On Jan. 5, 2013, the Postal Service will implement updated mailing standards for folded self-mailers, enabling design innovation while also ensuring efficient processing at automation prices for these letter-size mail pieces.
After extensive testing and collaboration with the mailing industry, the Federal Register final rule was published December 2011, providing mailers over a year for planning the transition. If you haven’t already begun using the new standards, our mail piece design experts can help you prepare for the changes.
Here is a link to the 2013 changes in self-mailer regulations.
Local Business Mail Entry employees and US Mailing House mail piece design experts can answer questions about the revised requirements.
A few key revisions are:
- Final fold for half and trifolded mailers must be on bottom
- Final folds for quarter folded mailer must be on the bottom and leading edges
- Final fold for an oblong mailer will be on the leading edge
- Tabs cannot be placed on the bottom edge of folded self-mailers
- Minimum paper weight for folded self-mailers is 70# for up to 1.0 ounce mailers and 80# for mailers over 1.0 oz
- Maximum size for a letter sized folded self-mailer will become 10.5 inches, its currently 11.5 inches
- If the mailer is an 11 x 17 tri-folded it will become a non machinable letter or flat and postage will increase dramatically
- When tabs are used as the sealing method, a minimum of two tabs will now be required
- Tab size may vary based on design.
- New language is included to account for glue as a sealing method.
- New language has been developed to account for a variety of optional creative elements to incorporate in the design (attachments, loose enclosures, perforations, die-cuts, etc.).
While the revised standards allow for more innovation and creativity, the requirements also better align with postal automation to minimize mail piece damage and improve productivity. Though the folded self-mailer revised standards are not effective until January, the Postal Service is encouraging mailers to begin the transition now.
If you have questions about whether your self-mailer design is in compliance with the new postal regulations, give us a call at (800) 784-5194. We are glad to help.