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CHAPTER 6
INTERNATIONAL MAIL
In chapter 4 you learned how to identify the classes
of domestic mail, and what geographical areas are
within the U.S. domestic postal system. But, what
about mail that is addressed to foreign countries? First,
mail addressed to a foreign country is called
international mail and differs from domestic mail in
many ways. For example, the five classes of domestic
mail (Express Mail, First-Class, Periodicals, Standard
Mail (A), and Standard Mail (B)) do not apply for
international mail. Also, the types of matter that may
be mailed and the conditions for acceptance vary for
different countries. Therefore, you must refer to the
International Mail Manual (IMM) each time you
accept an article (except for ordinary letter mail)
addressed to a foreign country. The IMM contains the
rates and specific conditions of mailing for each
individual foreign country.
Mail addressed to overseas APO and FPO
addresses or U.S. territories such as Guam, Puerto
Rico, American Samoa, or the U.S. Virgin Islands is
considered domestic mail, and international rates of
postage must NOT be charged.
INTERNATIONAL MAIL MANUAL
Learning Objective: Identify the sections
of the International Mail Manual.
To properly accept articles addressed to foreign
countries, you must know how to use the IMM. The
IMM contains the regulations that apply to international
mail service. It details the mailing conditions,
acceptance procedures, and preparation requirements
for mail sent from the United States to other countries.
The IMM cross-references the DMM whenever
domestic mail conditions and procedures apply. On the
job you will have a DMM and an IMM to refer to.
MAKEUP OF THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL
MANUAL
The IMM consists of the following sections:
Chapter 1—International Mail Services
Chapter 2 Conditions for Mailing
Chapter 3 Special Services
Chapter 4 Treatment of Outbound Mail
Chapter 5 Nonpostal Export Regulations
Chapter 6 Special Programs
Chapter 7 Treatment of Inbound Mail
Chapter 8 (Reserved for future information)
Chapter 9 Inquiries, Indemnities, and Refunds
World Map
World Map Index
Index of Countries and Localities
Individual Country Listings
Index
Forms Index
Of the nine chapters you will primarily be
concerned with chapters l, 2, and 3. These chapters
contain information on outgoing postal union mail and
international parcel post. Included is information
concerning mail prohibitions, restrictions, preparation
requirements, customs declarations, air service, and
aerogrammes. Also, special mail services such as
registry, insurance, return receipts, restricted delivery,
and special handling are explained.
LOCATING INFORMATION
To properly use the IMM, you must know how to
locate the desired information. The information in the
IMM is listed by a decimal-type numbering system. It
is set up so it is easy to find the information you need.
Suppose you wanted to find information on the
required use of customs forms. Go to the index in the
back of the manual. Look for customs forms. There
you will find that information on customs forms is
located in section 123. Look through section 123 and
you will find Required Usage is located in 123.61.
Section 123.61 breakdown is as follows:
Chapter 1—International Mail Services
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