblong-style FSMs the final
fold is on
the leading edge. Tabs cannot be placed on the bottom open
edge of an
oblong-style FSM.
A minimum of two tabs will be required to seal all FSMs when tabs
are used as the sealing method. Tabs used as seals may not have
perforations. Glue may be used as an alternate sealing
[[Page
74705]]
method
when applied according to the standards for FSMs.
After January 5, 2013,
folded self-mailers that do not meet these
requirements will be assessed postage as follows: First-Class
Mail[supreg] and Standard Mail[supreg] customers will pay
nonmachinable
prices; Periodicals mailers will pay nonbarcoded prices.
Overview
of Comments
Eleven
commenters recommended that the proposed standards be
abandoned
and asked that no changes to the existing mailpiece format be
made at
this time. The commenters cited the economy and the lack of
equipment
capable of producing the types of designs expressed in the
proposed
standards. Commenters were also concerned about time and cost
incurred
for mailpieces that may already be designed and produced, but
not
mailed. Many new formats and sealing requirements not defined in
current
standards for FSM are added. To accommodate the mailing
industry,
the Postal Service will delay adoption of the new standards
until
January 5, 2013. This postponement will provide enough time for
mailers to
complete outstanding contracts for mailpieces that do not
meet the
new standards and will allow those pieces to be entered as
automation
compatible folded self-mailers prior to the effective date.
Mailers entering FSMs before the effective date are encouraged to
design and
prepare their mailpieces using these standards.
Four
commenters expressed concern regarding the Postal Service's
proposal
to require an additional tab on
mailpieces weighing more than
one ounce.
As pieces get thicker and heavier it becomes more difficult
for those
pieces to pass through processing equipment. The mailpieces
do not
retain their integrity and cause jams and damage to the mail and
processing
equipment. Heavier weight FSMs experience more stress on the
leading
edge, especially when it is not a folded edge. An additional
tab placed
on the lower leading edge improves efficient feed capability
and serves
as added protection for the mailpiece during processing. The
additional
tab also maintains closure as pieces are handled and
processed
multiple times. Until January 5,
2013, three tabs are
recommended to maintain sufficient sealing and to provide additional
protection for heavier mailpieces and specific design formats.
Three
commenters asked why it is necessary to limit the number of
panels
within an FSM. The number of panels affects the shape,
thickness,
and ability to create crisp folds required to maintain a
streamlined shape. It also reduces the amount of stress placed on
closures,
and maintains the integrity of a mailpiece from acceptance to
delivery.
However, in order to provide increased options and ability to
qualify
for automation letter prices, the Postal Service will increase
the
allowed panel count to 12 for FSMs constructed of non-newsprint
paper.
Additionally, to accommodate the common practice of including
half-pages
in quarter-fold pieces made with newsprint paper, we
increase
the panel count for quarter-fold FSMs to a maximum of 24
panels.
Seven
commenters expressed concern about the 10\1/2\ inch-maximum
length
requirement. They expressed concern because smaller sizes will
decrease
the amount of space available to print advertising in a single
mailpiece,
and in some cases stock mailpieces will need to be
redesigned
to conform to the new size requirements. The FSM study
revealed
that, similar to booklets, mailpieces that exceeded 9 inches
in length
experienced a decline in machinability with significantly
higher
rates of damage and jams. The Postal Service maintains the
proposed
maximum length of 10\1/2\ inches to balance the need for
machinability with the customer's need for the maximum amount of
usable
space.
Eight
commenters questioned the thickness standards of .05 and .09
inches.
USPS[supreg] revises the language to clarify that these
thickness
standards apply only to interior loose enclosures (single
sheets
that are not captured by the folds) and attachments. The
standard
for maximum thickness of a finished FSM letter is \1/4\ inch,
the same
maximum thickness for all letter-size mail. Additionally, we
allow the
insertion of remittance envelopes, meeting all requirements
for
enclosed envelopes within automation letters, as enclosures when
the
envelopes are incorporated into the first (manufacturing) fold of
the
quarter-fold mailpiece format.
