[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 6, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76154-76169]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-30776]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 20


Global Express Guaranteed

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: On April 19, 1999, the Postal Service published an interim 
rule introducing Priority Mail Global Guaranteed service on a test 
basis. The Postal Service has since amended that interim rule on four 
occasions, with the last amendment being announced on September 29, 
2000, and amending the interim rule to rename the service Global 
Express Guaranteed service (GXG), establishing it as a permanent 
international service and expanding the service to include a new 
classification for Non-Document (merchandise) shipments. That amendment 
to the interim rule also established and published separate rates for 
the Non-Document service. The Postal Service hereby gives notice that 
it is implementing the interim rule as amended on a permanent basis.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 30, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Malcolm E. Hunt, (770) 360-1104.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 19, 1999, the Postal Service 
announced in the Federal Register (64 FR 19039-19042) the introduction 
of Priority Mail Global Guaranteed (PMGG) service on an interim basis. 
With PMGG, the USPS provided customers with a fully featured premium 
international service for documents with full track and trace 
capability. This service was initially available from 3,000 retail 
locations for delivery to a total of 19 countries.
    On November 4, 1999, the Postal Service announced in the Federal 
Register (64 FR 60106-60109) the expansion of PMGG service to permit 
acceptance at a total of 10,000 retail locations, with destination 
locations expanded to 65 countries and territories.
    On May 26, 2000, the Postal Service announced in the Federal 
Register (65 FR 34096-34101) the further expansion of PMGG service to a 
total of 202 destinating countries and territories. A revised rate 
structure was also introduced.
    On August 28, 2000, the Postal Service announced in the Federal 
Register (65 FR 52023-52028) a further expansion of PMGG service. The 
number of retail locations was increased to a total of 20,000, Document 
service rates were adjusted, optional document reconstruction insurance 
was increased to $2499, and delivery service was extended to China. An 
incorrect listing of three-digit ZIP Codes was included in the list of 
participating post offices in this rule. The correct list of 
participating post offices by three-digit ZIP Code is incorporated in 
the final rule.
    On September 29, 2000, the Postal Service announced in the Federal 
Register (65 FR 58350-58359) a further expansion of PMGG service based 
on the successive and successful expansions of PMGG service. The Postal 
Service established it as a permanent international mail service. To 
effectuate this change, the Postal Service changed the name of the 
service to Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) and completed the expansion 
to include a new classification for merchandise shipments. GXG now 
consists of two mail classifications:

a. GXG Document service
b. GXG Non-Document service

    The GXG Document service mail classification is for shipments that 
contain only documents and general correspondence for which no duty is 
assessed by the customs authority of the destinating country. This mail 
classification is a designated letter mail class pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 
3623(d) and, as such, is sealed against inspection by the Postal 
Service. These Document service shipments may be subject to inspection 
in the destinating country for purposes of compliance with the customs 
requirements of the destinating country. The rate structure for 
Document service is separate and distinct from the rate structure for 
Non-Document service.
    The GXG Non-Document service mail classification is for shipments 
that do not contain documents or general correspondence and for which 
duty may be assessed by the customs authority of the destinating 
country. Merchandise and all other dutiable items may be shipped using 
only this GXG classification. As such, this mail classification is not 
a letter mail class pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3623(d). In order to provide 
for expedited customs clearance of these dutiable shipments, Non-
Document service shipments will be subject to inspection by the Postal 
Service and its designated agents for purposes of air security and to 
determine that the contents are eligible for shipment via Non-Document 
service and that the contents are adequately

[[Page 76155]]

