1. Process International Mail
INTERSERVICE POSTAL TRAINING ACTIVITY
Postal Operations Course (F5) - December 2019

2. Process International Mail

3. In a classroom environment, you are being assigned to a window clerk and will be conducting clerk’s responsibilities. You have access to meter and scales, standard UPSA forms and labels, several articles of mail addressed for delivery to international address, All Purpose Dating Stamp (APDS) and student handout.

4. Identify the two categories of international mail processed by MPOs, Confirm conditions of mailing international mail, Provide special services for international mail and Identify country-specific requirements for international mail using ICL (Individual Country Listing) by using the correct forms and endorsements, confirm the correct amount of postage and fees, confirm if mail is mailable, define special services available, and confirming if the customer is authorized to use the Military Post Office (MPO) IAW DOD M without error using the Go / No-Go criteria.

5. Operation Variables (OE)
Political
Economic
Military
Attitudes towards U.S.
Centers of political power
Type of government
Government effectiveness
Government legitimacy
Influential political groups
Economic diversity
Employment status
Economic activity
Illegal economic activity
Banking
Military forces
Government paramilitary forces
Non-state paramilitary forces
Unarmed combatants
Nonmilitary armed combatants
Military functions
Information
Physical Environment
Time
Public communications media
Information warfare (INFOWAR)
Intelligence apparatus
Information management
Terrain
Natural hazards
Climate
Weather
Cultural perception of time
Measurement of Time
Key dates, Key time periods, Key events
Social
Infrastructure
Demographic mix
Social volatility
Education level
Ethnic diversity
Cultural norms and values
Religious diversity
Population movement
Common languages
Criminal activity
Human rights
Diseases
Center of social power
Cultural norms and values
Construction pattern
Urban zones
Utilities present
Services
Transportation architecture

6. International Mail Mail addressed to a foreign country
Does not apply to APO or FPO addresses or U.S. territories
Two categories:
First-Class Mail International
Priority Mail International

7. First-Class Mail International (FCMI)
Includes letter and letter packages, post cards, printed matter, and
small packets
Any mailable matter that is not hazardous or prohibited by
destination country
Extra services may be added

8. Weight and Size Limits Maximum Weight – 4 pounds
Minimum Length and Height – 5½ ins x 3½ ins
Minimum Depth (Thickness) – .007 inch
Maximum Length – 24 inches
Maximum Length, Height, Depth (Thickness) Combined – 36 inches

9. Markings and Endorsements
Endorse “LETTER” on address side for items that can be mistaken
for another class
Endorse “AIRMAIL/PAR AVION” on the front and back or use
Label 19-A or 19-B
Matter for the blind = “FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND”
Privately printed postcards = “POSTCARD”

10. Wrapping and Packaging
First Class Matter
Envelopes, sleeves, or wrappers
Transparent plastic
Bulkier Items
Boxes
Cartons
Tubes
Other Containers

11. Priority Mail International
Parcel service
Personal written correspondence is not permitted inside a parcel by
itself
Flat-rate envelope and flat-rate box options available

12. Weight and Size Limits Weight limit depends on country
Maximum girth for circular parcels – 64 inches
Size limits for rectangular parcels vary for
certain countries, but most common are:
Minimum length & width – 5½ ins x 3½ ins
Maximum length – 42 ins
Maximum length & girth combined – 79 ins

13. Markings, Wrappings & Packaging
Endorse “AIRMAIL” or “PAR AVION” on front & back or use PS Label 19-A or 19-B
Place below and to the left of the delivery address.
Sender’s must seal their own parcels

14. Postcards and Postal Cards
Single cards sent without wrapper or envelope
Double cards mail at First-Class
Mail International rate
Card color must not interfere with postmark or addressee

15. International Mail Manual (IMM)
Contains policies, regulations and procedures for accepting international mail
Details conditions for mail being sent to countries
Cross references the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
Consists of nine (9) chapters

16. Sections of the IMM Summary of Changes Chapters 1 through 9
Index of Countries and Localities
Country Price Groups & Weight Limits
Individual Country Listings (ICL)
List of Exhibits
Index

17. International Mail Service (Chapter 1)
Five Chapters
Describes size & weigh requirements, rate, classes of mail and other mailing standards
Contains five (5) topics:
General Information
Preparation for Mailing
Mailability
International Mail Categories
Postage

18. Check on Learning What is international mail?
Mail destined for delivery to an address in a foreign country
What postal manual covers international mail?
International Mail Manual (IMM)
What postal manual is used to cross- reference the IMM?
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

19. Conditions for Mailing (IMM Chapter 2)
Defines categories of mailing, general description of each, mailable items, size and weight limits, and markings and endorsements
Categories of Mailing:
230 Priority Mail International
240 First Class Mail International
250 Postcards and Postal Cards

20. Determining if an Article is Mailable
Determine proper category for mailing
Contents
Weight and size limits
Customer requested special services
General regulations and specific prohibitions, restrictions, and
observations

21. Preparation for Mailing
Mailability (130)
Prohibitions and Restrictions (134.4)
Addressing (234.1) - Correct and completed in ink or typewritten
Customs Forms (234.3) - All articles containing dutiable merchandise
Packaging (234.5) - Sender’s Responsibility

22. Nonmailable Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter
Advertisements for abortion
Advertisement for motor vehicle master keys
Copyright violations
Fictitious matter
Lottery matter
Matter inciting violence
Solicitations in the guise of bills or statement of accounts

23. Customs Declaration
Refer to ICL to determine which form is used for country
Three forms:
PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22
PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note CP 72
PS Form 2976E, Customs Declaration Envelope CP 91
Lists and describes the entire contents of the article.

