Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual > 600 Basic Standards For All Mailing Services > 604Postage Payment Methods and Refunds

604 Postage Payment Methods and Refunds

Overview

1.0 Stamps

2.0 Stamped Stationery

3.0 Precanceled Stamps

4.0 Postage Meters and PC Postage Products (“Postage Evidencing Systems”)

5.0 Permit Imprint (Indicia)

6.0 Payment of Postage

7.0 Computing Postage

8.0 Insufficient or Omitted Postage

9.0 Exchanges and Refunds

10.0 Postage Due Weight Averaging Program

Postage stamps are available in the following denominations:

All postage stamps issued by the United States since 1860, unless listed in 1.3, are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where U.S. Mail service operates. Precanceled stamps may be used to pay regular postage and fees for extra services if the mailpiece is endorsed under the standards for the class of mail and service requested. Precanceled postage may be used only by permit holders authorized under 3.0. Unless excepted by standard, the total postage affixed must equal at least the postage charge for the class of the mail and, if applicable, the fee for the extra service requested. All nondenominated postage and makeup price stamps, including official mail stamps, are valid at the original prices of issue. Exception: Semipostal stamps.

The following are not valid to pay postage for U.S. domestic or U.S.-originated international mail:

Matter bearing imitations of postage stamps, in adhesive or printed form, or private seals or stickers resembling a postage stamp in form and design, is not acceptable for mailing.

Matter bearing decorative markings and designs, in adhesive or printed form, resembling the markings and designs of official postal services, is not accepted for mailing (see Exhibit 1.5).

Exhibit 1.5 Prohibited Imitations

Postmasters may not advise the public about the reproduction of foreign or domestic postage stamps.

Stamps must be affixed firmly in the upper right corner of the address side of the mail cover. Any stamp partly concealed by an overlapping stamp may not be counted as postage.

Reuse of stamps with intent to cause loss to the government or the USPS is punishable by fine and imprisonment.

Postage stamps may be marked with perforation holes. The mark may not cover more than 1/4 square inch (1/2 inch by 1/2 inch) of the stamp, and the diameter of the holes may not exceed 1/32 inch.

Forever stamps are sold for the price of the current First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter price. The postage value of each forever stamp is the current First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter price. Forever stamps may be used only on single-piece price mail.

Semipostal stamps are subject to the following special conditions:

Payment may be made in U.S. currency. Foreign or mutilated money is not acceptable. The USPS may require payment of the exact amount of the purchase. Checks are acceptable subject to USPS check-acceptance policy and the assessment of charges to the customer for an uncollectible check returned by the bank. Checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank. The customer must use a money order or certified check if the amount due is sent by mail. Precanceled stamps may not be purchased with a credit card.

The nonaddress side of mail may have seals or stickers, if they do not imitate postage stamps and do not have words, numerals, or other markings indicating a value.

Fee is in addition to the postage value preprinted on the envelope. See Notice 123—Price List.

Plain stamped envelopes are available at all Post Offices. Only sizes 6-3/4 and 10 envelopes are sold in less than full box lots (a full box contains 500 envelopes).

Envelope dimensions, which can vary 1/16 inch, are as follows:

Window envelopes are available with these window sizes:

Stamped envelopes may be privately imprinted in any style, if at least 3-1/2 inches of clear space remains at the right end of the address side.

Fee is in addition to the postage value preprinted on the envelope. See Notice 123—Price List.

Personalized envelopes (stamped envelopes imprinted with a return address) are available online at usps.com/pse, by phone at 800 782-6724 or by mail order. Customers may mail Form 3203, with the full payment (by credit card, check drawn on U.S bank or money order) for the envelopes ordered, to Stamp Fulfillment Services (see 608.8.0 for address).

All printing on personalized envelopes is subject to these specifications:

The printed return address must include the local address that includes a street address; a Post Office box number; a rural route and box number; a building name, room number, and street address; or both a street address and Post Office box number; and the name of the Post Office or branch Post Office, state, and either the ZIP+4 or the 5-digit ZIP Code. The ZIP Code must be correct for the address on the line immediately preceding the city and state. The postmaster determines whether the address is adequate to ensure return of undeliverable mail.

The printed return address may include:

The following endorsements and instructions printed in at least 8-point type may be included as part of the return address:

Personalized stamped envelopes may be ordered with the following premium options:

A customer may reject personalized envelope orders for defective manufacture or mistakes in printing, denomination, size, etc.:

Fee is in addition to the postage value preprinted on the card. See Notice 123—Price List.

All stamped envelopes, stamped cards (formerly called “postal cards”), and aerogrammes issued by the United States since 1873 are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where U.S. domestic mail service operates, under the same conditions as for postage stamps in 1.0.

All printing of personalized stamped cards is subject to these conditions:

Stamp Fulfillment Services provides the fulfillment of stamp orders placed by customers via mail, phone, fax, or online to the Stamp Fulfillment Services organization. Stamp Fulfillment Services charges handling fees associated with fulfilling stamp orders. The fees vary depending on the dollar amount of the order. All prices and fees are listed on Notice 123—Price List.

Precanceling is the cancellation of adhesive postage, stamped envelopes, or stamped cards before mailing. Precanceling may be done by the mailer under a postal permit, or mailers may purchase precanceled stamps bearing a price category from the USPS.

Except as provided in 3.1.3, precanceled postage is an optional postage payment method for mailings at Presorted and automation First-Class Mail prices and at all USPS Marketing Mail prices.

Precanceled postage stamps may not be used on matter mailed in boxes, tubes, and similar containers, or in other containers designed to be reusable for mailing purposes under 601.6.4.

Unless excepted by standard, a precanceled stamp mailing must be accompanied by documentation subject to the standards for documentation for each class of mail if the mailing contains nonidentical-weight pieces or pieces without the full postage at the applicable price.

The value of precanceled stamps affixed to each piece in a mailing must be either the exact amount due or the exact monetary value of the USPS precanceled stamp appropriate to the price category of the mailpiece. Unless permitted by other standards or Business Acceptance Solutions authorization, the same monetary value of stamp(s) must be affixed to every piece in the mailing. Refunds for overpayment must meet the standards in 9.0.

Mail bearing precanceled postage must be presented to the Post Office where the permit is held, at the times and places designated by the postmaster. Mail bearing precanceled postage must not be deposited in street collection boxes.

Precanceled mail may be combined in a mailing with mail paid with other means only if authorized by the USPS.

