73459 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 
* * * * * 
Oluwafunmilayo A. Taylor, 
Branch Chief, Legal Processing Division, 
Associate Chief Counsel, (Procedure and Administration). 
[FR Doc. 2022–26073 Filed 11–29–22; 8:45 am] 
BILLING CODE 4830–01–C 
POSTAL SERVICE 
39 CFR Part 111 New Mailing Standards for the 
Separation of Hazardous Materials 
AGENCY : Postal ServiceTM. 
ACTION : Final rule. 
SUMMARY : The Postal Service is 
amending Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52), to incorporate new requirements for mailers to separate, into identifiable containers, all hazardous material (HAZMAT) requiring hazardous marks or labels from other mail when tendering to the Postal Service. The Postal Service is also adopting related standard operating procedures to ensure the proper handling and routing of identified HAZMAT products. Additionally, the Postal Service will now require used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) containing or packed with lithium batteries to be mailed only via surface transportation and to bear specified markings. 
DATES : Effective date: This rule is 
effective December 1, 2022. 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Dale 
Kennedy, (202) 268–6592, or Jennifer Cox, (202) 268–2108. 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : 
Background 
The Postal Service hereby amends 
Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, with the provisions set forth herein. While not codified in Title 39, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Publication 52 is a regulation of the Postal Service, and changes to it may be published in the Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a)(2). Moreover, Publication 52 is incorporated by reference into Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 
section 601.8.1, which is incorporated by reference, in turn, into the Code of Federal Regulations. 39 CFR 111.1, 111.3. Publication 52 is publicly available, in a read-only format, via the Postal Explorer
®website at https://
pe.usps.com. In addition, links to Postal 
Explorer are provided on the landing page of USPS.com, the Postal Service’s 
primary customer-facing website, and on Postal Pro, an online informational 
source available to postal customers. 
On June 6, 2022, the Postal Service 
published an interim final rule (IFR) (87 FR 34197) requiring mailers to separate HAZMAT requiring marks or labels from non-hazmat and tender it to the Postal Service in containers labeled ‘‘HAZMAT.’’ 
Undeclared, unidentified, mislabeled, 
and misrouted HAZMAT can and does cause fires, spills, corrosion, and other dangers to personnel and equipment of the Postal Service, air carriers, and surface transportation providers, as well as to mailers’ property and to aircraft passengers. 
In particular, the increasing consumer 
use of lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries has brought a concomitant rise in fires and other dangerous incidents related to such batteries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has publicly reported 398 aviation incidents involving lithium batteries between March 3, 2006, and July 22, 2022, including a substantial number in just the most recent twelve months. FAA, Events with Smoke, Fire, Extreme Heat, 
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ER30NO22.005</GPH>lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1Table 2 to Paragraph (e)(3)(i) 
Unit Imputed Income 
Number Limitation of the 
Unit 
1 80 percent of 
AMGI 
2 80 percent of 
AMGI 
3 80 percent of 
AMGI 
4 80 percent of 
AMGI 
5 60 percent of 
AMGI 
s 40 percent of 
AMGI 
7 40 percent of 
AMGI 
8 40 percent of 
AMGI 
9 40 percent of 
AMGI 
10 40 percent of 
AMGI 73460 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 
1The FAA notes that the publicly reported 
incidents do not represent all incidents reported to 
the FAA, let alone all such incidents at large. or Explosion Involving Lithium 
Batteries, May 1, 2022, https://go.usa.gov/xusNT.
1 
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration (PHMSA) has similarly reported a number of incidents involving mail between 2014 and 2021. See PHMSA, Incident Statistics, last updated March 9, 2022, https://go.usa.gov/xJrSS. One-third of the 
PHMSA-reported mail incidents occurred on passenger aircraft; approximately half were discovered 
because of a thermal or release event; and more than half were discovered only after flight. A plurality of such items were Class 9 items such as lithium batteries, and many were ineligible for air transportation. Moreover, in recent compliance inspections, PHMSA investigators ‘‘routinely saw shippers and carriers improperly package and ship lithium batteries for disposal or recycling,’’ including ‘‘packaging lithium batteries in a way that did not prevent short circuits, mixing damaged lithium batteries with other batteries in the same packaging within shipments for disposal or recycling, and shipping pallet loads of batteries in boxes and drums with inappropriate identification of the packages’ contents.’’ PHMSA, Safety Advisory Notice for the Disposal and Recycling of Lithium Batteries in Commercial Transportation 1–2, May 17, 2022, https://go.usa.gov/xJY3J. 
Internal Postal Inspection Service data 
and anecdotal reports from commercial air-carrier partners over the last few years likewise indicate a consistent and alarming rise in incidents involving mailed packages of both lithium batteries and other HAZMAT, including flammable liquids, aerosols, and strike- anywhere matches. Incidents include unlabeled or improperly labeled air- ineligible HAZMAT being accepted for air transportation, as well as properly prepared air-ineligible HAZMAT that was improperly routed to air transportation because it was commingled with other mail and insufficiently visible to Postal Service personnel. 
The FAA and PHMSA have issued 
standards for safe carriage of lithium batteries, including a prohibition on air transportation of damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries. See, e.g., 49 
CFR 173.185. However, the determinants of hazard risk, such as damage, defects, state of charge, or packaging of batteries, are not outwardly apparent to Postal Service and other personnel handling packages. In other respects, as well, safety depends on a 
shipper’s awareness of and compliance with packaging, labeling, marking, and other HAZMAT shipping requirements. If a shipper does not make HAZMAT adequately visible to Postal Service personnel responsible for acceptance and sortation, then there is an unacceptably high risk that postal and air-carrier personnel will not know that the item warrants special handling and routing. 
