2023-13440. Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Compliance Quality

AGENCY:

Postal Service^TM.

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to add an additional Intelligent Mail® package barcode (IMpb®) validation under the “Barcode Quality” category.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before July 28, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

Mail or deliver written comments to the Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260–5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to [e-mail], with a subject line of “IMpb Compliance Barcode Quality”. Faxed comments are not accepted.

You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., by calling 202–268–2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Steven Jarboe at (202) 268–7690, Devin Qualls at (202) 268–3287, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268–7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Confidentiality

All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.

In section 204.2.1.8, IMpb Compliance Quality Thresholds, the “Barcode Quality” compliance category checks that the barcode in the manifest passes two critical validations: 1. Valid and Certified Mailer ID in the label that is in Program Registration/Online Enrollment, 2. IMpb must be unique for 120 days.

The Postal Service relies on the accuracy of the IMpb, and the data contained within the barcodes, including Service Type Codes (STCs).

The Postal Service is proposing to add a third validation under “Barcode Quality” that will require that an IMpb must include a valid, unique 3-digit STC that accurately represents the mail class, product, and service combination on the physical label affixed to the package. Additionally, the IMpb on the package must also correspond with electronic package level details and Extra Services Code(s) contained within the Shipping Services File (SSF). Any variance in the data presented in the electronic submission of a parcel or a variance with the physical aspect of the label affixed to a parcel presented for mailing will be subject to the IMpb noncompliance fee if a mailer falls below the 98 percent threshold.

The Postal Service is proposing to implement this change effective October 1, 2023.

We believe the proposed revision will ensure the IMpb quality enabling the Postal Service to provide customers with a more efficient mailing experience.

Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)) regarding proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites public comment on the following proposed revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See39 CFR 111.1.

We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these changes.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

• Administrative practice and procedure
• Postal Service

Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 111—[AMENDED]

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. 1692–1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401–404, 414, 416, 3001–3018, 3201–3220, 3401–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3629, 3631–3633, 3641, 3681–3685, and 5001.

2. Revise the 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, Flats, and Parcels

* * * * *

204 Barcode Standards

* * * * *

2.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes

2.1 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode

* * * * *

2.1.8 Compliance Quality Thresholds

* * * * *

Exhibit 2.1.8 IMpb Compliance Quality Thresholds

Compliance categories	Compliance codes	Validations	Compliance thresholds
*         *         *         *         *         *         *
Barcode Quality * * *

* * * * *

[Revise the text in the “Barcode Quality” compliance category under the “Validation” column by adding a third validation to read as follows:]

• The IMpb must include a valid, unique 3-digit Service Type Code that accurately represents the mail class, product, and service combination on the physical label affixed to the package and the electronic package level details and Extra Services Code(s) in the Shipping Services File.

* * * * *

Sarah Sullivan,

Attorney, Ethics & Legal Compliance.