Except for mailpieces otherwise requiring a return address under 602.1.5.3, USPS Marketing Mail pieces, 13 ounces or less and bearing stamps precanceled with a mailer‘s postmark, are not required to include a return address. All other mailpieces bearing precanceled stamps must have a complete domestic return address. Mailpieces bearing precanceled stamps and any return addresses outside the Post Office of mailing must meet one of the following standards:

Whether the mailer or the USPS precanceled the stamps, each mailpiece with precanceled postage must bear markings and endorsements required for the price claimed or services requested.

A mailer who wants to use USPS-precanceled stamps and stamped envelopes must complete Form 3615 and file it at the Post Office where mailings are to be deposited. Customers must provide with the completed PS Form 3615 acceptable primary and secondary forms of identification as specified under 608.10.0. If an applicant has a completed Form 3615 on file for other services, precanceled authorization is annotated on the existing application. There is no fee for this permit.

A permit may be revoked if used in operating any unlawful scheme or enterprise, or for buying or acquiring stamps or mailer’s precancel postmarks for other than mailing, or for failing to comply with the format requirement or instructions on Form 3615. The permit holder has 10 days to file a written statement showing why the permit should not be revoked. The manager, customer service support (district), issues the decision on such appeals.

USPS precanceled stamps are preprinted with a price category as the precancellation method. The following also applies:

A mailer meeting the standards in 3.4 may precancel adhesive stamps, stamped cards, and stamped envelopes with a mailer’s precancel postmark. Mailers authorized under 3.4 may precancel one or more postage stamps provided the total of the postage on the mailpiece equals the exact monetary value of the corresponding USPS precanceled stamp appropriate to the price category of the mailpiece. Stamped cards are precanceled at the time of printing and do not require a mailer’s precancel postmark.

A mailer must request authorization to preprint price markings on precanceled stamps or to use a precancel postmark on adhesive stamps, stamped cards, and stamped envelopes. The applicant must submit a specimen mailpiece showing the preprinting method or proposed precancel postmark. If more than one preprinted marking is prepared or more than one format is used, a specimen for each must be submitted. Form 3615 must be endorsed “Preprinting of Price Markings,” or “Mailer’s Precancel Postmark,” or both, as appropriate. The application and format samples must be submitted to the postmaster of the office where the precanceled mailings are to be deposited for approval by the district Business Mail Entry manager. If the application and samples are approved, the applicant receives written notice of approval from the postmaster and a unique permit number assigned by the postmaster.

Mailer precancellation is authorized only for the specimen mailpieces submitted and approved. After that, a specimen must be submitted and approved for each new precancel postmark format or preprinted marking to be used.

If the application and format samples are not approved by the district Business Mail Entry manager, the applicant receives written notice from the postmaster stating the reasons for the denial and the applicant’s appeal rights. The applicant may file a written appeal with the Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC). (See 608.8.4.)

A permit may be revoked for operating any unlawful scheme or enterprise, for buying or acquiring stamps for other than mailing, or for failing to comply with the required format standards. Within 10 days of receipt of the revocation notice, the permit holder may file a written appeal with the PCSC. (See 608.8.4.) The PCSC issues the final agency decision.

The mailer’s precancel postmark must contain specific elements:

The precancel postmark may include the words or authorized abbreviations of the price marking required for the price claimed. Alternatively, if authorized under 3.4.2, the mailer may preprint price markings required by other standards on adhesive stamps to be used for mailings at the corresponding prices. Such preprinted markings must be in uppercase letters of at least 6-point type, printed in black indelible ink on the stamp where optimum contrast is possible. A preprinted price marking applied by the mailer, by itself or with a precancel postmark, must not obscure other printing on the stamp that is part of the USPS design (e.g., “USA”).

Black ink must be used for cancellation. It must provide enough indelibility and contrast to prevent reuse of the stamps. The precancel permit number must not be obscured by the cancellation.

A mailer must use one of the Format A designs in Exhibit 3.4.9. Format B may be used only by a mailer previously authorized to do so and who has the necessary die. The only permissible alternative or modification to any format is the addition of a price marking permitted by 3.4.7.

Exhibit 3.4.9 Format for Mailer’s Precancel Postmarks

Subject to USPS policy in 608.4.0, precanceled postage may be bought for philatelic purposes as well as postage payment. A stamp collector may mail matter bearing precanceled postage if the collector has a permit to use precanceled postage at the Post Office where the mail is presented. Creating philatelic oddities or precanceling issues or denominations that would not otherwise see legitimate mail use is not permitted. Mail orders must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

If precanceled postage on a single piece is more than $1.00, the precanceled stamps must be overprinted or handstamped in black ink with the mailer’s initials and the numerical abbreviations of the month and year for use (e.g., “A. B. Co. 9-78”). These stamps are acceptable on mail during the month shown and through the 10th of the following month.

Postage meters and PC Postage products are collectively identified as “postage evidencing systems.” A postage evidencing system is a device or system of components a customer uses to print evidence that postage required for mailing has been paid. Postage evidencing systems print indicia such as information-based indicia (IBI) or intelligent mail indicia (IMI), to indicate postage payment. Customers print indicia directly on a mailpiece or on a label that is affixed to a mailpiece. Customers must place indicia in the upper-right corner of the mailpiece or label, according to 4.3.3. When used to apply postage to commercial mailings, the postage evidencing system indicia must bear the numerical value of postage.

Product categories include postage meters and PC Postage products. The primary characteristics of postage meters and PC Postage products are described below.

The following providers are authorized:

DATA-PAC MAILING SYSTEMS CORP

1217 BAY RD

WEBSTER NY 14580-1958

800-355-1755

www.data-pac.com

FP MAILING SOLUTIONS

140 N MITCHELL CT STE 200

ADDISON IL 60101-5629

800-341-6052

www.fp-usa.com

PITNEY BOWES INC

1 ELMCROFT RD

STAMFORD CT 06926-0700

800-322-8000

www.pitneybowes.com

QUADIENT INC

478 WHEELERS FARMS RD

MILFORD CT 06461

800-624-7892

www.quadient.com

The following providers are authorized:

EASYPOST

345 CALIFORNIA ST 10th FLOOR

SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-2606

415-624-8441 (email preferred – support@easypost.com)

www.easypost.com

ENDICIA.COM

278 CASTRO ST

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94041-1204

800-576-3279 x140

www.endicia.com

PITNEY BOWES INC

1 ELMCROFT RD

STAMFORD CT 06926-0700

800-322-8000

www.pitneybowes.com

STAMPS.COM

1990 E. GRAND AVE

EL SEGUNDO CA 90245-5013

888-434-0055

www.stamps.com

Mailers may use postage evidencing systems to affix or apply indicia on any class of mail except Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter. PC Postage products may be used for USPS Retail Ground only by USPS-Approved Shippers.