While many incidents involving 
HAZMAT in the mail are minor and controllable, the risk of a major threat to an aircraft—including, in particular, passenger aircraft—and other infrastructure and personnel is real, severe, and growing with the rise in lithium-battery and other hazardous shipments. By way of illustration, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) recently reported that on August 19, 2021, a shipping container loaded with discarded lithium batteries caught fire, with heat intense enough not only to destroy much of the cargo, but also to burn a hole in the container’s structure itself. USCG, Marine Safety Alert: Lithium Battery Fire, March 10, 2022, https://go.usa.gov/xJYxu. USCG noted 
that the incident would have been ‘‘catastrophic’’ if it had occurred after loading onto the container ship. The same could be said if a similar fire arose from discarded lithium batteries aboard passenger aircraft. It is imperative that the Postal Service undertake measures to reduce the risk to its operations and aviation safety. 
On August 3, 2020, the Postal Service 
published a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding a proposed requirement to separate air-eligible HAZMAT from all other matter in a mailing. 85 FR 46575. The Postal Service received several comments on that notice, and it appreciates the valuable public input. In particular, multiple commenters expressed support for the proposition of separating HAZMAT from non-HAZMAT matter and for further improving the Postal Service’s ability to ensure that air- ineligible HAZMAT is not inadvertently loaded onto air transportation. Further study and intervening events have made clear that the August 3, 2020 proposal would not be sufficiently effective to mitigate the risk that HAZMAT poses to other mail, postal and air-carrier equipment and personnel, commercial air passengers, and the public at large. In lieu of the earlier proposal, therefore, the Postal Service adopted the three measures described in the June 6, 2022, IFR. 87 FR 34197. While the IFR was 
made immediately effective, the Postal Service nonetheless invited public comments on the new measures. The 
Postal Service now restates those measures herein, with slight modifications, as part of this final rule, and responds to the public comments received. 
Summary of New Measures 
In addition to preexisting packaging, 
labeling, and marking requirements and 
other conditions for mailability, two conditions are necessary to ensure the proper handling and routing of HAZMAT. 
The first condition is visibility: the 
Postal Service must be aware of HAZMAT shipments in order to accord them appropriate attention. A HAZMAT package can easily evade postal HAZMAT processing if it is nestled beneath non-HAZMAT packages in a bulk mail receptacle. Moreover, the Postal Service is obligated to separate HAZMAT from non-HAZMAT when presenting items to certain suppliers, an obligation which the Postal Service cannot adequately fulfill under current circumstances. To address this problem, the final rule requires mailers tendering a mix of HAZMAT and non-HAZMAT items to present them separately, including in separate mail receptacles except for destination entered mail entered at a Destination Delivery Unit (DDU), Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF), or Destination Network Distribution Center (DNDC). In contrast with the 2020 proposed rule, customers are required to separate all HAZMAT 
from non-HAZMAT, rather than only air-eligible HAZMAT, from other mail. 
While visibility is important for air- eligible HAZMAT to ensure proper handling, it is also important that surface-only HAZMAT not be erroneously routed to air transportation due to commingling with non- HAZMAT. Separating all HAZMAT from non-HAZMAT will reduce the likelihood of commingling and increase the opportunity for Postal Service personnel to determine the proper procedures for any HAZMAT items presented. 
The second condition is separation 
integrity: once recognized, the Postal 
Service must ensure that HAZMAT is identifiable from non-HAZMAT, lest it be improperly handled or routed. 
This final rule also maintains the 
specific labeling requirements contained in the IFR for packages containing used, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries and prohibits them from eligibility for any Postal Service product that makes routine use of air transportation. However, the final rule now specifically excludes devices that 
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are new in original packaging, and 
manufacturer certified new/refurbished. 
Among other things, mailings covered 
by the new requirements include used items sent pursuant to e-commerce or private sales transactions; lost items being returned to the owner; and items sent for repair, replacement, upgrade, warranty service, diagnostics, recycling, or insurance claims. Again, for clarity, the term used electronic devices excludes those that are new in original unopened manufacturer packaging or manufacturer certified new/refurbished devices. 
The Postal Service and its partner air 
carriers have identified used, damaged, and defective electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries as a particular and growing cause of lithium-battery incidents. Indeed, damaged, defective, and recalled lithium cells and batteries are already ineligible for air transportation. 49 CFR 173.185(f). Beyond devices with damage or defects to batteries themselves, such devices may also have other damage or defects that increase the chances of exposure and ignition of even an intact battery. Moreover, such devices are highly likely to be packaged without original packaging and have batteries in various conditions and varying states of charge. In contrast with new electronic devices in manufacturers’ original packaging or manufacturer certified new/refurbished devices, consumers sending used, damaged, and defective electronic devices are less likely to be aware of HAZMAT requirements, let alone to comply with them. 
As a result of these factors, lithium 
batteries in used, damaged, and defective electronic devices pose a particular hazard, as demonstrated by numerous incidents reported to the Postal Service as involving such items. To reduce the risk of such incidents occurring on air transportation, the Postal Service will restrict used, damaged, and defective electronic devices containing or packaged with lithium batteries to surface transportation. Consequently, such items will be prohibited in inbound and outbound international mail; mail to, from, and between overseas military and diplomatic addresses; and mail to, from, and within certain domestic locations 
for which the Postal Service lacks surface transportation. Moreover, to ensure adequate visibility, the Postal Service will require that packages containing used, damaged, and defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) containing or packaged with lithium batteries be 
marked ‘‘Restricted Electronic Device’’ and ‘‘Surface Transportation Only,’’ in addition to any other applicable markings. 
The Postal Service determined that, 
due to the urgency of the danger to personnel, property, passengers, and the public, it was necessary to implement the IFR immediately. Nonetheless, the Postal Service provided the public with a 30-day public comment period. The Postal Service received submissions from 17 commenters. As explained in the next section, the Postal Service has reviewed and considered these comments. As a result, the Postal Service has adopted one minor change to exclude from requirements for use of surface transportation products only those devices that are new, manufacturer certified as new or refurbished, and devices contained in new unopened packaging. For the reasons articulated below, the remainder of the IFR remains largely unchanged. 
Comments Regarding Restrictions on 
Electronic Devices and Batteries 
The Postal Service received several 
comments relating to the rule’s restrictions on shipping electronic devices and cell phones with lithium batteries. 
