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Written by Erin Mulford
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02/03/12 |
 On January 5, 2013 the USPS will require new guidelines for Self Mailing Pieces. We wanted to let you know in advance, so you can plan your mailings for the next year accordingly. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have!
Final Rules for Folded Self-Mailers
United States Postal Service® (USPS®) published the final regulations for folded self-mailers (FSM’s) and other unenveloped pieces in the December 1, 2011 Federal Register. These final rules are based on the proposed regulations published in an earlier Federal Register on August 15, 2011. The USPS renamed pieces designed to carry discs and expands the standards that apply to tabs to include folded self-mailers (FSM’s). These new rules do not apply to cards, envelopes, booklet style letters or mailpieces designed to carry discs.
The notice lays out the specifications for the size requirements for FSMs:
- Length: A minimum of 5 inches and a maximum of 10 1/2 inches.
- Height: A minimum of 3 1/2 inches and a maximum of 6 inches.
- 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.
- Maximum Weight: 3 ounces.
- Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides.
- Within an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of 1.3 to 2.5, inclusive
- Maximum number of panels, bi-fold, tri-fold and oblongs: 12 for FSM’s constructed of non-newsprint paper
- Exception: Quarter folded self-mailers made of a minimum of 100 lb book grade paper may have 4 panels and those made of 55 lb newsprint must have at least 8 panels and may contain up to 24 panels.
The proposals include the definition of a “panel” and lengthy descriptions of permissible fold and panel configurations. The sealing options provided are numerous, including the optimal continuous glue line as well as three or four glue spots, three or four elongated glue lines, and various tabbing options. Many of the options are dependent on the paper basis weight and number of folds or panels. There are also a number of options for other design elements, such as die cuts, perforations, loose enclosures and attachments.
Effective Date for Mailpieces
Although the USPS is not making these new rules effective until January 5, 2013, we strongly encourage mailers to review these new regulations and start making plans for any necessary design changes to future mailpieces. Many mailpieces, or components of mailpieces, are designed and prepared months in advance of actual mailing and may be kept in stock for remailings. Before you design and order mailpieces for 2013, please review these new rules so that you do not get stuck with additional postage charges or, worse, unmailable pieces.
Contact your ADI representitive for more information on these new rules!
**Source of information WINDOW BOOK INC. |