Customers must enter into an agreement with the USPS for authorization to use postage evidencing systems. By entering into the agreement, the customer accepts responsibility for control and use of the system and agrees to abide by all rules and regulations governing its use. The following conditions apply to these agreements.

Only authorized customers may possess or use postage evidencing systems. Customers must surrender postage evidencing systems to the provider or its agent as follows:

The director, Commercial Payment (see 608.8.0) must give specific approval to the provider before a provider may place or operate a postage evidencing system for use outside the customs territory of the United States.

The customer authorized to use a postage evidencing system may be denied use when the customer:

If authorization to use a Postage Evidencing System is denied, the customer must surrender the systems, upon request, to the service provider, or USPS authorized agent.

The numerical value of postage displayed (in dollars and cents) on each mailpiece must be equal to or greater than the amount due for the applicable price and any extra service fees, or another amount permitted by mailing standards. Authorized USPS payment options vary by provider and product category.

Postage indicia must be legible (readable by mail processing equipment) and meet the reflectance measurements in 204.1.4. Illegible or unreadable (unscannable) indicia are not acceptable as payment of postage. The postage amount must be shown in dollars and cents (e.g., $0.49).

Customers must print or apply indicia in the upper-right corner of the envelope or, if postage is printed on an address label, the upper-right corner of that label. When placing indicia on mailpieces, customers must position indicia at least 1/4 inch from the right edge of the mailpiece and 1/4 inch from the top edge of the mailpiece and as follows:

Indicia are comprised of human-readable information. Information-based indicia (IBI) and intelligent mail indicia (IMI) also contain machine-readable information that identifies the postage evidencing system, postage payment information, and mail service requested. There are particular data sets associated with different types of indicia, depending on the product and the type of mailing. Indicia may include postal markings related to the class of mail and presort level and an ancillary service endorsement. All words must be legible and in bold capital letters at least 1/4 inch high or 18-point type. See 202.3.0 for standards on markings and 202.4.0 for placing ancillary service endorsements on letter-size mailpieces, flat-size mailpieces, and parcels.

Refund procedures for unused printed postage, postage purchased but not printed, and postage lost due to postage evidencing system failure varies by product category. See 9.0 for refund procedures.

Mailpieces with a postage discrepancy are those for which the total postage and fees affixed are not equal to the postage required for the applicable price and any extra services fees as determined by current, at the time of mailing, Postal Service prices. Postage discrepancies include no postage paid, or the use of counterfeited, replicated, duplicated, falsified, otherwise modified postage or postage with zero value.

For mailpieces with shortpaid or unpaid postage found in the mailstream, both manual and automated processes are used to detect and verify the discrepancy. Comparisons of the piece characteristics captured within the mail processing network will be matched against the characteristics affirmed by the customer to identify where a potential postage discrepancy exists.

For mailpieces with a detected postage discrepancy when postage is due, corrective measures may include one of the following:

PC Postage customer discrepancies may be resolved via an automated payment adjustment from the customer when possible which will be reflected in the customer’s account by the PES provider. If an adjustment for the entire postage discrepancy amount is not possible, the customer will be notified by the PES provider to provide funds to resolve the discrepancy within 14 calendar days, or 10 business days if by electronic means, from the date of the notification. The PES provider may be notified to temporarily suspend the customer‘s ability to print PC Postage under the following circumstances:

Customers wishing to dispute postage discrepancies must do so electronically through the PES provider within 60 calendar days of either 1) the reflection in the customer’s account of the automated payment adjustment by the PES provider; or 2) the notification by the PES provider to make funding available to resolve identified discrepancies, whichever is applicable. Customers must substantiate that the postage affixed was valid and sufficient for the postage and applicable fees owed. An electronic notification will be sent to the customer of the decision to uphold or deny the dispute along with a brief rationale. The USPS reserves the authority to make the final decision on all disputes.

Mailers may print a date correction or additional postage indicium directly on the mailpiece or on a USPS-approved label under the following conditions.

Mailers may use indicia generated by any postage evidencing system to prepay reply postage as provided under 505.2.0.

The mailing date in meter indicia must meet the format standards in this section. The year must be represented by all four digits or by the last two digits. Mailers may print the indicia directly onto mailpieces or onto separate labels or tape affixed to mailpieces. The mailing date format used in the indicia is also subject to the following conditions.

The date or period when mailers may deposit or present metered mail for mailing is controlled by the mailing date in the indicia under the following conditions.

Mailers must deposit or enter mailpieces with metered or PC Postage indicia according to the following conditions:

Title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, part 501, contains information concerning authorization to produce and distribute postage evidencing systems. Additional information may be obtained from the director, Commercial Payment (see 608.8.0 for address).

A mailer may be authorized to mail material without affixing postage when payment is made at the time of mailing from a permit imprint advance deposit account established with USPS. This payment method may be used for postage and extra service fees for Priority Mail Express (“eVS” only), Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service — Commercial, USPS Marketing Mail, Package Services, and Parcel Select mailpieces. This method is not available for Periodicals. A picture permit imprint indicia (5.4) may not be used on reply mail pieces.

Permit imprint mailings must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail, except:

Each mailpiece sent under this payment method must bear a permit imprint indicia showing that postage is paid. Permit imprint indicia may be printed directly on mailpieces, on labels (including address labels) permanently affixed to mailpieces, or on mailpiece wrappers, envelopes, and other containers. Except where the enclosure is prohibited by other standards, matter bearing a permit imprint indicia may be mailed as an enclosure when postage for the enclosure or the host matter is not paid with the enclosed permit imprint, and the enclosed permit imprint indicia is not visible when the matter is mailed.

A mailer may obtain a permit to use a permit imprint indicia by submitting Form 3615 to the Post Office where mailings are made, or online under the terms and conditions in the Business Customer Gateway portal at https://gateway.usps.com. Customers must provide with the completed PS Form 3615 acceptable primary and secondary forms of identification as specified under 608.10.0. Mail Anywhere allows a qualified mailer to maintain a single permit for a postage payment method for mailings at any Business Mail Acceptance site under 705.23.3.2.