declared on the GXG Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice to permit expedited 
customs clearance. These Non-Document service shipments may also be 
subject to inspection in the destinating country for purposes of 
compliance with the customs requirements of the destinating country. 
The rate structure for Non-Document service is separate and distinct 
from the rate structure for Document service and reflects the generally 
higher costs inherent with handling dutiable shipments. Non-Document 
service is not available to some countries to which Document service is 
provided. See the listing of destinating countries in International 
Mail Manual (IMM) 215.32 below for specific availability.
    This separate mail classification treatment for GXG Document and 
Non-Document services is also reflected in the proposed changes to the 
Postal Service's Administrative Support Manual (ASM) provisions 
regarding mail security.
    Although the Postal Service is exempted by 39 U.S.C. 410(a) from 
the advance notice requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act 
regarding proposed rulemaking (5 U.S.C. 553), the Postal Service 
solicited comment on the amendment to the interim rule. One comment was 
received regarding the different rate structure for the Document and 
Non-Document services, specifically that a half-pound rate is not 
available for Non-Document shipments. These rate structures were 
developed for GXG based upon the Postal Service's required cost 
coverage for providing these services and upon industry cost margins. A 
comment was also received regarding the lack of availability of the 
service in some post offices. GXG is available in approximately 20,000 
post offices. Those offices were chosen based upon market research and 
the Postal Service's current logistical infrastructure to support the 
network.
    Through the implementation of the interim rule, as amended, the 
Postal Service amends the International Mail Manual and the 
Administrative Support Manual as set forth below, both of which are 
incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 
CFR 20.1.
    Transmittal letters changing the relevant pages in the 
International Mail Manual and the Administrative Support Manual will be 
published and automatically transmitted to all subscribers. Notice of 
issuance of the transmittal will be published in the Federal Register 
as provided by 39 CFR 20.3.
    On or about September 26, 2000, the Postal Service announced in the 
Federal Register a proposed rule which would amend and renumber 
provisions in the International Mail Manual. If that rule is adopted, 
GXG will be found in Section 210 of Chapter 2 of the International Mail 
Manual.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 20

    Foreign relations, International postal service.

PART 20--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 20 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 401, 404, 407, 408.


    2. Chapter 2 of the International Mail Manual is amended as 
follows:

2  CONDITIONS FOR MAILING

210  Express Mail International Service

* * * * *

215  Global Express Guaranteed

215.1  Description

215.11  General

    Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) service is an international 
expedited delivery service provided through an alliance with DHL 
Worldwide Express, Inc. It provides reliable, high-speed, guaranteed, 
and time-definite service from selected post offices in the United 
States to a large number of international destinations. (Consult 
Countries and Cities Served Section of the Global Express Guaranteed 
Service Guide for destination service commitments.) GXG delivery 
service is guaranteed to meet the specified service standards or the 
postage paid may be refunded. Liability insurance is provided for lost 
or damaged shipments. See section 215.54 for an explanation of limits 
of liability.

215.12  Allowable Contents

    Documents and general correspondence (non-dutiable items), and non-
documents (all dutiable items including merchandise) may be shipped 
using GXG service. See 215.2 for classification and rate treatment of 
specific shipments based on content. The allowable contents for GXG 
shipments may also be restricted by the destinating country. Refer to 
the Global Express Guaranteed Service Guide for the definition of 
allowable contents for each destination country. Senders are 
responsible for determining if their item is allowable despite any 
statement made in the Global Express Guaranteed Service Guide, on the 
GXG Web Site, or by a postal employee or the Postal Service's agents.

215.2  Mail Classifications

215.21  Global Express Guaranteed Document Service

    The GXG Document service mail classification is for shipments that 
contain only documents and general correspondence for which no duty is 
assessed by the customs authority of the destinating country (non-
dutiable shipments). Packages shipped by GXG Document service are 
sealed against inspection by the Postal Service. These Document service 
shipments may be subject to inspection in the destinating country for 
purposes of compliance with the customs requirements of the destinating 
country. The postage rates applicable to Document service shipments are 
set forth in 215.61 and are separate and distinct from the postage 
rates for Non-Document service.

215.22  Global Express Guaranteed Non-Document Service

    The GXG Non-Document service mail classification is for shipments 
that do not contain documents or general correspondence and for which 
duty may be assessed by the customs authority of the destinating 
country. Merchandise and all other dutiable items may be shipped using 
only this GXG classification. Non-Document service shipments will be 
subject to inspection by the Postal Service and its designated agents 
for purposes of air security and to determine that the contents are 
eligible for shipment via Non-Document service and that the contents 
are adequately declared on the GXG Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice to 
permit expedited customs clearance. These Non-Document service 
shipments may also be subject to inspection in the destinating country 
for purposes of compliance with the customs requirements of the 
destinating country. Non-Document service is not available to some 
countries to which Document service is provided. See the listing of 
destinating countries in 215.32 for specific availability. The postage 
rates applicable to Non-Document service shipments are set forth in 
215.62 and are separate and distinct from the postage rates for 
Document service.

215.3  Service Areas

215.31  U.S. Origins

    GXG items must be entered through selected post offices that are 
located in the following ZIP Code areas. Check with your local post 
office or review the Global Express Guaranteed Service Guide for a 
participating post office near you.

