83 FR 51359 - POSTNET Barcode

POSTAL SERVICE

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 197 (October 11, 2018)

Page Range		51359-51360
FR Document		2018-22107

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to remove all references to the POSTNET<SUP>TM</SUP> barcode.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 197 (Thursday, October 11, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 197 (Thursday, October 11, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51359-51360]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22107]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


POSTNET Barcode

AGENCY: Postal Service^TM.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to remove all 
references to the POSTNET^TM barcode.

DATES: Effective Date: October 11, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268-3789 or 
Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7261.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service published a notice of 
proposed rulemaking on July 23, 2018, (83 FR 34806-07) to amend the DMM 
to remove all references to the POSTNET barcode. This decision was 
based on the limited use of the POSTNET barcode and the need to 
simplify the standards in regard to barcoding letter-size and flat-size 
mailpieces.
    The Postal Service received 1 formal response which was in 
agreement with the removal of POSTNET barcodes in the DMM.
    The Postal Service will remove all references to the POSTNET 
barcode from the DMM. The Postal Service will continue to process 
mailpieces with a POSTNET barcode to accommodate customers who may have 
preprinted stock bearing a POSTNET barcode.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

    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.
    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. 1692-
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 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 Mail Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels

* * * * *

202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece

* * * * *

5.0 Barcode Placement Letters and Flats

5.1 Letter-Size

* * * * *

5.1.4 Additional Barcode Permissibility

    [Revise the text of 5.1.4 to read as follows:]
    An automation letter or a letter claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route 
saturation or high density automation letter prices may not bear a 5-
digit or ZIP+4 Intelligent Mail barcode in the lower right corner 
(barcode clear zone). The piece may bear an additional Intelligent Mail 
barcode in the address block only if a qualifying Intelligent Mail 
barcode with a delivery point routing code appears in the lower right 
corner.
* * * * *

5.2 Flat-Size

5.2.1 Barcode Placement for Flats

    [Revise the fifth sentence of 5.2.1 to read as follows:]
    * * * An additional Intelligent Mail barcode may also appear in the 
address block of an automation flat, when the qualifying Intelligent 
Mail barcode is not in the address block. * * *
* * * * *

6.0 Barcode Placement for Parcels

* * * * *
    [Revise the heading and text of 6.3 to read as follows:]

6.3 Intelligent Mail Barcodes

    Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) do not meet barcode eligibility 
requirements for parcels and do not qualify for any barcode-related 
prices for parcels, but one barcode may be included only in the address 
block on a parcel, except on eVS parcels. An Intelligent Mail barcode 
in the address block must be placed according to 5.3.
* * * * *

8.0 Facing Identification Mark (FIM)

* * * * *

8.2 Pattern

    [Revise the third sentence in the introductory text of 8.2 to read 
as follows:]
    * * * The required FIM pattern as shown in Exhibit 8.2.0 below 
depends on the type of mail and the presence of an Intelligent Mail 
barcode as follows:
* * * * *

204 Barcode Standards

Overview

    [Revise the link heading under ``Overview'' to read as follows:]

1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail Barcodes

* * * * *
    [Revise the heading of 1.0 to read as follows:]

1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail Barcodes

1.1 General

    [Revise the text of 1.1 to read as follows:]

[[Page 51360]]

    An Intelligent Mail barcode is a USPS-developed method to encode 
ZIP Code information on mail that can be read for sorting by automated 
machines. Intelligent Mail barcodes also encode other tracking 
information.
    [Delete 1.2, POSTNET Barcode, in its entirety and renumber 1.3 
through 1.6 as 1.2 through 1.5.]
* * * * *

507 Mailer Services

* * * * *

4.0 Address Correction Services

* * * * *

4.2 Address Change Service (ACS)

* * * * *

4.2.6 Additional Standards--When Using Intelligent Mail Barcodes

    * * * Mailpieces must meet the following specifications:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item b to read as follows:]
    b. Flat-size mailpieces may be mailed at nonautomation or 
automation prices.
* * * * *

600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services

* * * * *

604 Postage Payment Methods and Refunds

* * * * *

4.0 Postage Meters and PC Postage Products (``Postage Evidencing 
Systems'')

* * * * *

4.3 Postage Payment

* * * * *

4.3.3 Placement of Postage

    * * * When placing indicia on mailpieces, 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:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item e to read as follows:]
    e. Do not allow the indicia to infringe on the areas reserved for 
the FIM, Intelligent Mail barcode, or optical character reader (OCR) 
clear zone.
* * * * *

Index

* * * * *

P

* * * * *
    [Delete the ``POSTNET'' line item in the Index.]
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to 
reflect these changes.