An application fee is required only when a permit imprint is used as the payment method for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail, Bound Printed Matter Flats and international mail, and the mailer does not use the Electronic Verification System (eVS). If a customer pays a permit imprint application fee, it is accepted for domestic and/or international outbound mailings.

Payment must be made for each mailing, either in cash or through an advance deposit account, before the mailing can be released for processing. Funds to pay postage must be deposited as directed by the USPS. If the funds paid or on deposit are less than that necessary to pay for a mailing, the difference must be paid or deposited before the mailing or other permit imprint mailings can be accepted. Credit for postage is not allowed. Postage may not be paid partly in money and partly by postage stamps unless permitted by standard.

All pieces in a permit imprint mailing must be faced (positioned with all addresses in the same direction, unless counterstacked under the applicable standards) and meet the preparation standards for the price claimed. Mail claimed at a postage price that varies by zone must be separated by zone when mailed, unless otherwise authorized by the USPS.

All pieces in a permit imprint mailing must be of identical weight unless otherwise authorized by the USPS.

Mailpieces paid with permit imprint may be combined in the same mailing with pieces paid with other methods only if authorized by the USPS.

Permit imprint mailings with postage paid by advance deposit account must be presented to the USPS for weighing, unless otherwise authorized by the director, Business Acceptance Solutions.

Mail must be deposited and accepted at the Post Office that issued the permit, at a time and place designated by the postmaster, except as otherwise provided for plant-verified drop shipments.

The USPS may immediately suspend the authorization to use a permit imprint if the permit holder or its agent refuses or fails to provide information in a timely manner (as specified in 604.5.3.9) to the USPS about the use of its company permit.

A permit may be revoked for use in operating any unlawful scheme or enterprise, if no mailings or payment of postage occurred during any consecutive 2-year period, for refusal to provide information about permit imprint use or mailings, and for noncompliance with any standard applicable to permit imprints. The permit holder may submit a written appeal to the postmaster within 10 days of receipt of the revocation notice.

Embossed or unembossed permit imprint indicia may be made by printing press, hand stamp, lithography, mimeograph, multigraph, address plate, or similar device. They may not be typewritten or hand-drawn.

The content and format of a permit imprint indicia must meet the standards below. No other formats may be used.

The permit imprint indicia must be legible and of a color that contrasts sufficiently with the paper and the indicia’s background for readability. A different color may be used to highlight the background of an indicia.

Permit imprint indicia must read in the same direction as the delivery address on the mailpiece. The indicia may not be placed below the address or encroach on reserved space (e.g., ACS participant code, delivery point barcode). The indicia can be placed in one of these four positions:

Mailpieces bearing unofficial markings that reference directly or indirectly expedited attention, handling or delivery (e.g., “Urgent,” “Rush Delivery,” “Time Sensitive”) must meet the following conditions:

A permit imprint indicia on Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, or First-Class Package Service — Commercial mailpieces must show “Priority Mail Express,” “Priority Mail” (or “Priority”), “First-Class Mail,” or “First-Class Package” (or “First-Class Pkg”) as applicable; “U.S. Postage Paid”; city and state; and permit number. If the Electronic Verification System (eVS) is used under 705.2.9, the marking “eVS” (or the alternative “e-VS” or “E-VS”) must appear directly below the permit number. The “Priority Mail Express,” or “Priority Mail” (or “Priority”), marking may be omitted when using USPS-provided Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail containers. The indicia may show the mailing date, amount of postage paid, or the number of ounces for which postage is paid. The ZIP Code of the permit holder may be shown directly after the state name or in a separate inscription reading “ZIP Code 00000,” when that ZIP Code does not create uncertainty about the permit holder’s correct address or permit number. Instead of printing the city and state of mailing in the indicia, the mailer may print “Mailed From ZIP Code,” followed by the 5-digit ZIP Code assigned to the postmaster of the mailing office. The indicia may also include required price markings.

A USPS Marketing Mail, Parcel Select, or Package Services permit imprint indicia must contain the same information required in 5.3.6, except that the USPS Marketing Mail (Standard Mail), the applicable Parcel Select (Parcel Select or Parcel Select Lightweight), or the applicable Package Services (Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail or Library Mail) marking must be used instead of “First-Class Mail.” If eVS is used under 705.2.9, the marking “eVS” (or alternative “e-VS” or “E-VS”) must appear directly below the permit number. The indicia may include the amount of postage paid, the weight of the piece, and price markings as required. The indicia must not include the mailing date.

Mailpieces for which postage and extra services fees are paid for by permit imprint must show the applicable class of mail (“First-Class Mail,” for example); “U.S. Postage Paid” (or “U.S. Postage and Fees Paid”, at the mailer‘s option); city and state; and permit number. The city, state, and permit number may be omitted in a company permit imprint indicia, subject to 5.3.9.

A company permit imprint is one in which the exact name of the company or individual holding the permit is shown in the indicia in place of the city, state, and permit number. If a company permit imprint is used for eVS under 705.2.9, the marking “eVS” (or alternative “eVS” or “E-VS”) is placed directly below the name on a separate line. As an option for eVS mail only, “Permit No.” and the permit number used exclusively for eVS may appear on a separate line between the company name and the marking “eVS.” The following standards apply:

A permit imprint displaying the city, state, and permit number of a mailer‘s original permit may be applied to pieces in a mailing presented for verification and acceptance at another Post Office location under the following conditions:

Unless prepared under 5.3.12 or 5.4, permit imprint indicia on mailpieces must be prepared in one of the formats in Exhibit 5.3.11, as applicable to the price claimed or type of mail. (Not all permissible combinations of content elements are shown.) Specific markings may be required as applicable for the price claimed.

Exhibit 5.3.11 Indicia Formats for Official Mail and Other Classes

As options to the basic format under 5.3.11, permit imprint indicia may be prepared as picture permit imprint indicia under 5.4 or in other formats subject to these conditions:

Picture permit imprint indicia may contain business-related color images, such as corporate logos, brand, trademarks and other pictorial business images. These images are known as picture permit imprints. A picture permit imprint may be used to pay postage and extra service fees on commercial mailings of First-Class Mail postcards and letters or USPS Marketing Mail letters.

Except when used under 5.5, picture permit imprint is charged a per piece fee, in addition to the postage applicable for the class of mail. See Notice 123–Price List.