[[Page 76156]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               State                           ZIP code areas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL--Alabama.......................  352, 356-358, 361-362, 366, 368
AR--Arkansas......................  722-723
AZ--Arizona.......................  850, 852-853, 857
CA--California....................  900, 902-908, 910-918, 920-921, 926-
                                     928, 934, 936-937, 939-941, 943-
                                     951, 954
CO--Colorado......................  800-803, 805-806, 808-810
CT--Connecticut...................  060-069
DC--District of Columbia..........  200, 202-203, 205
DE--Delaware......................  197-199
FL--Florida.......................  320-323, 326-338, 342, 344, 346-347,
                                     349
GA--Georgia.......................  299-319
IA--Iowa..........................  500-507, 510-511, 515-516, 520, 522-
                                     528
IL--Illinois......................  600-620, 622, 625-627, 629
IN--Indiana.......................  460-479
KS--Kansas........................  660-662, 667, 674, 676
KY--Kentucky......................  400-406, 410-416, 421-424, 427
LA--Louisiana.....................  700-701, 703-704, 707-708
MA--Massachusetts.................  010-027
MD--Maryland......................  206-212, 214, 217, 219
ME--Maine.........................  039-041
MI--Michigan......................  480-497
MN--Minnesota.....................  550-551, 553-554, 558-563
MO--Missouri......................  630-631, 633, 636-641, 644-648, 654-
                                     658
MS--Mississippi...................  383, 386-392, 394-397
MT--Montana.......................  591
NC---North Carolina...............  270-282, 286
NE--Nebraska......................  680-681, 685-687
NH--New Hampshire.................  010-011, 030-034, 036-038
NJ--New Jersey....................  070-089
NM--New Mexico....................  871
NY--New York......................  100-101, 103-149
OH--Ohio..........................  430-458
OK--Oklahoma......................  730-731, 734-738, 740-741, 743-748
OR--Oregon........................  972
PA--Pennsylvania..................  150-168, 170-176, 178-179, 189-191,
                                     193-196
PR--Puerto Rico...................  006-007, 009
RI--Rhode Island..................  028-029
SC--South Carolina................  297-299
SD--South Dakota..................  570-571
TN--Tennessee.....................  370-374, 376-385
TX--Texas.........................  750-756, 759-764, 768-770, 772-778,
                                     780-782, 784, 786-788, 791, 794-
                                     796, 799
UT--Utah..........................  840-841, 843-847
VA--Virginia......................  201, 220-227, 230-239
VI--Virgin Islands................  008
VT--Vermont.......................  054, 056
WA--Washington....................  980-985, 988-989
WI--Wisconsin.....................  530-532, 534, 540, 546-548
WV--West Virginia.................  250-257, 260, 267
WY--Wyoming.......................  820
------------------------------------------------------------------------

215.32  Destinating Countries and Rate Groups

    GXG service is available to the following destinating countries and 
territories. For rate purposes, countries have been placed into one of 
eight rate groups.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Document      Non-document
                 Country                   service rate    service rate
                                               group           group
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afghanistan.............................               *               *
Albania.................................               8               8
Algeria.................................               8               8
Andorra.................................               6               6
Angola..................................               8               8
Anguilla................................               7               7
Antigua & Barbuda.......................               7               7
Argentina...............................               5               5
Armenia.................................               8               8
Aruba...................................               7               7
Ascension...............................               *               *
Australia...............................               4               4
Austria.................................               6               6
Azerbaijan..............................               8               8
Bahamas.................................               7               7
Bahrain.................................               4               4

[[Page 76157]]