Brittany M. Johnson,
Attorney, Federal Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2018-22107 Filed 10-10-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7710-12-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 197 / Thursday, October 11, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 51359

ordinary skill in the art and the remove all references to the POSTNET ZIP+4 Intelligent Mail barcode in the
prosecution history pertaining to the barcode. This decision was based on the lower right corner (barcode clear zone).
patent. Any prior claim construction limited use of the POSTNET barcode The piece may bear an additional
determination concerning a term of the and the need to simplify the standards Intelligent Mail barcode in the address
claim in a civil action, or a proceeding in regard to barcoding letter-size and block only if a qualifying Intelligent
before the International Trade flat-size mailpieces. Mail barcode with a delivery point
Commission, that is timely made of The Postal Service received 1 formal routing code appears in the lower right
record in the post-grant review response which was in agreement with corner.
proceeding will be considered. the removal of POSTNET barcodes in * * * * *
* * * * * the DMM.
The Postal Service will remove all 5.2 Flat-Size
■ 4. Amend § 42.300 by revising
references to the POSTNET barcode 5.2.1 Barcode Placement for Flats
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
from the DMM. The Postal Service will
§ 42.300 Procedure; pendency. continue to process mailpieces with a [Revise the fifth sentence of 5.2.1 to
POSTNET barcode to accommodate read as follows:]
* * * * * * * * An additional Intelligent Mail
(b) In a covered business method customers who may have preprinted
stock bearing a POSTNET barcode. barcode may also appear in the address
patent review proceeding, a claim of a block of an automation flat, when the
patent, or a claim proposed in a motion List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 qualifying Intelligent Mail barcode is
to amend under § 42.221, shall be not in the address block. * * *
construed using the same claim Administrative practice and
construction standard that would be procedure, Postal Service. * * * * *
used to construe the claim in a civil The Postal Service adopts the 6.0 Barcode Placement for Parcels
action under 35 U.S.C. 282(b), including following changes to Mailing Standards
of the United States Postal Service, * * * * *
construing the claim in accordance with
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), [Revise the heading and text of 6.3 to
the ordinary and customary meaning of
incorporated by reference in the Code of read as follows:]
such claim as understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art and the Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1. 6.3 Intelligent Mail Barcodes
prosecution history pertaining to the Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is
amended as follows: Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) do not
patent. Any prior claim construction meet barcode eligibility requirements
determination concerning a term of the for parcels and do not qualify for any
PART 111—[AMENDED]
claim in a civil action, or a proceeding barcode-related prices for parcels, but
before the International Trade ■ 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR one barcode may be included only in
Commission, that is timely made of part 111 continues to read as follows: the address block on a parcel, except on
record in the covered business method eVS parcels. An Intelligent Mail barcode
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301–
patent review proceeding will be in the address block must be placed
307; 18 U.S.C. 1692–1737; 39 U.S.C. 101,
considered. 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001–3011, 3201– according to 5.3.
* * * * * 3219, 3403–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, * * * * *
Dated: October 3, 2018. 3633, and 5001.
■2. Revise the Mailing Standards of the 8.0 Facing Identification Mark (FIM)
Andrei Iancu,
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual United States Postal Service, Domestic * * * * *
Property and Director of the United States Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:
8.2 Pattern
Patent and Trademark Office. Mailing Standards of the United States
[FR Doc. 2018–22006 Filed 10–10–18; 8:45 am] [Revise the third sentence in the
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
introductory text of 8.2 to read as
BILLING CODE 3510–16–P (DMM)
follows:]
* * * * * * * * The required FIM pattern as
POSTAL SERVICE 200 Commercial Mail Letters, Cards, shown in Exhibit 8.2.0 below depends
Flats, and Parcels on the type of mail and the presence of
39 CFR Part 111 an Intelligent Mail barcode as follows:
* * * * * * * * * *
POSTNET Barcode 202 Elements on the Face of a 204 Barcode Standards
AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM. Mailpiece
Overview
ACTION: Final rule. * * * * *
[Revise the link heading under
SUMMARY: The Postal Service is 5.0 Barcode Placement Letters and ‘‘Overview’’ to read as follows:]
amending Mailing Standards of the Flats
United States Postal Service, Domestic 1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail
5.1 Letter-Size
Mail Manual (DMM®) to remove all Barcodes
references to the POSTNETTM barcode. * * * * *
* * * * *
DATES: Effective Date: October 11, 2018. 5.1.4 Additional Barcode [Revise the heading of 1.0 to read as
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Permissibility follows:]
Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268–3789 or [Revise the text of 5.1.4 to read as 1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail
Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268–7261. follows:] Barcodes
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal An automation letter or a letter
Service published a notice of proposed claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route 1.1 General
rulemaking on July 23, 2018, (83 FR saturation or high density automation [Revise the text of 1.1 to read as
34806–07) to amend the DMM to letter prices may not bear a 5-digit or follows:]

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51360 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 197 / Thursday, October 11, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