Color images used in picture permit imprint indicia must maintain neutrality on social or political issues in order to avoid the creation of a public forum for the debate or dissemination of political ideas by private parties and images must also adhere to the following prohibitions:

An application to use picture permit imprint must be completed and Postal Service authorization must be obtained for each picture permit imprint indicia prior to the acceptance of mailpieces bearing these indicia. Customers must sign an indemnification statement and, upon request, provide valid addressed samples of mailpieces bearing the color images for testing. Contact the manager, Transaction and Correspondence (608.8.1) for more information. Additional information is available at https://www.usps.com/business/postage-options.htm.

As options to the basic format under 5.3.11and if all other applicable standards in 5.0 are met, permit imprint indicia may be prepared in picture permit imprint format subject to these conditions:

Share Mail is an electronic postage payment mechanism for single-piece First-Class Mail letters or postcards, addressed to any domestic address, that weigh no more than one ounce each. Customers wishing to participate in this program must submit their request in writing to the Manager, Product Management, Mailing Services, USPS, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 2P846, Washington, DC 20260-1011. Customers participating in the Share Mail postage payment program must, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:

The mailer is responsible for proper payment of postage. Postage on all mail must be fully prepaid at the time of mailing, except as specifically provided by standard for:

If mailable matter without postage, intended for delivery by a private delivery company, is found in USPS collection boxes (or other receptacles for mail deposit), USPS facilities, or USPS mail processing operations, the company is contacted to pick up the matter by the close of the next workday. If the company does not pick up the matter, it is returned to the sender, postage due. If the sender cannot be identified or refuses the matter, it is treated as dead mail.

Customers must pay in cash for postage-due mail before the mail is delivered. If postage-due collections equal about $10 or more every 60 days, payment may be made by advance deposit of money in a postage due account. Postage on quantity mailings found in private mailboxes is subject to 8.1.1. Government agencies using penalty mail must pay postage due through an OMAS postage due account. Government agencies may no longer use penalty meter strips or penalty mail stamps to pay postage due.

Mailers may choose to establish an advance deposit account(s) from which postage, per piece charges, and other fees are deducted. For certain return services, an advance deposit account is required. Mailers may use a single advance deposit account to pay postage due charges for more than one return service (e.g., Business Reply Mail and Bulk Parcel Return Service).

Except for accounts used solely to pay postage due for shortpaid mail, address correction notices, and undeliverable-as-addressed pieces returned to sender (e.g., return service requested) mailers must pay a separate annual accounting fee, if applicable, for each return service paid through an advance deposit account. This fee covers the administrative cost of maintaining the account and provides the mailer with the accounting of all charges deducted from that account. The accounting fee is charged once each 12-month period on the anniversary date of the initial accounting fee payment. The fee may be paid in advance only for the next year and only during the last 60 days of the current service period. The fee charged is that which is in effect on the date of payment.

To determine single-piece weight in any mailing at single-piece prices, in a bulk mailing at Media Mail, or Library Mail prices, or in any bulk price mailing of nonidentical-weight pieces, weigh each piece individually. To determine single-piece weight in any other bulk or presort price mailing, weigh a sample group of at least 10 randomly selected pieces and divide the total sample weight by the number of pieces in the sample. Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded off to two decimal places for the following mailpieces: Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail prices. For all other mailpieces, express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded off to four decimal places.

For these standards, express:

For these standards:

Round off requires increasing by 1 the last digit to be kept if the digit to its right, which is not to be kept, is 5 or greater. If that digit is 4 or less, the last digit kept is unchanged (e.g., 3.376 rounded off to two decimal places is 3.38, 3.374 is 3.37). Round up requires increasing by 1 the last digit to be kept if there are any digits to its right, regardless of significance (e.g., rounding up either 3.3701 or 3.379 to two decimal places yields 3.38). Round down requires eliminating any digits to the right of the last number to be kept (e.g., rounding down either 3.371 or 3.379 to two decimal places yields 3.37).

Mail of any class, including mail indicating extra services (except Priority Mail Express, Registered Mail, and nonmachinable First-Class Mail), that is received at either the office of mailing or office of address without enough postage is marked to show the total (rounded off) deficiency of postage and fees. Such individual pieces (or quantities fewer than 10) are delivered to the addressee on payment of the charges marked on the mail. For mailings of 10 or more pieces, the mailer is notified so that the postage charges may be paid before dispatch. For any mailpiece with insufficient postage generated by postage evidencing systems, the USPS may follow the process in 4.4.4 through 4.4.5.

Mail with insufficient postage that is refused by the addressee or otherwise undeliverable is:

Shortpaid nonmachinable First-Class Mail letters are returned to the sender for additional postage.

Postage stamps or meter stamps originally affixed to insufficiently prepaid mail are accepted in payment of postage to the amount of their face value when the mail is again presented for mailing.

When the cancellation impression shows that a postage stamp (or stamps) was wholly or partly lost, the piece is handled as if correct postage had been paid for the class and weight of the piece absent any evidence to the contrary.

If shortpaid Registered Mail is found in ordinary mail, with only the First-Class Mail or First-Class Package Service — Retail, price of postage paid, the piece is delivered to the addressee as ordinary First-Class Mail or First-Class Package Service — Retail. If the amount of postage and fees affixed indicates that the piece was intended to be registered, the piece is priced as postage due and forwarded to the addressee through the Registered Mail. If shortpaid Registered Mail is found in the Registered Mail, the piece is delivered without the collection of postage due. The additional postage is collected from the sender.

USPS Corporate accounts and federal government accounts that use a “Postage and Fees Paid” indicia are debited for the correct amount of postage and fees at the time of mailing.

When Priority Mail Express items are received at the office of mailing with insufficient postage, the Postal Service will contact the mailer to correct the postage deficiency prior to dispatch of the item. If the mailer cannot be contacted prior to dispatch, the deficiency is handled under 8.1.9.

For Priority Mail Express items with insufficient postage that are identified during processing operations or at the destination Post Office, the Postal Service will:

For Priority Mail Express items with insufficient IBI postage generated by postage evidencing systems, USPS may follow the process in 4.4.4 through 4.4.5.

Priority Mail Express items with insufficient postage are returned to the sender after collecting the postage deficiency when an effort to contact the sender before dispatch fails and when the addressee refuses to pay the postage due. If the item is remailed as Priority Mail Express, the sender must affix a new Priority Mail Express label with new postage and any applicable fees.