 
Bangladesh..............................               4               4
Barbados................................               7               7
Belarus.................................               8               8
Belgium.................................               3               3
Belize..................................               5               5
Benin...................................               8               8
Bermuda.................................               7               7
Bhutan..................................               5               5
Bolivia.................................               5               5
Bosnia-Herzegovina......................               8               8
Botswana................................               8               8
Brazil..................................               5               5
British Virgin Islands..................               7               7
Brunei Darussalam.......................               8               8
Bulgaria................................               8               8
Burkina Faso............................               8               8
Burma (Myanmar).........................               8               8
Burundi.................................               8               8
Cambodia................................               8               8
Cameroon................................               8               8
Canada..................................               1               1
Cape Verde..............................               8               8
Cayman Islands..........................               7               7
Central African Republic................               8               8
Chad....................................               8               8
Chile...................................               5               5
China...................................               4               4
Colombia................................               5               5
Comoros.................................               8               8
Congo, Democratic Republic of the.......               8               8
Congo, Republic of the (Brazzaville)....               8               8
Costa Rica..............................               5               5
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).............               8               8
Croatia.................................               8               8
Cuba....................................               8               *
Cyprus..................................               4               4
Czech Republic..........................               8               8
Denmark.................................               6               6
Djibouti................................               8               8
Dominica................................               7               7
Dominican Republic......................               7               7
Ecuador.................................               5               5
Egypt...................................               4               *
El Salvador.............................               5               5
Equatorial Guinea.......................               8               8
Eritrea.................................               8               8
Estonia.................................               8               8
Ethiopia................................               8               8
Falkland Islands........................               5               5
Faroe Islands...........................               6               6
Fiji....................................               5               5
Finland.................................               6               6
France..................................               3               3
French Guiana...........................               5               *
French Polynesia........................               8               8
Gabon...................................               8               8
Gambia..................................               8               8
Georgia, Republic of....................               8               8
Germany.................................               3               3
Ghana...................................               8               8
Gibraltar...............................               6               6
Great Britain & Northern Ireland........               3               3
Greece..................................               6               6
Greenland...............................               6               6
Grenada.................................               7               7
Guadeloupe..............................               7               7
Guatemala...............................               5               5
Guinea..................................               8               8
Guinea-Bissau...........................               8               8
Guyana..................................               5               5
Haiti...................................               7               7
Honduras................................               5               5

[[Page 76158]]

 
Hong Kong...............................               3               3
Hungary.................................               8               8
Iceland.................................               6               6
India...................................               4               4
Indonesia...............................               4               4
Iran....................................               4               *
Iraq....................................               *               *
Ireland (Eire)..........................               3               3
Israel..................................               4               4
Italy...................................               3               3
Jamaica.................................               7               7
Japan...................................               *               *
Jordan..................................               4               4
Kazakhstan..............................               8               8
Kenya...................................               8               8
Kiribati................................               8               8
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of                 *               *
 (North)................................
Korea, Republic of (South)..............               4               4
Kuwait..................................               4               4
Kyrgyzstan..............................               8               8
Laos....................................               8               8
Latvia..................................               8               8
Lebanon.................................               4               4
Lesotho.................................               8               8
Liberia.................................               8               8
Libya...................................               *               *
Liechtenstein...........................               6               6
Lithuania...............................               8               8
Luxembourg..............................               3               3
Macao...................................               3               3
Macedonia, Republic of..................               8               8
Madagascar..............................               8               8
Malawi..................................               8               8
Malaysia................................               4               4
Maldives................................               8               8
Mali....................................               8               8
Malta...................................               6               6
Martinique..............................               7               7
Mauritania..............................               8               8
Mauritius...............................               8               8
Mexico..................................               2               2
Moldova.................................               8               8
Mongolia................................               8               8
Montserrat..............................               7               7
Morocco.................................               8               8
Mozambique..............................               8               8
Namibia.................................               8               8
Nauru...................................               8               8
Nepal...................................               8               8
Netherlands.............................               3               3
Netherlands Antilles....................               7               7
New Caledonia...........................               5               5
New Zealand.............................               4               4
Nicaragua...............................               5               5
Niger...................................               8               8
Nigeria.................................               8               8
Norway..................................               6               6
Oman....................................               4               4
Pakistan................................               4               4
Panama..................................               5               5
Papua New Guinea........................               5               5
Paraguay................................               5               5
Peru....................................               5               5
Philippines.............................               4               4
Pitcairn Island.........................               *               *
Poland..................................               8               8
Portugal................................               6               6
Qatar...................................               4               4
Reunion.................................               8               8
Romania.................................               8               8
Russia..................................               8               8
Rwanda..................................               8               8

[[Page 76159]]