An Intelligent Mail barcode is a [Delete the ‘‘POSTNET’’ line item in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
USPS-developed method to encode ZIP the Index.] technical information contact: Kenneth
Code information on mail that can be * * * * * Moss, Chemical Control Division
read for sorting by automated machines. We will publish an appropriate (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention
Intelligent Mail barcodes also encode amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect and Toxics, Environmental Protection
other tracking information. these changes. Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
[Delete 1.2, POSTNET Barcode, in its Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone
Brittany M. Johnson, number: (202) 564–9232; email address:
entirety and renumber 1.3 through 1.6
Attorney, Federal Compliance. moss.kenneth@epa.gov.
as 1.2 through 1.5.]
[FR Doc. 2018–22107 Filed 10–10–18; 8:45 am] For general information contact: The
* * * * * TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 422
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
507 Mailer Services South Clinton Ave. Rochester, NY
14620; telephone number: (202) 554–
* * * * *
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@
4.0 Address Correction Services AGENCY epa.gov.
* * * * * SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
40 CFR Parts 9 and 721
4.2 Address Change Service (ACS) I. Does this action apply to me?
[EPA–HQ–OPPT–2017–0414; FRL–9984–71]
* * * * * A list of potentially affected entities is
RIN 2070–AB27 provided in the Federal Register of
4.2.6 Additional Standards—When August 17, 2018 (83 FR 40986) (FRL–
Using Intelligent Mail Barcodes Significant New Use Rules on Certain 9971–37). If you have questions
Chemical Substances; Withdrawal regarding the applicability of this action
* * * Mailpieces must meet the
following specifications: AGENCY: Environmental Protection to a particular entity, consult the
Agency (EPA). technical person listed under FOR
* * * * *
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
[Revise the text of item b to read as ACTION: Withdrawal of direct final rule.
follows:] II. What direct final SNURs are being
SUMMARY: EPA is withdrawing withdrawn?
b. Flat-size mailpieces may be mailed significant new use rules (SNURs)
at nonautomation or automation prices. promulgated under the Toxic In the Federal Register of August 17,
* * * * * Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 27 2018 (83 FR 40986) (FRL–9971–37),
chemical substances, which were the EPA issued direct final SNURs for 27
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing subject of premanufacture notices chemical substances that are identified
Services (PMNs). EPA published these SNURs in that document. Because the Agency
* * * * * using direct final rulemaking received adverse comments and a
procedures, which requires EPA to take request to extend the comment period
604 Postage Payment Methods and regarding the SNURs identified in the
certain actions if an adverse comment is
Refunds document, EPA is withdrawing the
received. EPA received adverse
* * * * * comments and a request to extend the direct final SNURS issued for these 27
comment period regarding the SNURs chemical substances, which were the
4.0 Postage Meters and PC Postage subject of PMNs. In addition to the
Products (‘‘Postage Evidencing identified in the direct final rule.
Therefore, the Agency is withdrawing direct final SNURs, elsewhere in the
Systems’’) same issue of the Federal Register of
the direct final rule SNURs identified in
* * * * * this document, as required under the August 17, 2018 (83 FR 41039) (FRL–
direct final rulemaking procedures. 9981–82), EPA issued proposed SNURs
4.3 Postage Payment covering these 27 chemical substances.
DATES: The direct final rule published at
* * * * * EPA will address all adverse public
83 FR 40986 on August 17, 2018, is
comments in a subsequent final rule,
4.3.3 Placement of Postage withdrawn effective October 11, 2018.
based on the proposed rule.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,
* * * When placing indicia on III. Good Cause Finding
mailpieces, position indicia at least 1⁄4 identified by docket identification (ID)
inch from the right edge of the number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2017–0414, is EPA determined that this document is
mailpiece and 1⁄4 inch from the top edge available at http://www.regulations.gov not subject to the 30-day delay of
of the mailpiece and as follows: or at the Office of Pollution Prevention effective date generally required by the
and Toxics Docket (OPPT Docket), Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
* * * * * Environmental Protection Agency U.S.C. 553(d)) because of the time
[Revise the text of item e to read as Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William limitations for publication in the
follows:] Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Federal Register. This document must
e. Do not allow the indicia to infringe Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. publish on or before the effective date
on the areas reserved for the FIM, The Public Reading Room is open from of the direct final rule containing the
Intelligent Mail barcode, or optical 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through direct final SNURs being withdrawn.
character reader (OCR) clear zone. Friday, excluding legal holidays. The
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES

telephone number for the Public IV. Statutory and Executive Order
* * * * *
Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and Reviews
Index the telephone number for the OPPT This action withdraws regulatory
* * * * * Docket is (202) 566–0280. Please review requirements that have not gone into
the visitor instructions and additional effect and which contain no new or
P information about the docket available amended requirements and reopens a
* * * * * at http://www.epa.gov/dockets. comment period. As such, the Agency

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Document Created: 2018-10-11 15:35:23
Document Modified: 2018-10-11 15:35:23

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		Effective Date: October 11, 2018.
Contact		Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268-3789 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7261.
FR Citation		83 FR 51359
CFR Associated		Administrative Practice and Procedure and Postal Service