Two
commenters asked that tabs made of material other than paper
and tabs
with perforations be used as seals for FSMs. To accommodate
this
request, the current standards that describe the types of
materials
used to manufacture tabs are expanded to permit their use for
both
booklets and FSMs.
Tabs with perforations may not be used as a seals.
Nine
commenters asked for clarification of tab placement and the
number of
tabs required. Section 201.3.14.4 is revised to clarify
sealingmailpieces using tabs. Studies showed that sealing FSMs with
one tab
did not provide sufficient closure to withstand the rigors of
automation
processing for letter-size mail. The requirement to seal
with a
minimum of two tabs is retained.
Two
commenters asked to use glue to seal the lead and trail edge
instead of
gluing along the top edge when the final fold is the bottom
edge. We
have revised and clarified the language to allow this as an
additional
sealing option.
One
commenter suggested that the paper basis weight is unreasonably
high. The
basis weight of paper is one of the major factors that affect
the
machinability of a mailpiece. Pieces prepared with lower paper
weight
were unable to withstand the rigors of automation processing,
resulting
in higher rates of damage and jams and a diversion to more
costly
flat sorter and manual processing methods. We retain the paper
basis
weights as proposed.
One
commenter asked about the perforation cut-tie ratio. The
necessary
cut to tie ratio is based on many correlative factors. A
ratio that
provides enough strength to prevent premature breaking of
the
perforation tie is needed. This need is balanced by the necessity
of
preparing a perforated line that can be opened by the recipient
without
causing unintended damage to the mailpiece. Due to the
significant variation in cut-to-tie ratios of mailpieces currently
in
themailstream, we modified the proposed standard and will allow a 1
to
1 cut-tie
ratio for all perforated lines. The Postal Service will
monitor
the performance of mailpieces prepared with perforations and if
the 1 to 1
ratio does not prove sufficient for machine processing, we
will
modify the standards to require a higher cut to tie ratio.
Customers
who have mailpieces that do not meet this reduced standard
may ask
that the FSMs be sent to the Pricing and Classification Service
Center for
review.
Three
commenters asked for clarification regarding the need to
print
address information in a mid-to-left position. Section
201.3.14.10 is introduced as a recommendation for folded
self-mailers
produced
on uncoated paper. Testing revealed higher rates of
delamination and peel-back (cosmetic damage) to the lead edge of
uncoated
(raw) paper. This type of damage often exceeded \1/2\ inch in
length and
impeded the ability of letter sorting machines to read
address
elements.
With
this final rule, the Postal Service implements requirements
and
options that describe the construction of folded self-mailers and
otherunenvelopedmailpieces. These standards allow significant design
flexibility while maintaining mailpiece automation compatibility and
address
most current and proposed designs. Mailers
[[Page
74706]]
designing
and mailing FSMs before the effective date are encouraged to
preparemailpieces using these standards.
The
Postal Service adopts the following changes to Mailing
Standards
of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM),
incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.
See 39 CFR
111.1.
List of
Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows:
PART
111--[AMENDED]
0
1. The
authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 692-
1737; 39
U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219,
3403-3406,
3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.
0
2. Revise
the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United
States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:
Mailing
Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail
Manual
(DMM)
* * * * *
200
Commercial Letters and Cards
201
Physical Standards
* * * * *
3.0
Physical Standards for Machinable and Automation Letters and Cards
* * * * *
3.4
Standards for Letter-Size Pieces Containing Discs (CDs or DVDs)
* * * * *
[Revise the heading and the introductory paragraph of 3.4.4 as
follows:]
3.4.4
Dimensions and Shape Standards for Automation-Compatible
Unenveloped Disc Carriers:
Each
unenveloped disc carrier must meet the basic standards for
machinable
letters in 1.0 and have the following characteristics:
* * * * *
3.4.5
Unacceptable Characteristics for Automation-Compatible Letter-
Size
Pieces With Discs
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 3.4.5 as follows:]
Discs
in letter-sized envelopes and unenveloped disc carriers may
not be
enclosed in:
* * * * *
3.5
Maximum Weight, Machinable and Automation Letters and Cards
The
following maximum weight limits apply:
* * * * *
[Revise item 3.5b as follows:]
b.