Several commenters voiced concern 
regarding the definition of a ‘‘used, damaged, or defective electronic device,’’ claiming the definition is unclear and overly restrictive. One commenter recommended changing the definition to ‘‘is not new and some form 
of battery damage or defect’’ and excluding ‘‘refurbished to fully functioning and non-defective state.’’ Another noted that the inability to ship individual used phones via the Postal Service will cause significant upheaval in the electronics and e-commerce industries and observed the importance of distinguishing bulk shipments from the shipment of individual devices. Additionally, a cruise line company noted that it frequently ships such lost and found devices that customers leave on board its vessels back to customers. 
The Postal Service has considered the 
impact of its rule regarding used electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries and recognizes the importance of narrowly tailoring the scope of devices included to address the risk posed by lithium batteries without imposing undue burden on customers shipping devices which pose a diminished risk. To that end, the Postal Service has revised its definition to explicitly exclude from requirements for use of surface transportation products only those devices that are new, 
manufacturer certified as new or refurbished in new, unopened packaging from these requirements. While the Postal Service recognizes that this may not be as expansive as suggested by some of the commenters, the revised definition narrows the devices covered by the rule to exclude those that pose a diminished risk, while continuing to limit shipments of devices more prone to causing dangerous and potentially catastrophic events. 
Comments Regarding Impact on Rural 
Customers and Areas Without Access to Surface Transportation 
The Postal Service received several 
comments regarding the impact of the final rule on rural and otherwise hard to reach communities. One commenter broadly noted that rural and hard to reach communities would be particularly disadvantaged by the new rules. One Alaskan native village noted that air transportation is the only available means of delivery to their respective locations and the rule’s 
restrictions would essentially cut off their communities. An air carrier serving Alaska made similar observations. 
The Postal Service recognizes the 
importance of serving rural and hard to reach communities which depend on air transportation because surface transportation is otherwise unavailable. For those ZIP Codes that are air transportation only, an air transportation solution may be utilized to transport used, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries due to the absence of ground transportation. In these rare cases, this allowance is deemed to be a lower level of risk based on the design of the aircraft used, how the cargo is stored, limited passenger capacity, flight duration, and other considerations. The final rule includes a list of 5-digit ZIP Codes where this exception applies, to be found in Appendix F of Publication 52. 
Comments Regarding Training, 
Education, and Timing 
The Postal Service received several 
comments regarding the need for additional training, education, and messaging to ensure understanding of and compliance with the new rules. Relatedly, several commenters noted the burden that the immediate effectiveness of the IFR placed on mailers. 
A commercial passenger airline 
broadly supported the enhancements to the Postal Service’s existing rules but noted the importance of the Postal Service taking steps to further educate 
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shippers on the hazards posed to air 
carriers by dangerous goods and equipping them with the tools needed to ensure compliance in both their operations and their engagement with customers. One commenter noted the need for additional employee training, including increased efforts to identify and hold accountable those companies which fail to comply with the new rule. A few industry groups commented that additional time is needed to train employees and update training materials to ensure compliance. One commented that the rule offered too little notice to comply, suggesting a 6– 12-month grace period for compliance. Another likewise noted that companies did not have sufficient time to incorporate the new rules and restrictions, requesting an extended compliance deadline or an enforcement grace period of at least 90 days. One commented that the immediate effective date of the rule changes is impractical, requesting a 1-year grace period. Another commented that the prescribed timeframe is impossible for companies to comply with, requesting the rule’s effective date be delayed while the new policies are implemented in the field. In addition, other individual customers expressed similar concerns regarding the general burdens placed on mailers and the need for increased communication about the new requirements. 
The Postal Service understands and 
shares the view that additional training and education is necessary to effectively implement these rules and assist customers, partners, and employees to comply therewith. To that end, the Postal Service has initiated numerous initiatives to increase, enhance, and amplify educational and instructional materials, both internally and externally. These new resources will continue to be rolled out and improved upon to seek out additional opportunities to inform and educate internal and external stakeholders about these changes. 
Regarding timing, while the IFR was 
made effective immediately, the Postal Service has not to this point initiated any compliance enforcement actions in order to give mailers an extended timeframe to bring their operations into compliance with the new rule. The Postal Service is dedicated to further working with mailers to help them understand and implement these requirements. Nonetheless, the immediacy of the dangers involved necessitates prompt action to assuage the dangers posed to the public. To 
delay the implementation of these requirements poses unacceptable risks. Given these considerations, the Postal 
Service has determined that the public interest requires immediate action and compliance is expected upon the publication of this final rule. 
Comments Regarding Divergence From 
International Standards 
An industry association questions 
whether certain provisions of the interim final rule (‘‘New Mailing Standards for the Separation of Hazardous Materials’’) relating to marking requirements are ‘‘inconsistent with a number of provisions’’ in the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (‘‘TBT Agreement’’). Upon further analysis, the Postal Service is confident that the measures in question are consistent with the TBT Agreement. Further inquiries about the TBT Agreement are best addressed to the Office of the United States Trade 
Representative, which is responsible for representation of the United States in the WTO. 
Comments Regarding a Known-Shipper 
Program 
The Postal Service received comments 
from several companies and industry groups recommending a known or trusted shipper program, allowing businesses with extensive backgrounds in and a proven history of properly shipping HAZMAT to avail themselves of less stringent requirements. The Postal Service finds merit in these suggestions and is open to developing such options, so long as the program does not unacceptably increase the risk of mishandled, misrouted, or improperly intermingled HAZMAT. To that end, the Postal Service is currently exploring similar programs to ease some of the burdens this final rule may place on mailers. However, development of such programs will take time to ensure they are both comprehensive and effective. The Postal Service’s preeminent concern remains public safety, and any such program would likewise prioritize those objectives. Moreover, given the grave risks currently at stake, implementation of the final rule will not be delayed until such programs can be established. Instead, the new requirements must remain in immediate effect while the Postal Service works with its customers and partners to determine the future state of any such program. 