 
St. Christopher (St. Kitts) & Nevis.....               7               7
Saint Helena............................               *               *
Saint Lucia.............................               7               7
Saint Pierre & Miquelon.................               1               1
Saint Vincent & Grenadines..............               7               7
San Marino..............................               3               3
Sao Tome & Principe.....................               8               8
Saudi Arabia............................               4               4
Senegal.................................               8               8
Serbia-Montenegro (Yugoslavia)..........               8               8
Seychelles..............................               8               8
Sierra Leone............................               8               8
Singapore...............................               3               3
Slovak Republic (Slovakia)..............               8               8
Slovenia................................               8               8
Solomon Islands.........................               8               8
Somalia.................................               8               8
South Africa............................               8               8
Spain...................................               6               6
Sri Lanka...............................               4               4
Sudan...................................               *               *
Suriname................................               5               5
Swaziland...............................               8               8
Sweden..................................               6               6
Switzerland.............................               6               6
Syrian Arab Republic (Syria)............               4               *
Taiwan..................................               3               3
Tajikistan..............................               8               8
Tanzania................................               8               8
Thailand................................               4               4
Togo....................................               8               8
Tonga...................................               8               8
Trinidad & Tobago.......................               7               7
Tristan da Cunha........................               *               *
Tunisia.................................               8               8
Turkey..................................               4               4
Turkmenistan............................               8               8
Turks & Caicos Islands..................               7               7
Tuvalu..................................               8               8
Uganda..................................               8               8
Ukraine.................................               8               8
United Arab Emirates....................               4               4
Uruguay.................................               5               5
Uzbekistan..............................               8               8
Vanuatu.................................               5               5
Vatican City............................               3               3
Venezuela...............................               5               5
Vietnam.................................               4               4
Wallis & Futuna Islands.................               4               4
Western Samoa...........................               4               4
Yemen...................................               4               4
Zambia..................................               8               8
Zimbabwe................................               8              8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ No service.

    GXG service is available to all locations that are referenced in 
the Individual Country Listings except for the following:

a. Afghanistan
b. Ascension
c. Iraq
d. Japan
e. Korea, Democratic People's Republic of (North)
f. Libya
g. Pitcairn Island
h. Saint Helena
i. Sudan
j. Tristan de Cunha

    The following countries are limited to GXG Document service only:

a. Cuba
b. Egypt
c. French Guiana
d. Iran
e. Syrian Arab Republic (Syria)

215.4  Service Guarantee

215.41  General

    The Postal Service guarantees delivery within the service standards 
specified in the Global Express Guaranteed Service Guide or the sender 
may be entitled to a full refund of the postage paid. For the purpose 
of the service guarantee, the date and time of delivery, attempted 
delivery, or availability for delivery constitutes delivery.

215.42  Transit Days for Non-Document Service

    For GXG Non-Document service, total transit days may be affected by 
general

[[Page 76160]]

customs delays, specific customs commodity delays, holidays observed in 
the destinating country, and other factors beyond the Postal Service's 
control. See Terms and Conditions on the GXG Air Waybill/Shipping 
Invoice or in the Global Express Guaranteed Service Guide for details.

215.5  Inquiries, Postage Refunds, and Indemnity Claims

215.51  Inquiries

    Inquiries concerning the delivery of GXG items are made by calling 
1-800-222-1811 or through the Internet at http://www.usps.com/gxg.

215.52  Postage Refunds

    Postage may be refunded if a shipment tendered at a designated post 
office before the specified deposit time is not delivered or if 
delivery is not attempted before 5:00 p.m. local time in the delivery 
location in accordance with the guaranteed delivery standards in the 
Global Express Guaranteed Service Guide. The mailer may file requests 
for postage refunds only by contacting a Customer Service 
Representative at 
1-800-222-1811. The original receipt of the GXG Air Waybill/Shipping 
Invoice is required when filing a claim for a postage refund. Requests 
for postage refunds must be made no later than 30 days from the date of 
shipment. The GXG Customer Service Office will adjudicate refunds for 
GXG at 1-800-222-1811. Final approval and payment will be made by the 
Postal Service.
    Refunds will not be made if delivery was attempted but could not be 
made, if the delivery address was incomplete or inaccurate, or if the 
shipment was delayed by circumstances outside the control of the Postal 
Service or its agents (as defined in the Global Express Guaranteed 
Service Guide).

215.53  Indemnity Claims

215.531  Claims for Document Service Shipments

    If a Document service shipment is lost or damaged, the sender may 
file a claim for document reconstruction costs, subject to 215.54. All 
claims must be initiated within 30 days of the shipment date by 
contacting a Customer Service Representative at 1-800-222-1811; this 
representative will provide more details on how to file a claim. The 
original receipt of the GXG Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice must be 
included when filing a claim. Consult the Global Express Guaranteed 
Service Guide for limitations and restrictions on indemnity payments 
for GXG items. The GXG Customer Service Office will adjudicate claims 
for GXG at 1-800-222-1811. Final approval and payment will be made by 
the Postal Service.