Booklets and unenveloped disc carriers--3 ounces.
* * * * *
3.11 Tabs,
Tape, and Glue
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 3.11 as follows:]
Tabs may be made of paper, translucent paper, vinyl or plastic.
Cellophane tape may also be used as a closure when the saw-toothed
cutedge is place perpendicular to the edge being sealed. Tabs must
notcontain perforations. For tab size and placement for folded
self-mailers see 3.14; for booklets see 3.15. Tab placement is
subject to\1/4\ inch variance in either direction. The following
standards also
apply:
* * * * *
3.14
Folded Self-Mailers
[Delete current text of 3.14, including the exhibit, in its
entirety
and replace with the following:]
3.14.1
Definition
A
folded self-mailer is formed of panels that are created when one
or more
unbound sheets of paper are folded together and sealed to make
a
letter-size mailpiece. The number of panels is determined by the
number of
sheets in the mailpiece and the number of times the sheets
are
folded.
3.14.2
Physical Characteristics
Folded
self-mailers have the following characteristics:
a.
Height: A minimum of 3\1/2\ inches and a maximum of 6 inches.
b.
Length: A minimum of 5 inches and a maximum of 10\1/2\ inches.
c.
Thickness: A minimum of 0.007 inch; (0.009 inch if the height
exceeds
4\1/4\ inches or if the length exceeds 6 inches); the maximum
thickness
is \1/4\ inch.
d.
Maximum Weight: 3 ounces.
e.
Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite
sides.
f.
Aspect ratio: within 1.3 to 2.5 (see 3.7).
g.
Maximum number of panels: 12, except under 3.14.2h.
h.
Quarter-folded self-mailers made of a minimum of 100 pound book
grade
paper may have as few as 4 panels. Quarter-folded self-mailers
made of 55
pound or greater newsprint must have at least 8 panels and
may
contain up to 24 panels.
3.14.3
Panels
Panels
are created when a sheet of paper is folded. Each two-sided
section
(front and back) created by the fold is considered one panel.
When a
folded self-mailer is made of multiple sheets, multiply the
number of
sheets by the number of panels created when folding a single
sheet to
determine the total number of panels. The following conditions
apply:
a.
External panels created by folding must be equal or nearly equal
in size.
b. The
final folded panel creates the back (non-address) side of
themailpiece. The open edge of the back panel must be at the top or
within 1
inch of the top or trailing edge of the mailpiece.
c.
The final folded edge must be the
bottom of a folded self-mailer
unless prepared as an oblong. The final folded edge of an oblong
folded
self-mailer must be the leading (right) edge.
d.
Internal shorter panels must be covered by a full-size panel,
and count
toward the maximum number of panels.
e.
Folding methods and the subsequent number of panels created when
folding a
single sheet of paper are:
1.
Bi-fold: Folded once forming two panels.
2.
Tri-fold: Folded twice forming three panels.
3.
Oblong: Paper folded once to form two rectangular panels with
one
elongated dimension and parallel opposite sides. The final folded
edge is on
the leading (shorter) edge.
4.
Quarter-fold: Folded twice with each fold at a right angle
(perpendicular) to the preceding fold. One sheet of paper quarter-
folded
creates four panels.
f.
Flaps are formed when the final exterior panel is folded over
and
affixed to the unaddressed side of the mailpiece. Flaps must meet
the
following conditions:
1. The
folded edge of a flap must be flush with the top edge of the
mailpiece
and end one inch or more above the bottom edge, except under
3.14.3f4.
Flaps must be at least 1\1/2\ inches when measured from the
top of the
mailpiece.
2.
Flaps must be secured by a sealing
method in 3.14.4.
3.
Flaps with die-cut shapes must be firmly secured with tabs, glue
line, glue
spots or elongated glue lines. A \1/8\ inch wide continuous
glue line
that seals the contour of the die-cut is strongly
recommended.
4.
Flaps on oblong pieces must be at least 5 inches long at the
longest
point when measured from the leading edge and must end more
than one
inch from the trailing edge.
[[Page
74707]]
g.
Flaps and pockets prepared within folded self-mailers to
stabilize
enclosures are not considered to be panels.