Matter of any class, including that for which extra services are indicated, received at either the office of mailing or office of address without postage, is endorsed “Returned for Postage” and is returned to the sender without an attempt at delivery. If a mail recipient attempts to return or forward the mail without paying additional postage when required, the mail is endorsed “Returned for Postage” and returned to the recipient. If no return address is shown, or the delivery and return addresses are identical, or the delivery and return addresses are different but for the same person or organization, the piece is treated as dead mail.

Metered reply mail on which the mailer failed to imprint a meter stamp is treated as business reply mail (BRM). Such mail is delivered on payment of postage and the applicable business reply per-piece charge for basic BRM.

Whoever knowingly and willfully deposits any mailable matter (such as statements of account, circulars, sale bills, or other like matter) on which no postage is paid, in any letterbox established, approved, or accepted by the Postal Service for the receipt or delivery of mail matter on any route, with intent to avoid payment of lawful postage thereon, shall for each such offense be fined not more than $5,000.00 per individual or $10,000.00 per organization (18 USC 1725, 3571).

Except for limited use by newspapers under 508.3.0, any mailable matter not bearing postage found in, upon, attached to, supported by, or hung from private mail receptacles described in 508.3.0 is subject to payment of the same postage if carried by mail.

If there is a distribution of identical pieces to all or substantially all addresses on a route, only a representative number of pieces is returned to the delivery unit. Postage is computed as described in 8.3.4.

If there is a distribution of pieces to some, but not all, addresses on a route, pieces are returned to the delivery unit for use in computing the postage due. First-Class Mail or First-Class Package Service — Retail prices are applied to matter that would require First-Class Mail or First-Class Package Service — Retail postage if mailed. For other matter, if the piece weighs less than 16 ounces, the applicable single-piece First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service — Retail, or Priority Mail price based on the weight of the piece is applied, or USPS Retail Ground or an applicable Package Services price is applied, whichever is lower. If the piece weighs 16 ounces or more, the USPS Retail Ground or applicable Package Services price is applied.

If there is reason to believe that a private delivery firm or an individual within the Post Office delivery area is responsible for the delivery, the local postmaster notifies that party of the number of pieces and the postage due. If, within 5 days after notice, the firm or individual agrees to pay the postage due, payment is accepted and the pieces are delivered to the addressees. The party paying the postage may choose to redeliver the pieces rather than have the USPS deliver them. If the pieces are found to have been removed from receptacles improperly, they are delivered without postage charge.

If the party responsible for delivery is not known or if the firm requested fails to pay the postage, the pieces are returned to the publisher or manufacturer, postage due and endorsed to show they were found in or on the addressee’s mailbox without postage. If a publisher or manufacturer gives the name and telephone number of a person to contact and guarantees postage payment, the pieces are redelivered to the addressees. If the publisher or manufacturer is unknown or refuses the pieces, the matter is treated as dead mail.

Priority Mail Express items bearing invalid postage detected by a Postal Service device must have a Label 424, Invalid Postage Return Label, affixed and be returned to sender.

The Post Office may correct mistakes in selling damaged, defective, or otherwise unserviceable stamps by exchanging stamps at full postage value.

Stamps, including stamped paper (cards and envelopes), that are damaged or otherwise unusable for postage (because of humidity, moisture, or other causes) while in a customer‘s possession may be exchanged only for an equal number of stamps, or stamped paper, alike and of the same denomination. Unusable stamps, including stamped paper, accepted from a customer must be those on sale at Post Offices within 12 months before the transaction. Quantities of the same denomination totaling over $10 (i.e., sheets, coils, booklets) must be returned in the same configuration as when bought. Except as provided in items d. and e., each such transaction is limited to $100 worth of postage from each customer. These additional conditions apply to exchanges of damaged or unusable stamps or stamped paper:

The stamps presented for exchange must be in substantially whole condition, with the denomination evident. If coils of stamps are partially stuck together and cannot be counted, the postmaster may accept the customer’s estimate of the number of stamps left in the coil and give equal quantities in exchange.

If a customer bought the wrong denomination stamps (or the wrong kind, size, or denomination envelope), they may be exchanged at full postage value. Only full panes of stamps, coils of stamps in the original sealed wrappers, full boxes of stamped envelopes, or original sealed packs of stamped cards may be exchanged. Customers exchanging $250 or more per person of such stock must provide an acceptable primary form of identification as specified under 608.10.3, and must present the stock for exchange to the postal unit where their mail is delivered.

Customers may exchange semipostal stamps for their postage value (i.e., the price of the stamps less the contribution amount) to the extent that exchange of postage stamps is permitted. The postage the customer exchanges is equal to the First-Class Mail single-piece one-ounce letter price in effect at the time of exchange. However, if the customer provides a receipt showing the date of purchase, the postage exchanged is equal to the postage price in effect at the time of purchase. The contribution amount is not refundable and is not included in the exchange value.

The following postage items cannot be exchanged:

Any customer denied an exchange for damaged stamps may appeal the postmaster’s decision to the Consumer Advocate, USPS Headquarters (see 608.8.0 for address).

A customer may apply for a refund of postage and fees as provided under 9.2. For information on filing an indemnity claim for loss or damage see 609.

A refund for postage and fees may be made:

Exhibit 9.2.1 Postage and Fees Refunds

Customers must apply for a refund within the time limits in the chart below.

The USPS is presumed at fault and no service is rendered in cases involving returned articles improperly accepted in either domestic or international service because of excess size or weight. Any mailer who customarily weighs and prices mail is expected to be familiar with basic standards. The USPS is not at fault if the mailer is required to withdraw articles from the mail before dispatch.

A full refund (100%) may be made when:

Refunds are not made for the following:

A customer may apply for refunds under 9.2, as follows:

Online (preferred) at www.USPS.com/help: For domestic, Priority Mail Express (postage, Sunday/holiday premium fee, 10:30 a.m. delivery fee), and for Certified Mail, Return Receipt (hardcopy and electronic), Signature Confirmation, and USPS Tracking (USPS Marketing Mail only), extra services only. Evidence of services purchased must be retained by the mailer until the refund request is resolved. Customers may be required to upload evidence of services purchased (.jpeg, .pdf or .png) and provide their mailing date. Appeals of denied online refund requests must be processed online and must be submitted within 30 days of receipt of the denial. Form 3533: For all refunds listed under 9.2 9.2 608.8.0 9.3

A Business Reply Mail (BRM) permit holder may request a credit to an advance deposit account for postage affixed to returned BRM pieces. A refund may be requested for postage affixed to BRM only if an advance deposit is not used or is unavailable. Only the value of the postage affixed may be credited or refunded. Refunds are not given for foreign postage affixed to BRM. The permit holder must submit a completed Form 3533 to the postmaster documenting the excess postage payment for which a credit or refund is desired. The permit holder must also present properly faced and banded bundles of 100 (when quantities allow) identical BRM pieces with identical amounts of postage affixed. A charge of 10 percent off the face value is assessed if the total face value of the postage affixed is $500 or less. If the total face value of the postage affixed exceeds $500, a charge of $50.00 per hour (or fraction thereof) is assessed for the work hours used to process the credit or refund. Credits or refunds are not given for any BRM or QBRM per piece charges, annual accounting fees, quarterly fees, or monthly maintenance fees.