215.532  Claims for Non-Document Service Shipments

    If a Non-Document service shipment is lost or damaged, the sender 
may file a claim for the declared value of the shipment costs, subject 
to 215.54. All claims must be initiated within 30 days of the shipment 
date by contacting a Customer Service Representative at 
1-800-222-1811; this representative will provide more details on how to 
file a claim. The original receipt of the GXG Air Waybill/Shipping 
Invoice must be included when filing a claim. Consult the Global 
Express Guaranteed Service Guide for limitations and restrictions on 
indemnity payments for GXG items. The GXG Customer Service Office will 
adjudicate claims for GXG at 1-800-222-1811. Final approval and payment 
will be made by the Postal Service.

215.54  Extent of Postal Service Liability for Lost or Damaged 
Contents

215.541  Document Service Shipments

    Liability for a lost or damaged Document service shipment is 
limited to the lowest of the following:

a. $100 or the amount of additional optional insurance purchased.
b. The actual amount of the loss or damage.
c. The actual value of the contents.

    ``Actual value'' means the lowest cost of replacing, 
reconstructing, or reconstituting the Allowable Contents of the 
shipment (determined at the time and place of acceptance).

215.542  Non-Document Service Shipments

    Liability for a lost or damaged Non-Document service shipment is 
limited to the lowest of the following:

a. $100 or the amount of additional optional insurance purchased.
b. The actual amount of the loss or damage.
c. The actual value of the contents.

    ``Actual value'' means the lowest cost of replacing, 
reconstructing, or reconstituting the Allowable Contents of the 
shipment (determined at the time and place of acceptance).

215.55  Insurance

215.551  Insurance for Document Service Shipments

    Document reconstruction insurance (this is the reasonable costs 
incurred in reconstructing duplicates of nonnegotiable documents 
mailed), up to $100 per shipment, is included at no additional charge. 
Additional document reconstruction insurance may be purchased for 
Document service shipments, as outlined in section 215.553, not to 
exceed the total cost of reconstruction, $2,499 or a lesser amount as 
limited by country, content, or value. Coverage, terms, and limitations 
are subject to change.

215.552  Insurance for Non-Document Service Shipments

    Non-Document insurance for loss, damage, or rifling, up to $100 per 
shipment, is included at no additional charge. Additional Non-Document 
insurance may be purchased for shipments, as outlined in section 
215.553, not to exceed the total declared shipment value, $2,499 or a 
lesser amount as limited by country, content or value. Coverage, terms, 
and limitations are subject to change.

215.553  Insurance Fees

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Insurance amount                           Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100.........................................................     No Fee
200..........................................................      $0.70
300..........................................................       1.40
400..........................................................       2.10
500..........................................................       2.80
For document reconstruction insurance or Non-Document
 insurance coverage above $500, add $0.70 per $100 or
 fraction thereof, up to a maximum of $2,499 per shipment....
2,499........................................................      16.80
------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILLING CODE 7710-12-U

[[Page 76161]]

215.6  Postage

215.61  Document Service Rates/Groups
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06DE00.008


[[Page 76162]]


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215.62  Non-Document Service Rates/Groups
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215.63  Payment of Postage

215.631  Methods of Payment

    Both GXG Document service shipments and Non-Document service 
shipments may be paid by postage stamps, postage validation imprinter 
(PVI) labels, or postage meter stamps.

215.632  Official Mail

Mailings Made by Federal Government Agencies

    GXG shipments that are originated by federal agencies and 
departments are subject to the same postage payment requirements, 
weight and size limits, customs requirements, and general conditions 
for mailing as GXG shipments that are originated by non-governmental 
entities.

USPS Mailings

    Both GXG Document Service shipments and Non-Document Service 
shipments mailed by Postal Service entities must bear the G-10 permit 
indicia that is prescribed for all USPS official mail. There is a 70-
pound weight limit for USPS-originated GXG shipments going to all 
authorized, destinating countries. See section 144.2.

215.7  Weight and Size Limits

215.71  General

    The weight, dimensional weight, and size limits set forth in this 
section are the same for both GXG Document service shipments and Non-
Document service shipments.

215.72  Weight Limits

    The maximum weight is 70 pounds.