Administrative Procedure Act 
The Administrative Procedure Act 
(APA) does not ordinarily apply to 
Postal Service rulemakings. 39 U.S.C. 410(a). As a rare exception to that general rule, ‘‘proceedings concerning the mailability of matter under this chapter and chapters 71 and 83 of title 18’’ are extraordinarily subject to the APA. 39 U.S.C. 3001(m). Because the measures herein merely concern acceptance requirements, available services, and conditions of mailing for mailable matter, and do not concern the mailability of matter itself, they do not trigger the narrow exception for APA applicability. 
Even if the IFR were deemed to be 
subject to the APA, good cause existed, under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), to issue the measures therein, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), to dispense with the delayed effective date ordinarily prescribed by the APA. The Postal Service was justified in making the IFR effective immediately in order to take quick and targeted action to mitigate the potential of dangerous incidents involving HAZMAT such as lithium batteries which can cause smoke, fire, extreme heat, or explosion caused by thermal runaway, impairing the safe operation of aircraft and exceeding the capabilities of an aircraft’s fire suppression system. Further delay would have increased the risk of an adverse event, potentially resulting in the catastrophic loss of life or property. Such a narrowly tailored rule with specific measures that can immediately respond to the imminent risks presented by HAZMAT corresponds with a proportionately diminished public interest in an opportunity to comment compared to a more far-reaching rule. While there is a public interest in having an opportunity for the public to comment on agency action, it was critical that the Postal Service responded to this hazardous trend as soon as possible to mitigate potential dangers that could have contributed to an incident resulting in loss of life or aircraft. Further delay would have increased the risk of harm and the likelihood of a catastrophic incident. 
Moreover, pursuant to section 
553(b)(B) of the APA, general notice and the opportunity for public comment are not required with respect to a rulemaking when an ‘‘agency for good cause finds (and incorporates the finding and a brief statement of reasons therefor in the rules issued) that notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Nonetheless, although the IFR was effective immediately, the Postal Service has now provided an opportunity for public comment, considered the arguments raised therein, made minor refinements to the rules, and responded to those 
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2See Jifry v. FAA, 370 F.3d 1174, 1179 (D.C. Cir. 
2004) (upholding waiver of 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) based 
on Transportation Security Administration’s determination that it was ‘‘necessary to prevent a possible imminent hazard to aircraft, persons, and property within the United States’’); Hawaii Helicopter Operators Ass’n v. FAA, 51 F.3d 212, 
214 (9th Cir. 1995) (same, where interim final rule was aimed at immediately mitigating ‘‘the threat to public safety reflected in an increasing number of helicopter accidents’’). comments in the final rule promulgated 
here. 
The Postal Service still finds that it 
would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest to delay issuance of this final rule because there is an immediate and pressing need to reduce the risks that HAZMAT poses to postal operations, supplier equipment and personnel, commercial air passengers, and the public. Thus, delaying the implementation of the risk-mitigation measures in this final rule in order to receive and consider further public comment beyond what the Postal Service has already allowed would be impracticable, contrary to the public interest,
2and given that the public has 
now had adequate opportunity to comment since the issuance of the IFR, not required by the APA. As with the IFR, immediate mitigation of these urgent safety risks also constitutes good cause for this final rule to be effective immediately upon publication. 
Sarah Sullivan, 
Attorney, Ethics & Legal Compliance. 
The Postal Service adopts the 
following changes to Publication 52, 
Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, incorporated by reference into 
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), section 601.8.1, which is further incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. 39 CFR 111.1, 111.3. Publication 52 is also a regulation of the Postal Service, changes to which may be published in the Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a). Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble, the Postal Service amends Publication 52 as follows: 
Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted 
and Perishable Mail 
* * * * * 
2 General Guidelines 
* * * * * 
[Revise the title of subchapter 25 to 
read as follows:] 
25 Basic Guidelines for Postal Service 
Personnel 
* * * * * 251 Guidelines for Acceptance 
Personnel 
[Revise section by adding new items c, 
e, f and g; renumber current item c as d, to read as follows:] 
c. With the exception of destination 
entered mail entered at a Destination Delivery Unit (DDU), Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF), or Destination Network Distribution Center (DNDC) verify that all mailpieces containing mailable hazardous materials are presented separately from mailpieces not containing hazardous materials. 
d. Refuse (as permitted in POM 139) 
to accept any material that does not meet the applicable requirements for mailing and refer the circumstances to your local Postmaster or PCSC for a mailability ruling under 213 or 215, as appropriate. 
e. If a mailpiece containing a 
diagnostic (clinical) specimen is in a sack or tub, PS Tag 44 must be attached to ensure that the sack will be emptied at the processing point. 
f. With the exception of destination 
entered mail entered at a DDU, DSCF, or DNDC, ensure mailpieces containing hazardous materials remain separated from other mailpieces and are placed into labeled containers further separated by transportation type. See 327.1a and 327.1b. 
g. See 253 for guidance regarding 
hazardous materials found in lobby drops or retail collection boxes. 
* * * * * 
252 Guidelines for Dispatch Personnel 
[Insert new item b as follows, and 
renumber current item b as item c:] 
b. Ensure that all mailpieces with a 
hazardous-materials mark or label are 
separated from all other mail and are placed into labeled containers further separated by transportation type. See 327.1a and 327.1b. 
* * * * * 
[Revise item 5 in item c (as 
renumbered) to read as follows:] 
5. If the mailpiece contains a material 
believed to be nonmailable, remove it 
from the mailstream and treat it in accordance with POM 139.117–118, as appropriate. 
* * * * * 
[Add new section 253 to read as 
follows:] 
253 Guidelines for Delivery and 
Collection Personnel 
Delivery and collection personnel 
must follow these procedures when delivering and collecting mail: 
a. Conduct a thorough examination of 
all sides of the mailpiece for hazardous material labels and markings or any 
nonmailable hazardous characteristics (e.g., prohibited marks or labels). If the 
mailpiece is nonmailable, leaking, or 
stained, do not collect it; notify the customer if present, and contact your supervisor. Ensure that mailable hazardous materials are separated from all other mail. 