Postage meters and PC Postage products are collectively identified as postage evidencing systems. A postage evidencing system is a device or system of components a customer uses to print evidence that required postage has been paid. Refunds for postage and fees when payment is made by postage evidencing system indicia are granted as applicable in 9.3.2 through 9.3.12 and as follows:

Unused metered indicia are postage amounts (which may include fees) already imprinted onto any mailpiece, shipping label or meter strip (stamp) that was never mailed. Such meter indicia are considered for refund only if complete, legible, and valid. Authorized users must submit requests within 60 days of the date(s) shown in the indicia. Requests must include proof (such as a copy of the lease or contract) that the person or entity requesting the refund is the authorized user of the postage meter that printed the indicia. See 9.3.3 for additional standards applicable to dated, unused metered indicia and 9.3.4 for additional standards applicable to undated, unused metered indicia. For both types of unused metered indicia, submit refund requests as follows:

Refund requests for dated, unused meter indicia must be submitted to the local Post Office, under 9.3.1 and 9.3.2. The request is processed by the local Postmaster, who grants or denies the refund.

Authorized users, or the commercial entity that prepared the mailing for the authorized user, must submit refund requests for undated, unused meter indicia under 9.3.1 and 9.3.2 as follows:

The following metered postage items are ineligible for refunds:

Any fraction of a cent in the total to be refunded is rounded down to the whole cent. Any such rounding is unrelated to calculating a 90% maximum.

The unused postage value remaining in a meter system when withdrawn from service may be refunded, depending upon the circumstance and the ability of the USPS to make a responsible determination of the actual or approximate amount of the unused postage value. When postage meters are withdrawn because of faulty operation, a final postage adjustment or refund will be withheld pending the system provider‘s report of the cause. Once provided, the USPS will make the determination of whether a refund is warranted and any refund amount, if applicable. When a meter damaged by fire, flood, or similar disaster is returned to the provider, postage may be refunded or transferred when the registers are legible and accurate, or the register values can be reconstructed by the provider based on adequate supporting documentation. When the damaged meter is not available for return, postage may be refunded or transferred only if the provider can accurately determine the remaining postage value based on adequate supporting documentation. The authorized user may be required to provide a statement as to the cause of the damage and the absence of any reimbursement by insurance or otherwise, and that the authorized user will not also seek such reimbursement. No refund is given for faulty operation caused by the authorized user, for a decertified meter, or if a meter is reported lost by the provider and recovered after 365 days. Refunds for unused postage value in meter systems are provided as follows:

Unused PC Postage indicia are considered for refund only if complete, legible, valid and documented pursuant to 9.3.1. See 9.3.9 for additional standards applicable to requests for undated unused PC Postage indicia and 9.3.10 and 9.3.11 for additional standards applicable to requests for refunds of dated unused PC Postage indicia. For all types of unused PC Postage indicia, submit refund requests as follows:

Refunds will not normally be provided for valid, undated, serialized PC Postage indicia containing commonly used postage values. If the authorized user believes extraordinary circumstances justify an exception, requests for such refunds must include a detailed explanation. Requests will be considered by the PC Postage system provider on a case by case basis and as provided in 9.3.1 and 9.3.8.

The refund request should reflect any package identification code (PIC). Requests for refund of international mail postage (domestic origin only) and fees may include valid PICs for any form of USPS Tracking, Signature Confirmation, Adult Signature, or Priority Mail Express, and include those PICs available through Track & Confirm on www.usps.com. Requests for refund of PC Postage indicia that contain a valid PIC are provided as follows:

Requests for refund of dated, unused PC Postage indicia which do not have an associated package identification code (PIC) must be submitted as provided in 9.3.1 and as follows:

Authorized users must notify their PC Postage provider to withdraw a system and to refund any unused postage value remaining in that account. The provider refunds the unused postage value remaining in the user‘s system on behalf of the USPS. Individual customer refunds are not issued for unused postage value less than $25 remaining in a PC Postage system.

Subject to the standards in 9.4, a presenter (i.e., the mailer or other party, such as a presort service bureau), who prepares letter-size First-Class Mail or USPS Marketing Mail under 9.4.12 and 9.4.13 for their customers and presents it to the USPS in their behalf, may request a value added refund (VAR) for postage affixed to mail in excess of the price applicable to that mail when presented to the USPS. A presenter must be authorized by the USPS to seek the refund. Any refund is issued to the presenter, and the disposition of any such refund is a private matter between the presenter and the presenter’s customer.

The presenter must make a written application to the postmaster serving each location where VAR mailings are to be deposited, verified, and paid. The application must describe the presenter’s mail preparation system and the documentation that it can produce. The application must also show that the presenter can produce the postage statements and the refund documentation required by 9.4.17. The postmaster forwards the application and supporting documentation for approval to the director, Business Acceptance Solutions.

Eligibility to submit requests for VARs requires that the presenter process and document mail through a fully automated mail sorting system. The system must include barcoding equipment (e.g., multiline optical character readers) to read the address information and determine the correct ZIP+4 code; an ink jet or laser printer to apply the correct Intelligent Mail barcode in the required location; and a barcode reader (BCR) to read the Intelligent Mail barcode, verify it for accuracy, and sort the mailpiece to the correct location.

In applying for authorization to make VARs, the presenter agrees:

If the application is approved, an authorization to make refund requests remains in effect until such time as the director of Business Acceptance Solutions, or the mailer, cancels the agreement. If Postal Service periodic reviews or mailer supplied information demonstrates a need for a modification, the authorization will be modified, with concurrence by the director of Business Acceptance Solutions and the mailer.