3.14.4
Sealing Methods
Folded self-mailers must be sealed using tabs or glue under the
following conditions:
a.
Tabs must meet the standards for
tabs in 3.11. The size and
number of tabs required is determined by the weight of the mailpiece
and
optional design elements as follows:
1.
To seal folded
self-mailers that weigh up to 3 ounces created in
bi-fold, tri-fold formats, pieces with multiple interior folds and a
final fold on the bottom, and quarter-fold mailpieces that weigh one
ounce or less, place two nonperforated tabs on the top edge,one
within
1-inch
from the leading and another within 1-inch from the trailing
edge, or
place one tab on the leading and another on the trailing edge,
both
placed within 1 inch from the top.
2.
To seal quarter-fold mailpiecesthat
weigh more than 1 ounce up
to 3 ounces, affix two tabs, one on the leading edge and one on the
trailing edge within 1 inch from the top, and affix a third tab on
the
lower leading edge \1/2\ inch from the bottom (see 3.14.5).
3.
To seal oblong pieces
that weigh up to 3 ounces, affix one tab
in the center of the top edge and one tab in the center of the
trailing
edge (preferred) or affix both tabs on the trailing edge within 1
inch
of the top and bottom edges. Tabs may not be placed on the bottom of
an
oblong piece.
b.
Glue must be positioned within \1/4\ inch of the open edges and
be placed
opposite the final fold or on both the leading and trailing
edges when
the final panel fold is on the bottom. Apply glue by one of
the
following methods:
1.
Continuous glue lines at least \1/8\ inch wide (0.125 inches).
2.
Three or four glue spots at least \3/8\ inch (0.375 inch) in
diameter.
3.
Three or four elongated glue lines. Seal folded self-mailers
that weigh
up to 1 ounce with lines at least \1/2\ inch long. Seal
folded
self-mailers that weigh more than 1 ounce with elongated glue
lines that
are each at least 1 inch long and \1/8\ inch wide, or with
glue lines
that are each at least \1/2\ inch long and \1/4\ inch wide.
4.
Distribute glue spots and elongated glue lines evenly along the
sealed
edge(s).
5.
Quarter-fold
self-mailers must be sealed with tabs.
3.14.5
Paper Weight and Sealing Requirements
All
references in 3.0 to paper basis weight are for book-grade
paper
unless otherwise stated (see 3.2). Interior optional elements
such as
attachments or enclosures are not subject to the host piece's
book-grade
paper basis weight standards. When multiple optional design
elements
are incorporated in one mailpiece, the standards for the
design
element with the highest paper weight and corresponding sealing
methods
apply. Folded self-mailer paper weights and sealing methods
are:
a.
Folded self-mailers, (except quarter-fold mailpieces) as
described
in 3.14.3e1 through 3.14.3e3:
1.
Up to 1 ounce: 70 pound
paper sealed witha continuous glue
line,
three glue spots; or elongated glue lines under 3.14.4b;
or two
1-inch
tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a3.
2.
Over 1 ounce: 80 pound
paper sealedwith a continuous glue line,
four glue
spots; or four elongated glue lines under 3.14.4b;
or two
1\1/2\-inch
tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a3.
b. Quarter fold self-mailers as described in 3.14.3e4:
1. Up to 1 ounce: 70 pound paper sealed with two 1-inch tabs.
2. Over 1 ounce: 80 pound paper sealed with three 1\1/2\-inch
tabs.
3. Newsprint: 55 pound minimum paper required. Seal pieces one
ounce or less with two 1\1/2\-inch tabs and those weighing over one
ounce with three 1\1/2\-inch tabs, see 3.14.4a2.
c.
Optional design elements: Die-cut openings and perforated panes.
Folded
self-mailers with die-cut openings in the exterior panels as
described
in 3.14.6 or perforated panes as described in 3.14.7 must
meet the
following:
1.
Up to 1 ounce: 100
pound paper sealedwith glue under 3.14.4b,
or two 1\1/2\-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a2.
2.
