Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 93477 

1The CPI–U published in November 2022 is 

available at https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ 

archives/cpi_11102022.htm at Table 1. 

2Base rate. 

3The CPI–U announced on November13, 2024, by 

the Bureau of Labor Statistics in its Consumer Price 

Index News Release—Consumer Price Index, is 

available at https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ 

archives/cpi_11142024.htm at Table 1. 

In addition to this notice of 

enforcement in the Federal Register, the 

COTP or a designated representative 

will inform the public through 

Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) and 

Marine Safety Information Broadcasts 

(MSIBs) at least 24 hours in advance of 

each enforcement. 

Dated: November 21, 2024. 

T.H. Bertheau, 

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the 

Port, Sector Corpus Christi. 

[FR Doc. 2024–27870 Filed 11–26–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 9110–04–P 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

Copyright Royalty Board 

37 CFR Part 385 

[Docket No. Docket No. 24–CRB–0010–PR– 

COLA (2025)] 

Cost of Living Adjustment to Royalty 

Rates and Terms for Making and 

Distributing Phonorecords 

AGENCY: Copyright Royalty Board, 

Library of Congress. 

ACTION: Final rule; cost of living 

adjustment. 

SUMMARY: The Copyright Royalty Judges 

announce a cost of living adjustment 

(COLA) in the royalty rates for the 

statutory license for making and 

distributing phonorecords of 

nondramatic musical works regarding 

physical phonorecords and Permanent 

Downloads. 

DATES: 

Effective date: November 27, 2024. 

Applicability date: These rates and 

terms are applicable during the period 

from January 1, 2025, through December 

31, 2025. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Anita Brown, Program Specialist, (202) 

707–7658, crb@loc.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 

115 of the Copyright Act, title 17 of the 

United States Code, creates a statutory 

license for making and distributing 

phonorecords of nondramatic musical 

works. On December 16, 2022, the 

Copyright Royalty Judges (Judges) 

adopted final regulations governing the 

rates and terms of copyright royalty 

payments under that license for the 

license period 2024–2027 for making 

and distributing phonorecords of 

nondramatic musical works. See 87 FR 

76942. 

Pursuant to those regulations, at least 

25 days before January 1 of each year, 

the Judges shall publish in the Federal 

Register notice of a cost of living 

adjustment (COLA) applicable to the 

royalty fees for making and distributing 

physical phonorecords and Permanent 

Downloads. See 37 CFR 385.11. 

The adjustment in the royalty fee 

shall be based on a calculation of the 

percentage increase in the Consumer 

Price Index for All Urban Consumers 

(CPI–U) published in November 2022 

(298.012) 1 (‘‘base rate’’) according to the 

following formulas: for the per-work 

rate, (1 + (Cy¥298.012 2)/298.012) × 

12¢, rounded to the nearest tenth of a 

cent; for the per-minute rate, (1 + 

(Cy¥298.012)/298.012) × 2.31¢, 

rounded to the nearest hundredth of a 

cent; where Cy is the CPI–U published 

by the Secretary of Labor before 

December 1 of the preceding year. 37 

CFR 385.11(a)(2). The CPI–U published 

by the Secretary of Labor from the most 

recent index published before December 

1, 2024, is 315.664.3 Applying the 

formulas in 37 CFR 385.11(a)(2) results 

in an increase in the rates for 2025. 

The adjusted rates for 2025 are 12.7 

cents for the per-work rate and 2.45 

cents for the per-minute rate. 

List of Subjects in 37 CFR Part 385 

Copyright, Phonorecords, Recordings. 

Final Regulations 

In consideration of the foregoing, the 

Judges amend part 385 of title 37 of the 

Code of Federal Regulations as follows: 

PART 385—RATES AND TERMS FOR 

USE OF NONDRAMATIC MUSICAL 

WORKS IN THE MAKING AND 

DISTRIBUTING OF PHYSICAL AND 

DIGITAL PHONORECORDS 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 385 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 17 U.S.C. 115, 801(b)(1), 

804(b)(4). 

■ 2. Section 385.11 is amended by 

revising paragraph (a)(1) to read as 

follows: 

§ 385.11 Royalty fees for the public 

performance of sound recordings and the 

making of ephemeral recordings. 