215.73  Dimensional Weight

    The equation to determine dimensional weight is as follows:

(Length  x  Width  x  Height)/166 = Dimensional Weight

    When determining the dimensional weight, each individual 
measurement must be rounded down to the nearest whole inch.

215.74  Size Limits

215.741  Minimum Size

    Items must be large enough--approximately 9 inches in height and 12 
inches in length--so that a GXG Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice can be 
affixed on the face of the item.

215.742  Maximum Size

    Length and girth combined may not exceed 108 inches. Individual 
dimensions may not exceed the following:

a. Length: 46 inches.
b. Width: 35 inches.
c. Height: 46 inches.

215.8  Preparation Requirements

215.81  Preparation by the Sender

    a. Prepare the item as a flat or package using either the GXG 
envelope provided by the Postal Service or mailer-supplied packaging. 
Mailers using their own envelope or wrapping must also affix a GXG 
sticker (Item 107RGG3) to the front and back of the item.
    b. Complete the GXG Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice (Item 11FGG1) to 
show the complete address of the sender and addressee. Items cannot be 
addressed to a post office box or an APO or FPO address.
    c. GXG Document Service Shipment Preparation: Complete the 
``Shipment Details'' to show the contents in detail including 
description and estimated cost of reconstruction. A separate customs 
declaration is not used. Sign and date the mailer agreement.
    d. GXG Non-Document Service Shipment Preparation: Complete the 
``Shipment Details'' to show the contents in detail including 
description, valuation, and country of manufacture. Non-Document 
service shipments cannot have a value that exceeds US $2,499. A 
separate customs declaration is not used. Sign and date the mailer 
agreement.

215.82  Preparation by Acceptance Employee

    a. Check that the sender has properly completed the GXG Air 
Waybill/Shipping Invoice.
    b. Complete the postage transaction if the item is not prepaid.
    c. Complete the ``Origin'' information.
    d. Remove the customer's copy of the GXG Air Waybill/Shipping 
Invoice and give it to the customer. Process the GXG Air Waybill/
Shipping Invoice according to directions on the shipping document.

215.83  Customs Forms Not Required

    The GXG Air Waybill/Shipping Invoice contains space for the sender 
to declare the contents. A separate postal customs declaration is not 
used.
* * * * *
[The Individual Country Listing pages in the International Mail Manual 
will be revised to reflect the availability of GXG service and the 
applicable postage rates.]

Administrative Support Manual

2  AUDITS AND INVESTIGATIONS

* * * * *

27  Security

* * * * *

274  Mail Security

* * * * *

274.2  Opening, Searching, and Reading Mail Generally Prohibited

* * * * *

274.23  Definitions

274.231  Mail Sealed Against Inspection

    The following terms and definitions apply:
    a. For purposes of this part, the terms ``mail sealed against 
inspection'' and ``sealed mail'' mean mail on which appropriate postage 
is paid, and which, under postal laws and regulations, is included 
within a class of mail maintained by the Postal Service for the 
transmission of letters sealed against inspection.
    b. The terms include First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Express Mail 
(domestic and international), Mailgram messages, GXG Document service, 
and the international letter mail forming part of the LC class of 
Postal Union mail. See the definition of Postal Union mail in the 
International Mail Manual.
    c. The terms exclude incidental First-Class matter permitted to be 
enclosed in or attached to certain Periodicals, Standard (A) and 
Standard (B) mailings (see DMM E070) and international transit mail 
(see 274.8).
    d. When sealed mail is part of a mixed class mailing (see DMM 
E070), the sealed mail component of the combination item is treated as 
sealed mail only if it is contained in its own envelope or other form 
of sealed container.

274.232  Mail Not Sealed Against Inspection

    The following terms and definitions apply:
    a. For purposes of this part, the terms ``mail not sealed against 
inspection'' and ``unsealed mail'' mean mail on which appropriate 
postage for sealed mail is not paid, and which under postal laws or 
regulations is not included within a class of mail maintained by the 
Postal Service for the transmission of letters sealed against 
inspection.
    b. The terms include Periodicals, Standard Mail, incidental First-
Class attachments or enclosures mailed under DMM E070, and (as defined 
in the International Mail Manual) GXG Non-Document service, 
international parcel post mail, the AO class of Postal Union mail, and 
the international post cards and postal cards forming part of the LC 
class of Postal Union mail.

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    c. The terms do not include international transit mail (see 274.8).
* * * * *

Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 00-30776 Filed 11-30-00; 2:13 pm]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-U