Over 1 ounce: 120 pound
paper sealed with glue under 3.14.4b, or
two 2-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a2 or three 1\1/2\-inch
tabs
under 3.14.4a3.
d.
Optional design elements: Loose enclosures or attachments. For
folded
self-mailers that have loose enclosures as described in 3.14.8
or
attachments as described in 3.14.9, the following applies:
1.
Up to 1 ounce: 80 pound paper sealed with glue under 3.14.4b or
two 1\1/2\-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a2.
2. Over 1 ounce: 100 pound paper sealed with glue under 3.14.4b,
or
two 2-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a2 or three 1\1/2\-inch
tabs
under 3.14.4a3.
3.14.6
Die-Cut Elements
Folded
self-mailers may be produced with two types of die-cut
elements
in the exterior panels: Address windows or die-cut reveal.
Die-cut
openings may not be used to create die-cut punched holes
(openings
in the same location on all layers and panels so that there
is a hole
through the entire mailpiece). Prepare die-cut elements as
follows:
a.
Die-cut address windows (used to convey address information)
must meet
standards for window envelopes under 601.6.4 and meet the
following
additional conditions:
1. The
maximum window size is 4 inches long by 2 inches high.
2.
When an address window appears on a mailpiece, no other die-cut
openings
may be made on the exterior panels.
b.
Die-cut openings used to reveal the contents of the mailpiece
must be:
1.
Limited to two on only one external panel.
2.
Either circular with a 2-inch maximum diameter or rectangular
with a
maximum of 2 inches long by 1\1/2\ inches high with slightly
rounded
\1/4\ inch radius corners.
3.
Placed at least 1\1/2\ inches from all edges of the mailpiece if
on the
addressed side.
4.
Placed at least 5 inches from the leading edge and 1\1/2\ inches
from all
other edges if on the non-addressed side.
5.
Positioned at least 1\1/2\ inches apart when two or more die-cut
openings
are used.
c. A
single \1/2\-inch semi-circular die-cut thumb notch may be
placed on
the trailing edge of the addressed or unaddressed outer
panel.
3.14.7
Perforated Pull-Open Strips and Pop-Out Panes
Folded
self-mailers may be prepared with strips called panes that
are pulled
open to reveal the contents. These design elements must be
placed
only on the unaddressed side of the mailpiece and may be
rectangular, circular, or oval shaped. Perforations, a row of small
holes
punched in a sheet of paper so that a section can be torn easily,
are used
to create pull-open strips, pop-out, or pop-open panes subject
to the
following requirements:
a. Two
parallel perforated lines must be spaced at least \1/2\ inch
apart
creating a pull open strip. Position perforated strips parallel
to the
height of the mailpiece at least 5 inches from the leading edge
and 2
inches from the trailing edge. Position perforated strips
parallel
to the length of the mailpiece at least 1 inch from the top.
Perforations
[[Page
74708]]
have a 1mm
cut (max)/1mm tie (min) ratio.
b.
Pop-out panes with perforations around the outer edges have a
maximum
size of 4 inches long by 4 inches high. The following
conditions
apply:
1.
Place panes at least 1 inch from any edge.
2. Use
1mm cut (max)/1mm tie (min) ratio.
3.
When using two panes, space them at least 1 inch apart.
4.
Address elements may not appear in perforated openings.
c.
Pop-open panes with perforations on three sides must meet the
following
conditions:
1. The
outer edges of the pull-open panel are a maximum of 4 inches
long by 4
inches high.
2. If
prepared with multiple panes, they must be spaced at least 1
inch
apart.
3.
Panes must be placed at least 1 inch from all edges.
4.
Perforation patterns have 1 mm cut (max)/1 mm tie (min) ratio.
d.
Perforated panes may not be prepared on pieces with die-cuts or
on any
mailpiece made of newsprint.
3.14.8
Loose Enclosures
Folded
self-mailers with loose enclosures must be securely sealed
to ensure
containment of the enclosed material and prevent excessive
enclosure
shift during processing. Loose enclosures must be made of
paper and
must meet the following conditions:
a.
Must be contained securely within the mailpiece.
b.
Must be inserted in an interior pocket or secured by any method
that
prevents excessive shift during normal handling. Pockets are not
counted as
panels.
c.