(a) * * * 

(1) 2025 rate. For the year 2025 for 

every physical phonorecord and 

Permanent Download the Licensee 

makes and distributes or authorizes to 

be made and distributed, the royalty rate 

payable for each work embodied in the 

phonorecord or Permanent Download 

shall be either 12.7 cents or 2.45 cents 

per minute of playing time or fraction 

thereof, whichever amount is larger. 

* * * * * 

Dated: November 22, 2024. 

David P. Shaw, 

Chief Copyright Royalty Judge. 

[FR Doc. 2024–27819 Filed 11–26–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 1410–72–P 

POSTAL SERVICE 

39 CFR Part 111 

Domestic Competitive Products 

Pricing and Mailing Standards 

Changes 

AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: The Postal Service is 

amending Mailing Standards of the 

United States Postal Service, Domestic 

Mail Manual (DMM®), to reflect changes 

to prices and mailing standards for 

competitive products. 

DATES: Effective January 19, 2025. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Steven Jarboe at (202) 268–7690, 

Catherine Knox (202) 268–5636, or 

Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268–7281. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final 

rule describes new prices and product 

features for competitive products, by 

class of mail, established by the 

Governors of the United States Postal 

Service®. New prices are available 

under Docket Number CP2025–1 on the 

Postal Regulatory Commission PRC 

website at http://www.prc.gov, and on 

the Postal Explorer® website at http://

pe.usps.com. 

The Postal Service will revise Mailing 

Standards of the United States Postal 

Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), 

to reflect changes to certain prices and 

mailing standards for the following 

competitive products: 

• Priority Mail Express®. 

• Priority Mail®. 

• USPS Ground Advantage®. 

• Parcel Select®. 

• Extra Services. 

• Return Services. 

• Mailer Services. 

• Recipient Services. 

• Other. 

Competitive product prices and 

changes are identified by product as 

follows: 

Priority Mail Express 

Prices 

Overall, Priority Mail Express prices 

will increase 3.2 percent. Priority Mail 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
93478 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 

Express will continue to offer zoned and 

Flat Rate, Retail and Commercial 

pricing. 

Retail prices will increase an average 

of 3.2 percent. The Flat Rate Envelope 

price will increase to $31.40, the Legal 

Flat Rate Envelope will increase to 

$31.65, and the Padded Flat Rate 

Envelope will increase to $32.25. 

Commercial prices will increase an 

average of 3.2 percent. 

Priority Mail 

Prices 

Overall, Priority Mail prices will 

increase 3.2 percent. Priority Mail will 

continue to offer zoned and Flat Rate, 

Retail and Commercial pricing. 

Retail prices will increase an average 

of 3.2 percent. The Flat Rate Envelope 

price will increase to $10.10, the Legal 

Flat Rate Envelope will increase to 

$10.40, and the Padded Flat Rate 

Envelope will increase to $10.85. The 

Small Flat Rate Box price will increase 

to $10.65, and the Medium Flat Rate 

Boxes will increase to $19.15. The Large 

Flat Rate Box will increase to $26.30 

and the APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate 

Box will increase to $25.05. 

Commercial prices will increase an 

average of 3.2 percent. 

USPS Ground Advantage 

Prices 

Overall, USPS Ground Advantage 

prices will increase 3.9 percent. 

USPS Ground Advantage—Retail 

prices will increase 4.9 percent. 

USPS Ground Advantage— 

Commercial prices will increase 3.2 

percent. 

Parcel Select 

Prices 

The prices for Parcel Select 

Destination Entry will increase an 

average of 9.2 percent. 

The prices for USPS Connect® Local 

will increase 5.4 percent. 

Extra Services 

Adult Signature Service 

Adult Signature Required and Adult 

Signature Restricted Delivery service 

prices are decreasing 10.2 and 10.4 

percent respectively. The price for 

Adult Signature Required will decrease 

to $8.40 and Adult Signature Restricted 

Delivery will decrease to $8.65. 

Return Services 

USPS Returns Service 

There are no structural changes to 

USPS Returns Service. 

Mailer Services 

Pickup on Demand Service 

The Pickup on Demand® service fee 

will remain the same. 

USPS Tracking Plus Service 

The USPS Tracking Plus® service 

prices will increase on average between 

11.1 and 152.5 percent. 

