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**Intelligent Mail^®^ Tray Label**

**Certification Guide**

**(V 1.3)**

**August 21, 2008**

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

[INTELLIGENT MAIL^®^ TRAY LABEL CERTIFICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
1](#intelligent-mail-tray-label-certification-process-overview)

[DETAILS OF THE INTELLIGENT MAIL^®^ TRAY LABEL CERTIFICATION PROCESS
2](#details-of-the-intelligent-mail-tray-label-certification-process)

[Certification Process 2](#certification-process)

# INTELLIGENT MAIL^®^ TRAY LABEL CERTIFICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW

To ensure accuracy, optimal bar code quality and readability of the
Intelligent Mail Tray Label, the USPS^®^ will implement a label
certification process for the Intelligent Mail Tray Label for software
vendors that generate tray label software. This certification process
will validate the Intelligent Mail Tray Label design specifications,
technical barcode requirements for the tray barcode, placement of the
barcode and human-readable data elements on the label as well as the
ability to generate accurate label content. The USPS published
specifications for the Intelligent Mail Tray Label, USPS-L-3191 &
USPS-L-3216 can be obtained from the RIBBS website at
[http://www.ribbs.usps.gov](http://www.ribbs.usps.gov/).

The certification process shall be structured around the following
framework:

-   Vendors will be certified as either Basic Service or Full Service
    (Full Service Certification meets the need of both Basic and Full
    Service). The Guide for Intelligent Mail is available on our website
    at [http://ribbs.usps.gov](http://ribbs.usps.gov/).

-   A vendor who does not typically submit mailings will not be assigned
    a Mailer ID. A generic MID for certification purposes only will be
    assigned to software vendors.

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-   The vendors will submit physical label samples to the NCSC. Label
    samples are to be sent to the NCSC, Barcode Certification Department
    (IMTL Certification). These labels are to be representative samples
    of the labels that will be applied to mail trays, sacks or tubs for
    submission to the USPS.

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-   Basic Service Certification will require labels presented with
    unique destination ZIP Codes. The NCSC will review the ZIP Code on
    each label to ensure that 100 unique destination ZIP Codes have been
    submitted.

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-   Full Service Certification will require labels presented with unique
    serial numbers in addition to the unique destination ZIP Codes.

    1.  The NCSC will review the individual serial number on each label
        submitted to ensure that every label has a unique sequential
        serial number.

    2.  The NCSC will review the ZIP Code on each label to ensure that
        100 unique destination ZIP Codes have been submitted.

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-   All required information must be submitted for each operational
    configuration (software version number, firmware, printer line,
    printer make and model, etc.) in order to be certified.

-   The USPS barcode review process certifies the labels at the point in
    time they were printed and submitted, however subsequent barcode
    printing could result in the output of non-compliant barcodes based
    on various other factors.

-   Interim reviews of barcode quality may result in re-certification.

-   The re-certification process shall be similar to the initial
    certification process.

# DETAILS OF THE INTELLIGENT MAIL^®^ TRAY LABEL CERTIFICATION PROCESS

##  Certification Process

Certification will include the evaluation of submitted physical
Intelligent Mail Tray Labels for the valid defined formats, namely the
10-digit and the 10/24-digit as applicable, and the 24-digit when this
becomes available. Verification of a barcode symbol means to test the
accuracy or correctness of a barcode in comparison to a written industry
standard or specification to maximize reliability. NCSC, Barcode
Certification Department will verify the barcode quality and certify
that the mailer has met the USPS requirements as specified in Technical
Spec USPS-L-3191 & USPS-L-3216, Labels, Tray and Sack, Barcoded, 10 and
10/24-digit Transitional, Intelligent mail (Mailer Uses).

The test steps are outlined below:

Step 1: Vendors will notify the NCSC, Barcode Certification Department
that they wish to participate in the Intelligent Mail Tray Label
Certification program. Participants may contact the NCSC, Barcode
Certification Department by calling 1-877-640-0724, option 2 for
application information or to locate the IMTL information on the RIBBS
web site. Participants will then complete and submit PS Form 5113,
Barcode Certification Customer Application.

Step 2: Upon receipt of a vendor's application, the NCSC, Barcode
Certification Department assigns a generic MID for certification
purposes.

Step 3: The IM Tray Label vendor will submit 100 physical labels
produced from their commercial software for certification, along with a
copy of a completed PS Form 5114, Barcode Certification Printer
Submission Form, to the address below.

> BARCODE CERTIFICATION
>
> NATIONAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER
>
> UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE^®^
>
> 6060 PRIMACY PKWY STE 101
>
> MEMPHIS TN 38188-0001

Note:

> Normal turnaround for the Intelligent Mail Tray Labels submitted for
> evaluation will be within a 48 hour time frame upon receipt by the
> NCSC, Barcode Certification Department.
>
> The labels will be examined and scanned. NCSC, Barcode Certification
> Department will ensure that the label barcode and other related label
> information on the test labels match the appropriate requirements in
> the Technical Spec USPS-L-3191 & USPS-L-3216. Analysis of the
> Intelligent Mail Tray Label barcode includes format, readability, and
> reflectance tests in accordance with Technical Spec USPS-L-3191 &
> USPS-L-3216.

Step 4: NCSC will communicate results of their findings to the
participants via email.

> Note:

i.  Vendors who pass certification receive PS Form 3114 as documentation
    for successfully completing the IMTL Certification.

ii. Vendors who do not pass certification will be notified via email
    highlighting aspects of the barcode that need to be improved before
    certification can be completed. Vendors will be required to make
    corrections and resubmit samples for a full evaluation.

iii. If there is a change made to the vendor software that affects the
     quality of the barcode, re-certification must occur at that time.

iv. Vendors will be required to have their software re-certified if the
    Technical Specifications USPS-L-3191 or USPS-L-3216 are modified and
    re-issued by the USPS.

Step 5: A list of certified vendors will be maintained on both the RIBBS
and Business Mail Acceptance (BMA) websites.

*Tray Labels will be verified as part of the verification procedures
conducted by USPS business mail acceptance personnel*. BME will contact
the NSCS if label irregularities are noted per the verification
procedures defined for Intelligent Mail outlined in the DM-109.