If the application is denied, the presenter may file a written appeal within 15 days through Business Acceptance Solutions, USPS Headquarters, to the Marketing and Technology Channel Management manager, who issues the final agency decision.

The director, Business Acceptance Solutions may suspend an authorization after determining that the presenter does not meet the standards in 9.4.

The director, Business Acceptance Solutions may cancel an authorization for any of these reasons:

A cancellation or suspension takes effect 15 days from the presenter’s receipt of the notice unless, during that time, the presenter files a written appeal with the director, Business Acceptance Solutions, stating why the authorization should not be canceled or suspended. If the director, Business Acceptance Solutions, upholds the action, the appeal is forwarded to the Marketing and Technology Channel Management manager, USPS Headquarters, who issues the final agency decision. A final cancellation takes effect 15 days after receipt by the presenter.

An original PS Form 8096 must be completed and signed by each of the presenter‘s customers whose metered pieces are eligible for a VAR . The original PS Forms 8096 and a list of customers presenting a PS Form 8096 must be on file with the postmaster where the mailings are deposited for acceptance and payment. If postage is affixed to the pieces using a postage evidencing system by an intermediate agent (not the presenter of the mailing) for the owner of the pieces, a signed Form 8096 must be on file from the agent whose postage evidencing systems were used to affix the postage. Refund requests are denied if all required Forms 8096 are not provided.

Form 8096 is not required for a customer whose mail is metered by the presenter with the presenter‘s own postage evidencing system. In such cases, the presenter must provide the Post Office where it submits refund requests with a list, in ascending numeric order, of its own postage evidencing system serial numbers and those of any intermediate agent used for affixing postage to the pieces included in the mailing.

If a VAR request is submitted when a First-Class Mail mailing is presented to the USPS, each piece in the mailing must be:

If a VAR request is submitted when a USPS Marketing Mail mailing is presented to the USPS, each piece in the mailing must be:

A mailing for which a VAR request is submitted must meet these criteria:

The presenter must provide a complete and accurate postage statement with each mailing annotated to show the presort option used to prepare that mailing, and reporting postage data based on the price category for which each piece qualifies when presented to the USPS.

To request a VAR, Form 3533 and supporting documentation as described below must be provided with the corresponding mailing at the time of mailing. After the time of mailing, refund applications are not considered. The entry office postmaster pays refunds weekly or on another schedule agreed to with the mailer.

Mailers are required to submit or generate the following reports:

For Priority Mail Express 1-Day and 2-Day Delivery, the USPS refunds the postage and Sunday or holiday premium fee and/or the 10:30 a.m. delivery fee for an item not delivered, for an item for which delivery was not attempted, or if the item was not made available for claim by the delivery date and time specified at the time of mailing, subject to the standards for this service, unless the delay was caused by one of the situations in 9.5.5.

For PMEMS, the USPS refunds postage for an item not available for customer pickup at the APO/FPO or DPO address or for which delivery to the addressee was not attempted domestically within the times specified by the standards for this service, unless the item was delayed by Customs; the item was destined for an APO/FPO or DPO that was closed on the intended day of delivery (delivery is attempted the next business day); or the delay was caused by one of the situations in 9.5.5.

A claim for a refund for Priority Mail Express postage may be made only by the mailer (the sender of a Priority Mail Express item or the holder of the USPS Corporate Account used to pay for postage).

A postage refund request, as allowed under 9.0, must be made within 30 days after the date of mailing.

Postage will not be refunded if the guaranteed service was not provided due to any of the following circumstances:

A mailer may apply for a refund online at usps.com/help (preferred) under 9.2.5a, or must complete Part I of Form 3533 in duplicate and submit it, along with the original customer copy of Label 11, to any Post Office.

The Postage Due Weight Averaging (PDWA) program is a comprehensive, statistically valid program to calculate postage due returns in bulk, rather than rating each individual piece. This program, subject to application, approval, and authorization is available for customers who receive a minimum of 50,000 combined postage-due parcels and flats or Bulk Parcel Return Service (BPRS) pieces. The PDWA program applies a postage due cost factor, generated through a 4-week rolling average sampling period, to assess postage and fees based upon the net weight of each container. A new postage due cost factor is calculated and applied weekly, based on the previous 4 weeks of sampling data. The 4-week rolling average is not applicable if a new PDWA system is implemented or if there is a postage price change. When these circumstances occur, the new postage due cost factor is determined through the sampling in the first week. That new postage due cost factor is then applied in the first 2 weeks. After the fourth week of sampling, the postage due cost factor is a complete 4-week rolling average. PDWA is designed to significantly reduce processing time and provide for shorter verification time for customers.

A PDWA program may be authorized for applicants who receive a minimum of 50,000 combined returns per year. Returns can include all classes of mail where postage-due fees are assessed, including BPRS return pieces. Only parcels and flats may be processed through the PDWA program. See 11.2 for application process.

PDWA customers may elect to establish a quality control program to ensure that all missorted and accountable mail (including Certified Mail, collect on delivery [COD], USPS Tracking, Adult Signature, and Signature Confirmation) is identified and returned to the servicing Post Office before being opened. If the customer elects to not implement a quality control program, the customer must assume all responsibility for claims filed by clients who returned their product to them via accountable mail. The program must include:

The customer or agent must submit a PDWA application to the postmaster of the office through which delivery service is provided. The customer must provide information including current permits, authorizations, and average volume figures. The postmaster will provide input regarding staffing, hours of operation, standard operating procedures, and recommendations or comments for approval.

The director, Business Acceptance Solutions, USPS Headquarters, approves or denies applications for PDWA systems. Approved mailers are provided an authorization letter (or previously-approved service agreement) specifying, among other things, the customer‘s quality control procedures and procedures for handling missorted and accountable mail.

If the PDWA application is not approved, the director, Business Acceptance Solutions will send a written notice to the applicant with the reason for denial.

Authorization remains in effect until the director of Business Acceptance Solutions, or the customer, cancels the agreement. If Postal Service periodic reviews or customer-supplied information indicates a need for modification, then the authorization or service agreement will be amended with concurrence of the director of Business Acceptance Solutions, and the customer.

The director, Business Acceptance Solutions may suspend a PDWA at any time if the authorization or service agreement does not provide adequate revenue protection, or the customer (or agent) fails to meet the criteria established by the agreement.

The customer may cancel a PDWA authorization (or service agreement) by writing to the director, Business Acceptance Solutions (see 608.8.0 for address).