24. Completing PS Form 2976 1 2 3 4 6 5 6 John B. White 14 NOV 20XX
This portion is kept at the Post Office.
This portion is attached to the article.
SPC John B. White 1
72 SIG BN X
Unit 31121, Box 10
Snakeskin Boots $500
APO AE 09164
Men’s Silk Tie $150 6 3 2 4
Ms. Mary R. Wright 5
168 Howe Street
Lansing, MI
John B. White 14 NOV 20XX 6

25. Completing PS Form 2976-A (Upper Portion)
White
John B.
White Johnny C 2
72nd SIG BN
Unit 31121, Box 10
APO AE
32 50
72nd SIG BN, Unit 31112, Box 100
Wright
LaTonya
APO AE 1
168 Howe Street
White
LaTonya
48915
Lansing MI
168 Howe Street
48915
Lansing MI

26. Completing Customs Declaration (Lower Portion)1 2 3 4 $ $ $
Sony radio – made in USA
Cassette tapes
Pair of headphones 15 6 8 9 5 X X 7
14 8 $
11-12 10 14 13
John B. White XX

27. Check on Learning
What chapter in the IMM discusses the conditions for mailing?
Chapter 2
Name some nonmailable written, printed, and graphic matter.
Advertisement for abortion, motor vehicle master keys, copyright
violations, fictitious matter, lottery matter, matter inciting violence, and
solicitations
Who is responsible for preparing and addressing items clearly and correctly?
The sender

28. PE X Situation 1-3

29. Special Services Special services are described in each country
320 – Insurance
330 – Registered
340 – Return Receipt
When a customer desires a special service, ensure to check ICL for availability.
NOTE: Certified and Restricted Delivery is not available for International Mail.

30. Insurance Provided against loss, damage or rifling Compensation varies
Available only for Priority Mail and certain countries
Some countries provide up to $200 automatically
fee based on insured value
Coverage for parcel may not be more than maximum allowed for a
country
Reimbursement is only for value

31. Mailing Receipt and Insurance Number
PS Form 2976-A and cash receipt are proof of mailing and
insurance
Enter insured amount
RSS will convert U.S. dollar to Special Drawing Right (SDR)
Write a bold capital “V”
APDS PS Form 2976-A V

32. Registered Articles Completed on PS Form 3806 May weigh up to 4-pounds
Registry fee is $ for all countries
Maximum indemnity is $42.56
Endorsements
Place Label 200 on address side bottom left below return address
APDS intersecting seams
APDS return receipt (half on-half off)

33. Marking, Sealing and Postmarking
Clerk – APDS registered
articles at acceptance
Clerk – If necessary, APDS
at breaks or edges of gummy paper strips
10 Jan XX
LT Betty J. Alden
15th ARMY BAND
UNIT 16848, BOX 202
APO AE
PVI: $42.00
LETTER
Kim Chou
2133 Yongsan Avenue
Cholla-Namdo Seoul
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
10 Jan XX

34. Return Receipt Provides evidence of delivery
Completed IAW countries internal regulations
Clerk endorses address side of parcel - “A” or “AVIS D RECEPTION”
Customer enters addressee’s address on return receipt

35. Check on Learning
What should be done first when a patron requests an article to be mailed using a special service?
Ensure that the service is available to the country of address
Which form is used as a customer receipt for registered mail?
PS Form 3806
What does the SDR stand for and what does it represent?
Special Drawing Rights. Dollars to gold value

36. PE X Situation 4-6

37. Individual Country Listings
Country conditions for mailing
P-R-O (Prohibitions – Restrictions – Observations)
Covers all mailing information for the specific country & custom form required
Free matter for the blind
Extra services

38. Prohibitions and Restrictions
Prohibitions - lists articles strictly prohibited by the destination country.
Restrictions – lists items that may require additional mailing requirements
Example – Albania requires that hunting arms have an import permit and medicines for personal use are admitted with a medical certificate

39. Observations and Size Limits
Observations – Additional requirements for an individual country (See Albania)
Observation 1 – First-Class shipments MAY NOT contain dutiable articles
Observation 2 – Priority service extends to only certain cities
Size Limits – Lists specifications for different classes of mail

40. Check on Learning
What are the three area’s of the Individual Country Listings to check for mailability?
P- Prohibitions
R- Restrictions
O- Observations
What should a clerk do before accepting an item from a customer that needs to be mailed to an International address?
Check the country’s conditions in the ICL to ensure the item is mailable
What is dutiable merchandise?
Merchandise that is subject to customs importation tax

41. PE X Situation 7-11

42. Process International Mail

43. In a classroom environment, you are being assigned to a window clerk and will be conducting clerk’s responsibilities. You have access to Meter and scales, standard UPSA forms and labels, several articles of mail addressed for delivery to international address, All Purpose Dating Stamp (APDS) and student handout.

44. Identify the two categories of international mail processed by MPOs, Confirm conditions of mailing international mail, Provide special services for international mail and Identify country-specific requirements for international mail using ICL (Individual Country Listing) by using the correct forms and endorsements, confirm the correct amount of postage and fees, confirm if mail is mailable, define special services available, and confirming if the customer is authorized to use the Military Post Office (MPO) IAW DOD M without error using the Go / No-Go criteria.