* * * * * 
3 Hazardous Materials 
* * * * * 
32 General 
* * * * * 
327 Transportation Requirements 
* * * * * 
327.1 General 
[Revise item a to read as follows:] 
Air Transportation. When eligibility 
for air transportation is sought, mailable 
hazardous materials eligible for air transportation per chapter 34, must be sent as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, or First-Class Mail. Mailpieces must be prepared to meet all requirements that apply to air transportation. Mailpieces must be properly packaged and labeled within DMM requirements and the operator variations of the air carrier. When required, a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods must be affixed to the outside of the mailpiece. Note: Mailable 
hazardous materials that are prohibited from air transportation may not be sent as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, or First-Class Mail. 
[Revise item b to read as follows:] 
b. Surface Transportation. All 
mailable hazardous materials eligible to 
be sent as First-Class Package Service, USPS Marketing Mail, USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select, or Parcel Return Service must be prepared under the requirements that apply to surface transportation. A mailpiece containing mailable hazardous material with postage paid at First-Class Package Service, USPS Marketing Mail, USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select, or Package Return Service prices must not, under any circumstance, be transported on air transportation except for 5-digit air only destinations identified in 327.2 g. 
* * * * * 
327.2 Air Transportation Prohibitions 
[Revise opening paragraph to read as 
follows:] 
All mailable hazardous materials sent 
as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, 
or First-Class Mail, must meet the requirements for air transportation. The following types of hazardous materials are always prohibited on air 
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transportation regardless of class of 
mail: 
[Add new item g as follows, and 
renumber current item g as item h:] 
g. Used, damaged, or defective 
electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) 
containing or packaged with lithium batteries (see 349.12e). For those ZIP Codes that are air transportation only, a multimodal transportation solution may be used to transport used, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries due to the absence of ground transportation. A list of 5-digit ZIP Codes where this exception applies appears in Appendix F. 
* * * * * 
[Add new section 329 to read as 
follows:] 
329 Presentation of Hazardous- 
Materials Mailings 
With the exception of destination 
entered mail entered at a DDU, DSCF, or DNDC each mailer of mailable hazardous materials requiring a label or marking must: 
a. Present mailpieces containing 
hazardous materials separately from any mailpieces not containing hazardous materials. Where mailpieces are tendered in containers, pallets, or other mail transport equipment (see Handbook PO–502, Mail Transport Equipment), hazardous-materials mailpieces must be presented in a separate receptacle from non-hazardous- materials mailpieces. b. Clearly mark an exterior side of all 
receptacles containing hazardous 
materials mailpieces as ‘‘HAZMAT’’. 
* * * * * 
34 Mailability by Hazard Class 
* * * * * 
349 Miscellaneous Hazardous 
Materials (Hazard Class 9) 
* * * * * 
349.1 Definition 
* * * * * 
349.12 Lithium Battery—Definitions 
[Add new item e as follows:] 
e. Used, damaged, or defective 
electronic device means an electronic 
device containing or packaged with one or more lithium cells or batteries and where the electronic device (1) is not new in original packaging, manufacturer certified new/refurbished, and/or (2) has some form of damage or defect. 
* * * * * 
349.2 Mailability 
* * * * * 
349.21 Nonmailable Class 9 Materials 
[Add new item g and h to read as 
follows:] 
g. Damaged, defective, or recalled 
batteries unless approved by the 
director, Product Classification (see 214 for address). 
h. All used, damaged, or defective 
electronic devices in international mail or domestic air transportation. This excludes devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished. 
* * * * * 349.221 Lithium Metal 
(Nonrechargeable) Cells and Batteries— Domestic 
[Add new item 8 to read as follows:] 
8. All used, damaged, or defective 
lithium metal cells or batteries or 
electronic devices contained in or packed with lithium metal cells or batteries (excluding new, in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) must be marked with the text ‘‘Restricted Electronic Device’’ and ‘‘Surface Transportation Only’’ on the address side of the mailpiece. 
* * * * * 
349.222 Lithium-ion (Rechargeable) 
Cells and Batteries—Domestic 
[Add new item 8 to read as follows:] 
8. All used, damaged, or defective 
lithium-ion cells or batteries or 
electronic devices contained in or packed with lithium-ion cells or 
batteries (excluding new, in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) must be marked with the text ‘‘Restricted Electronic Device’’ and ‘‘Surface Transportation Only’’ on the address side of the mailpiece. 
* * * * * 
Exhibit 349.222 Domestic Lithium 
Battery Mailability 
[Add new footnote 1 reference to Air 
Transportation title and new footnote 7 reference in Air Transportation column of row 9, create new footnote text, delete row 10; revise manager title to director in last row; and renumber footnotes accordingly] 
Surface 
transportation Air transportation1 Mailpiece 
limitations2 
Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries34 
Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) ................ Mailable ............... Mailable ............... 8 cells or 2 batteries, 11 lbs. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equip-
ment.Mailable ............... Mailable ............... 8 cells or 2 batteries, 11 lbs. 
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries 
in originally sealed packaging).Mailable ............... Prohibited ............ 5 lbs. 
Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries56 
Small, rechargeable, consumer-type batteries 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) ................ Mailable ............... Mailable ............... 8 cells or 2 batter ies. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equip-
ment.Mailable ............... Mailable ............... 8 cells or 2 batteries. 
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries 
in originally sealed packaging).Mailable ............... Prohibited7.......... 5 lbs. 
Very Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries89 
Exception for very small consumer-type batteries in USPS air transportation 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) ................ Mailable ............... Mailable ............... No limit on cells/batteries, 5.5 pounds. 
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Surface 
transportation Air transportation1 Mailpiece 
limitations2 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equip-
ment.Mailable ............... Mailable ............... No limit on cells/batteries, 5.5 pounds. 
Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Batteries ........................ Prohibited, unless approved by the director, Product Classification. 
1Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices are prohibited from air transportation. This excludes devices that are new in original pack-
aging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished. 
2When a mailpiece limitation of 8 cells or 2 batteries is applicable, a mailpiece may contain either 8 cells or 2 batteries, not both. 
3Each cell must not contain more than 1g lithium content. 
4Each battery must not contain more than 2g aggregate lithium content. 
5Each cell must not exceed more than 20 Wh (watt-hour rating). 
6Each battery must not exceed 100 Wh. 
7Mailable intra-Alaska via air transportation with a limitation of 8 cells or 2 batteries. 
8Each lithium metal or lithium alloy cell or battery must not exceed 0.3 gram of lithium content. 
9Each lithium-ion or lithium polymer cell or battery must not exceed 2.7 Wh. 
* * * * * 
6 International Mail 
* * * * * 
62 Hazardous Materials: International 
Mail 
* * * * * 
622 Mailable Hazardous Materials 
* * * * * 
622.5 Lithium and Lithium-ion Cells 
and Batteries—General 
[Revise the first paragraph to read as 
follows:] Only lithium batteries under 622.51 
and 622.52 that are properly installed in 
the equipment they operate may be sent internationally or to, from, or between APO, FPO, or DPO locations (subject to the conditions prescribed by the Department of Defense listed in Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail in the Postal Bulletin). Used, damaged, 
defective, or recalled lithium batteries and used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) containing or packaged with lithium batteries are prohibited and may not be 
mailed internationally or to, from, or between APO, FPO, or DPO locations under any circumstances. See 349.21. 
* * * * * 
Exhibit 622.5 International Lithium 
Battery Mailability 
[Add new footnote 2 to International 
APO/FPO/DPO column, create new footnote 2 text, and renumber existing references previously numbered as 2 through 8 to 3 through 9] 
International APO/ 
FPO/DPO12 Mailpiece battery limit3 
Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries45 
Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) .................................................. Mailable ............... Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment ............................. Prohibited.
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed 
packaging).Prohibited.
Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries67 
Small, rechargeable, consumer-type batteries 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) .................................................. Mailable ............... Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment ............................. Prohibited.
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed 
packaging),.Prohibited.
Very Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries89 
Exception for very small consumer-type batteries in international transportation 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) .................................................. Mailable ............... Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment ............................. Prohibited.
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed 
packaging).Prohibited.
1Unless otherwise prohibited by the international destination country or specific APO/FPO/DPO ZIP Code location. 
2Used, damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries and used, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing or packaged with lith-
ium batteries are prohibited and may not be mailed internationally or to, from or between APO, FPO, or DPO locations under any circumstances. 
This excludes devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished. 
3When a mailpiece limitation of 4 cells or 2 batteries is applicable, a mailpiece may contain either 4 cells or 2 batteries, not both. 
4Each lithium metal or lithium alloy cell must not contain more than 1g lithium content. 
5Each lithium metal or lithium alloy battery must not contain more than 2g of aggregate lithium content. 
6Each lithium-ion or lithium polymer cell must not exceed more than 20 Wh (watt-hour rating). 
7Each lithium-ion or lithium polymer battery must not exceed 100 Wh. 
8Each lithium metal or lithium alloy cell or battery must not exceed 0.3 gram of lithium content. 
9Each lithium-ion or lithium polymer cell or battery must not exceed a watt-hour rating of 2.7 Wh. 
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* * * * * 
623 Nonmailable Hazardous 
Materials 
[Revise items j and l; and add new 
items m and n as follows:] 
j. Class 9, miscellaneous hazardous 
materials (349), except as permitted in 622.4 and 622.5. 
k. Dry ice (carbon dioxide solid) 
(349.23). 
l. Magnetized materials capable of 
causing a compass deviation at a distance of 7 feet or more (349.24). 
m. All damaged, defective, or recalled 
lithium batteries (see 349.21). 
n. All used, damaged, or defective 
electronic devices containing or packaged with lithium batteries (see 349.21). This excludes devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished. 
* * * * * 
Appendix C 
* * * * * 
USPS Packaging Instruction 9D 
Lithium Metal and Lithium-Ion Cells 
and Batteries—Domestic 
[Revise the first paragraph to read as 
follows:] 
Except pursuant to 349.21, lithium 
metal (non-rechargeable) cells and batteries and lithium-ion (rechargeable) cells and batteries are mailable in limited quantities domestically via air or surface transportation when they are installed in or packed with the equipment they are intended to operate. Unless otherwise excepted, lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries (without equipment) are mailable in limited quantities domestically via surface transportation only. Lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries installed in or packed with used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) meeting all mailability requirements in 349 are mailable via surface transportation only. 
* * * * * Mailability 
[Revise the first bullet as follows:] 
Lithium metal and lithium-ion cells 
and batteries installed in or packed with 
equipment may be mailable via air or surface transportation. 
* * * * * 
[Add new fourth bullet to read as 
follows:] 
Used, damaged, or defective 
electronic devices (excluding devices 
that are new in original packaging, manufacturer certified new/refurbished) containing or packaged with lithium batteries (see 349.12e) must be mailed 
via domestic surface transportation only, provided they meet eligibility requirements in accordance with 349. 
* * * * * 
Markings 
[Add new item 5 under the Lithium 
metal batteries properly installed bullet 
to read as follows:] 
Lithium metal batteries properly 
installed in the equipment they are intended to operate. 
5. Used, damaged, or defective 
electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) must include the text ‘‘Restricted Electronic Device’’ and ‘‘Surface Transportation Only’’ on the address side of the mailpiece. 
* * * * * 
[Add new item 4 under the Lithium 
metal batteries packed with bullet to 
read as follows:] 
Lithium metal batteries packed with 
the equipment they are intended to operate 4. Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and 
manufacturer certified new/refurbished) must include the text ‘‘Restricted Electronic Device’’ and ‘‘Surface Mail Only’’ on the address side on the mailpiece. 