USPS Label Delivery Service 

The USPS Label Delivery ServiceTM

prices will increase 24.0 percent to 

$1.55. 

Recipient Services 

Post Office Box Service 

The competitive Post Office BoxTM

service prices will increase an average 

of 5.7 percent within the updated price 

ranges. 

Premium Forwarding Service 

Premium Forwarding Service® (PFS®) 

prices will increase between 2.5 and 6.1 

percent depending on the specific price 

element. The enrollment fee paid at the 

retail counter for PFS-Residential will 

increase to $26.85 and the PFSResidential, PFS-Commercial, and PFSLocal enrollment fee paid online will 

increase to $24.70 per application. The 

price of the weekly shipment charge for 

PFS-Residential and per container 

charge for PFS-Local will increase to 

$27.80. 

USPS Package Intercept 

The USPS Package Intercept® fee will 

increase 4.9 percent to $18.35. 

Other 

Address Enhancement Service 

Address Enhancement Service 

competitive product prices will increase 

between 8.4 and 9.1 percent. 

IMpb Noncompliance Fee Renamed 

To encompass all the compliance 

qualities included under the current 

IMpb Noncompliance Fee, the Postal 

Service is renaming the IMpb 

Noncompliance Fee the Package Quality 

Noncompliance Fee. 

Intelligent Mail Matrix Barcode 

The Postal Service is requiring 

mailers to add a supplemental GS1- 

DataMatrix (2D) Intelligent Mail matrix 

barcode (IMmb) to domestic shipping 

labels to improve package visibility. The 

placement of the IMmb will be in the 

address block to the left of the delivery 

address. Optionally, a mailer may place 

a second IMmb in the lower right corner 

of the shipping label. The Postal Service 

recommends using the second IMmb on 

all labels. The addition of the IMmb 

barcode will provide the Postal Service 

with a greater opportunity for the 

package to be scanned providing 

customers with better visibility of their 

packages. 

The Postal Service will also update 

Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, 

and Perishable, Matter, for consistency 

in barcode application. 

Live Animal and Perishable Handling 

Fee 

The Postal Service is implementing a 

Live Animal and Perishable Handling 

fee. This fee will be assessed on all live 

animals and perishables (e.g. fruit, 

meat), entered at retail and commercial 

Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and 

USPS Ground Advantage prices. The 

Live Animal and Perishable Handling 

fee is nonrefundable once the piece is 

entered in the network. 

The Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling fee is in addition to the 

current Live Animal Transportation fee 

provided in the Notice 123—Price List, 

when applicable. 

The Postal Service will also update 

Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, 

and Perishable, Matter, to provide 

detailed information on the fee 

requirement. 

Hazardous Materials Shipping Label 

Markings 

The Postal Service is revising the 

current requirement to include the 

hazardous materials icon (‘‘H’’) in lieu 

of the service icon on a shipping 

address label when mailing eligible 

hazardous materials. Items containing 

mailable hazardous materials addressed 

to an APO/FPO/DPO, the USPS 

territories and possessions, and the 

Freely Associated States, are excluded 

from the requirement to include the 

hazardous materials icon in lieu of the 

service icon on a shipping address label. 

Overweight and Oversize Item Fee 

The Postal Service is increasing the 

overweight and oversize item fee to 

$200.00, to continue to deter 

nonmailable volumes from being 

entered in the network. 

Resources 

The Postal Service provides 

additional resources to assist customers 

with this price change for competitive 

products. These tools include price lists, 

downloadable price files, and Federal 

Register Notices, which may be found 

on the Postal Explorer® website at 

http://pe.usps.com. 

The Postal Service adopts the 

described changes to Mailing Standards 

of the United States Postal Service, 

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 93479 

incorporated by reference in the Code of 

Federal Regulations. We will publish an 

appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 

111 to reflect these changes. 

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 

Administrative practice and 

procedure, Postal Service. 

Accordingly, the Postal Service 

amends Mailing Standards of the United 

States Postal Service, Domestic Mail 

Manual (DMM), incorporated by 

reference in the Code of Federal 

Regulations as follows (see 39 CFR part 

111.1): 

PART 111—GENERAL INFORMATION 

ON POSTAL SERVICE 

■ 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR 

part 111 continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301– 

307; 18 U.S.C. 1692–1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 

401–404, 414, 416, 3001–3018, 3201–3220, 

3401–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3629, 3631– 

3633, 3641, 3681–3685, and 5001. 