Folded self-mailers with die-cut openings may contain enclosures
only if
the inserted material is larger than the die-cut opening.
d.
Enclosed material does not exceed the maximum thickness of:
1. 0.05
inch thick for mailpiece weights up to 1 ounce.
2.
0.09 inch thick for mailpiece weights over 1 ounce.
e. One
empty reply envelope may be inserted within the first fold
(manufacturing fold) of a quarter-folded self-mailer and must be
secured
within a fold to prevent separation during normal handing.
3.14.9
Attachments
Attachments must be secured on the outside of a folded self-mailer
under
3.13. Attachments must be secured within a folded self-mailer
under the
following conditions:
a. The
attachment is affixed to an inside panel and secured to it
at least
\1/2\ inch from any edge.
b. The
attached material may not exceed a maximum thickness of:
1. 0.05
inch thick for mailpieces weighing up to 1 ounce.
2. 0.09
inch thick for mailpieces weighing over 1 ounce.
c.
Multiple attachments must be positioned so that the host
mailpiece
remains nearly uniform in thickness.
d.
When multiple attachments are affixed to separate panels in
stacked
alignment, the combined thickness of the attachments must be no
greater
than the maximum thickness in 3.14.9b.
e.
When multiple attachments are affixed adjacent to each other
across the
length of a mailpiece, the thickest attachment must be no
greater
than the maximum thickness in 3.14.9b.
f.
Folded self-mailers with die-cut openings may contain
attachments if the inserted material is larger than the die-cut
opening.
g.
Quarter-fold self-mailers may have only one internal attachment
not
exceeding 0.012 inch thick. The attachment must be secured at least
\1/2\ inch
from all edges.
3.14.10
Addressing
When
folded self-mailers are prepared with uncoated paper, printing
addresses
in a center or left-justified position within the optical
character
reader (OCR) area under 2.1 is recommended.
[Renumber current 3.15 through 3.17 as new 3.16 through 3.18 and
add new
3.15 as follows:]
3.15 Other
UnenvelopedMailpieces
3.15.1
Open-Sleeve Style Letter-Size Mailpieces
Open-sleeve style letter-size mailpieces consists of two
symmetrical horizontal panels sealed together along the top and
bottom
edges or
as a bi-fold that has a non-addressed panel permanently sealed
to an
inner flap along the top edge. Open-sleeve style mailpieces must
meet the
following conditions:
a.
Join panels using \1/8\ (0.125) inch continuous glue lines.
b. If
flaps are used, they must be a minimum of at least 1\1/2\
inches
wide created as inner flaps adhered at the leading and trailing
edges to
the panel from which the flap is formed.
c. All
paper basis weight requirements in 3.14.5d must be met.
d.
Matter prepared within open-sleeve style mailpieces must meet
the
standards in 3.14.8 or 3.14.9b through 3.14.9f.
3.15.2
Letter-Size MailpiecesWith Tear-Off Strips
When
letter-size mailpieces have tear-off strips on the leading
and/or
trailing edge, any unfolded edges must be sealed with an
adhesive
(glue) or by a cohesive (pressure seal) method. A cohesive
seal
requires two fixative patterns placed on two separate surfaces
that are
compressed to form a bond. A perforated horizontal line that
runs
between and joins the leading and trailing edge perforation lines
is
permitted. Mailpieces with sealed sides must meet the following
conditions.
a. Be
constructed of a minimum of 60 pound paper.
b.
Tear-off strips may be up to \9/16\ inch (0.5625) wide.
c.
Tear lines (single lines of perforations) on pieces that weigh 1
ounce or
less; recommended minimum cut/tie pattern of 1 mm cut (max)/1
mm tie
(min) ratio or equivalent.
d.
Tear lines (single lines of perforations) on pieces that weigh
more than
1 ounce; minimum cut/tie pattern of 1 mm cut/2 mm tie (min)
ratio or
equivalent.
* * * * *
We
will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 to
reflect
these changes.
Stanley F.
Mires,
Attorney,
Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc.
2011-30879 Filed 11-30-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING
CODE 7710-12-P
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