* * * * * 
[Add new item 4 under the Lithium- 
ion batteries properly installed bullet to 
read as follows:] 
Lithium-ion batteries properly 
installed in the equipment they are intended to operate. 4. Used, damaged, or defective 
electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) must include the text ‘‘Restricted Electronic Device’’ and ‘‘Surface Mail Only’’ on the address side on the mailpiece. 
* * * * * 
[Add new item 5 under the Lithium- 
ion batteries packed with bullet to read 
as follows:] 
Lithium-ion batteries packed with the 
equipment they are intended to operate. 
5. Used, damaged, or defective 
electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) must include the text ‘‘Restricted Electronic Device’’ and ‘‘Surface Mail Only’’ on the address side on the mailpiece. 
* * * * * 
[Add new bullet at end of Marking 
section to read as follows:] 
Used, damaged, or defective 
electronic devices: In addition to any 
other applicable marking requirements listed above, packages containing used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) containing or packaged with lithium batteries must be marked with the text ‘‘Restricted Electronic Device’’ and ‘‘Surface Transportation Only’’ on the address side of the package. See 221.1 and 325.1. Products being returned via Parcel Return Service (PRS), Return Delivery Unit (RDU) or Return Sectional Center Facility (RSCF) are exempt from this marking requirement. 
* * * * * 
Domestic Lithium Battery Mailability 
Exhibit 
[Add new footnote 1 reference to Air 
Transportation title and new footnote 7 reference in Air Transportation column of row 9, create new footnote text, delete row 10; revise manager title to director in last row; and renumber footnotes accordingly] 
Surface 
transportation Air transportation1 Mailpiece limitations2 
Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries34 
Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) ................ Mailable ............... Mailable ............... 8 cells or 2 batteries, 11 lbs. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equip-
ment.Mailable ............... Mailable ............... 8 cells or 2 batteries, 11 lbs. 
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries 
in originally sealed packaging).Mailable ............... Prohibited ............ 5 lbs. 
Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries56 
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Surface 
transportation Air transportation1 Mailpiece limitations2 
Small, rechargeable, consumer-type batteries 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) ................ Mailable ............... Mailable ............... 8 cells or 2 batter ies 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equip-
ment.Mailable ............... Mailable ............... 8 cells or 2 batteries 
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries 
in originally sealed packaging).Mailable ............... Prohibited7.......... 5 lbs. 
Very Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries89 
Exception for very small consumer-type batteries in USPS air transportation 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) ................ Mailable ............... Mailable ............... No limit on cells/batteries, 5.5 pounds. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equip-
ment.Mailable ............... Mailable ............... No limit on cells/batteries, 5.5 pounds. 
Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Batteries ........................ Prohibited, unless approved by the director, Product Classification. 
1Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices are prohibited from air transportation. This excludes devices that are new in original pack-
aging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished. 
2When a mailpiece limitation of 8 cells or 2 batteries is applicable, a mailpiece may contain either 8 cells or 2 batteries, not both. 
3Each cell must not contain more than 1g lithium content. 
4Each battery must not contain more than 2g aggregate lithium content. 
5Each cell must not exceed more than 20 Wh (watt-hour rating). 
6Each battery must not exceed 100 Wh. 
7Mailable intra-Alaska via air transportation with a limitation of 8 cells or 2 batteries. 
8Each lithium metal or lithium alloy cell or battery must not exceed 0.3 gram of lithium content. 
9Each lithium-ion or lithium polymer cell or battery must not exceed 2.7 Wh. 
* * * * * 
USPS Packaging Instruction 9E 
Lithium Metal and Lithium-ion Cells 
and Batteries—International and APO/ FPO/DPO 
* * * * * 
Mailability 
[Revise second bullet and add new 
third bullet to read as follows:] Lithium metal and lithium-ion cells 
and batteries not packed in equipment 
(i.e., batteries packed with equipment or 
batteries sent separately from equipment) are prohibited. 
Used, damaged, and defective 
electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer certified new/refurbished) containing lithium batteries are 
prohibited (see 623). 
* * * * * 
International Lithium Battery 
Mailability Exhibit 
[Add new footnote 2 to International 
APO/FPO/DPO column, create new footnote 2 text, and renumber existing references previously numbered as 2 through 8 to 3 through 9] 
International APO/ 
FPO/DPO12 Mailpiece battery limit3 
Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries45 
Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) .................................................. Mailable ............... Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment ............................. Prohibited.
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed 
packaging).Prohibited.
Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries67 
Small, rechargeable, consumer-type batteries 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) .................................................. Mailable ............... Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment ............................. Prohibited.
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed 
packaging).Prohibited.
Very Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries89 
Exception for very small consumer-type batteries in international transportation 
Contained in (properly installed in equipment) .................................................. Mailable ............... Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries. 
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment ............................. Prohibited.
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed 
packaging).Prohibited.
1Unless otherwise prohibited by the international destination country or specific APO/FPO/DPO ZIP Code location. 
2Used, damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries and used damaged, or defective electronic devices containing lithium batteries are 
prohibited and may not be mailed internationally or to, from or between APO, FPO, or DPO locations under any circumstances. This excludes 
new in original packaging and manufacturer certified new/refurbished devices. 
3When a mailpiece limitation of 4 cells or 2 batteries is applicable, a mailpiece may contain either 4 cells or 2 batteries, not both. 
4Each lithium metal or lithium alloy cell must not contain more than 1g lithium content. 
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5Each lithium metal or lithium alloy battery must not contain more than 2g of aggregate lithium content. 
6Each lithium-ion or lithium polymer cell must not exceed more than 20 Wh (watt-hour rating). 
7Each lithium-ion or lithium polymer battery must not exceed 100 Wh. 
8Each lithium metal or lithium alloy cell or battery must not exceed 0.3 gram of lithium content. 
9Each lithium-ion or lithium polymer cell or battery must not exceed a watt-hour rating of 2.7 Wh. 
* * * * * 
[Add new Appendix F to read as 
follows:] 
Appendix F 
Alaska Routes Serviced by Air 
Transportation Only 
The following zip codes in Alaska are 
only serviced by air transportation and have no surface transportation available. 
99545, 99546, 99547, 99548, 99549, 
99550, 99551, 99552, 99553, 99554, 99555, 99557, 99558, 99559, 99561, 99563, 99564, 99565, 99569, 99571, 99574, 99575, 99576, 99578, 99579, 99580, 99581, 99583, 99585, 99589, 99590, 99591, 99602, 99604, 99606, 99607, 99608, 99609, 99612, 99613, 99614, 99615, 99619, 99620, 99621, 99622, 99624, 99625, 99626, 99627, 99628, 99630, 99632, 99633, 99634, 99636, 99637, 99638, 99640, 99641, 99643, 99644, 99647, 99648, 99649, 99650, 99651, 99653, 99655, 99656, 99657, 99658, 99659, 99660, 99661, 99662, 99663, 99665, 99666, 99667, 99668, 99670, 99671, 99675, 99677, 99678, 99679, 99680, 99681, 99682, 99684, 99685, 99689, 99690, 99691, 99692, 99695, 99697, 99720, 99721, 99722, 99723, 99724, 99726, 99727, 99730, 99732, 99733, 99734, 99736, 99738, 99739, 99740, 99741, 99742, 99745, 99746, 99747, 99748, 99749, 99750, 99751, 99752, 99753, 99754, 99756, 99757, 99758, 99759, 99761, 99762, 99763, 99765, 99766, 99767, 99768, 99769, 99770, 99771, 99772, 99773, 99774, 99777, 99778, 99781, 99782, 99783, 99784, 99785, 99786, 99788, 99789, 99790, 99791, 99801, 99802, 99803, 99811, 99812, 99820, 99821, 99824, 99825, 99826, 99827, 99829, 99830, 99832, 99833, 99835, 99836, 99840, 99841, 99850, 99901, 99903, 99918, 99919, 99921, 99922, 99923, 99925, 99926, 99927, 99928, 99929, 99950. 
* * * * * 
[FR Doc. 2022–26069 Filed 11–25–22; 11:15 am] 
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P 
POSTAL SERVICE 
39 CFR Part 121 Service Standards for Market- 
Dominant Mail Products 
AGENCY : Postal ServiceTM. 
ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : This final rule adds a service 
standard for ConnectTMLocal Mail to 
the set of service standards for First- Class Mail set forth in our regulations. 
DATES : Effective date: January 22, 2023. 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : 
Andrew Pigott, 202–268–4031. 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : 
I. Introduction 
On November 10, 2021, the Postal 
Service filed a notice in Docket No. MT2022–1 announcing its intent to conduct a market test of an experimental product denominated as USPS Connect
TMLocal Mail and 
demonstrated that the market test would comply with applicable legal requirements. The Postal Regulatory Commission found that the market test met the requirements of 39 U.S.C. 3641 and 39 CFR part 3045 and authorized the market test to proceed in Order No. 6080 on January 4, 2022. 
The Postal Service initially 
introduced its test of USPS Connect
TM 
Local Mail in Texas to align with its nationwide rollout of the corresponding packages product, USPS Connect
TM 
Local. By the end of the second quarter, which ended March 31, 2022, USPS Connect
TMLocal Mail was offered as a 
market test product in 11 states. Another 16 states were added in the third quarter; 23 more were added in the fourth quarter. Once the initial phased national rollout was complete, USPS Connect
TMLocal Mail was offered in all 
50 states and the District of Columbia. 
The Postal Service is now seeking to 
classify USPS ConnectTMLocal Mail as 
a permanent classification in the Mail Classification Schedule (MCS). The Postal Service has thus requested that the service be listed in the MCS under the First-Class Mail class in Postal Regulatory Commission Docket No. MC2023–12. Assuming the changes are adopted in accordance with the expected date of implementation of January 22, 2023, the Postal Service plans to add USPS Connect
TMLocal 
Mail as a price category within First- Class Mail Flats. USPS Connect
TMLocal 
Mail will provide customers same-day or next-day options for local delivery of documents. USPS Connect
TMLocal Mail 
requires local induction through dropoff at a participating Destination Delivery Unit (DDU), or carrier pick-up in line- of-travel to a participating DDU. Documents accepted by the Postal Service at a participating DDU by 7 a.m. will receive a same day service standard, while mailpieces received after 7 a.m. at a participating DDU or by carrier pick-up will receive a one day service standard (i.e., they will be 
eligible for delivery the following delivery day). 
II. Explanation of Final Rule 
The Postal Service’s market-dominant 
service standards are contained in 39 
CFR part 121. The revisions to 39 CFR part 121 appear at the end of this document. The following is a summary of the revisions. 
A. Service Standards Generally 
Service standards contain two 
components: (1) a delivery day range 
within which mail in a given product is expected to be delivered; and (2) business rules that determine, within a product’s applicable day range, the specific number of delivery days after acceptance of a mail piece by which a customer can expect that piece to be delivered, based on the piece’s point of entry into the mail stream and its delivery address. 
Business rules are based on critical 
entry times (CETs). The CET is the latest time on a particular day that a mail piece can be entered into the postal network and still have its service standard calculated based on that day (this day is termed ‘‘day-zero’’). In other words, if a piece is entered before the CET, its service standard is calculated from the day of entry, whereas if it is entered after the CET, its service standard is calculated from the following day. (If the following day is a Sunday or holiday, then the service standard is calculated from the next Postal Service delivery day.) For example, if the applicable CET is 5:00 p.m., and a letter is entered at 4:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, its service standard will be calculated from Tuesday, whereas if the letter is entered at 6:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, its service standard will be calculated from Wednesday. CETs are not contained in 39 CFR part 121, because they vary based on where mail is entered, the mail’s level of preparation, and other factors. 
B. USPS Connect
TMLocal Mail 
USPS ConnectTMLocal Mail will be 
offered as a price category under First- 
Class Mail Flats. It is intended for local document delivery. Customers will be 
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