■ 2. Revise Mailing Standards of the 

United States Postal Service, Domestic 

Mail Manual (DMM) as follows: 

Mailing Standards of the United States 

Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual 

(DMM) 

* * * * * 

100 Retail Mail Letters, Cards, Flats, 

and Parcels 

* * * * * 

110 Retail Mail Priority Mail Express 

113 Prices and Eligibility 

1.0 Prices and Fees 

* * * * * 

[Add new 1.7 to read as follows:] 

1.7 Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling Fee 

Priority Mail Express pieces 

containing live animals or perishables 

(e.g. fruit, meat) are subject to the 

nonrefundable Live Animal and 

Perishable Handling fee (see Notice 

123—Price List). This fee is in addition 

to the Live Animal Transportation fee 

provided in the Notice 123—Price List, 

when applicable. For additional 

information on the Live Animal and 

Perishable Handling fee see Publication 

52, Hazardous, Restricted, and 

Perishable, Mail, (526). 

* * * * * 

115 Mail Preparation 

* * * * * 

2.0 Priority Mail Express 1-Day and 2- 

Day 

2.1 Mailing Label 

Priority Mail Express 1-Day and 2-Day 

items must be labeled as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the second sentence in item c 

to read as follows:] 

c. * * * The Intelligent Mail package 

barcode (IMpb) and the Intelligent Mail 

matrix barcode (IMmb) on the shipping 

label must have the appropriate servicetype code and banner text above the 

IMpb barcode used for cremated 

remains. * * * 

* * * * * 

120 Retail Mail Priority Mail 

123 Prices and Eligibility 

1.0 Prices and Fees 

* * * * * 

[Add new 1.7 to read as follows:] 

1.7 Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling Fee 

Priority Mail pieces containing live 

animals or perishables (e.g. fruit, meat) 

are subject to the nonrefundable Live 

Animal and Perishable Handling fee 

(see Notice 123—Price List). This fee is 

in addition to the Live Animal 

Transportation fee provided in the 

Notice 123—Price List, when 

applicable. For additional information 

on the Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling fee see Publication 52, 

Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable, 

Mail, (526). 

* * * * * 

130 Retail Mail First-Class Mail and 

USPS Ground Advantage—Retail 

133 Prices and Eligibility 

1.0 Prices and Fees 

* * * * * 

[Add new 1.9 to read as follows:] 

1.9 Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling Fee 

USPS Ground advantage—Retail 

pieces containing live animals or 

perishables (e.g., fruit, meat) are subject 

to the nonrefundable Live Animal and 

Perishable Handling fee (see Notice 

123—Price List). This fee is in addition 

to the Live Animal Transportation fee 

provided in the Notice 123—Price List, 

when applicable. For additional 

information on the Live Animal and 

Perishable Handling fee see Publication 

52, Hazardous, Restricted, and 

Perishable, Mail, (526). 

* * * * * 

200 Commercial Letters, Cards, Flats, 

and Parcels 

* * * * * 

202 Elements on the Face of a 

Mailpiece 

* * * * * 

3.0 Placement and Content of Mail 

Markings 

* * * * * 

3.9 Shipping Address Label Markings 

3.9.1 General 

[Revise the last sentence of 3.9.1 to 

read as follows:] 

* * * Failure to comply may subject 

the piece to the Package Quality 

Noncompliance Fee. 

3.9.2 Hazardous Materials 

[Revise the text of 3.9.2 to read as 

follows:] 

When a shipping address label is used 

on items containing mailable hazardous 

materials, except for items addressed to 

an APO/FPO/DPO, the USPS territories 

and possessions, and the Freely 

Associated States, it must include the 

hazardous materials icon in lieu of the 

service icon as provided in the Parcel 

Labeling Guide. 

* * * * * 

6.0 Barcode Placement for Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Delete 6.2 and 6.3 and add new 6.2 

to read as follows:] 

6.2 Intelligent Mail Matrix Barcode 

Location 

In addition to the placement of the 

IMpb and GS1–128 Routing Barcodes 

locations provided in 6.1, the Intelligent 

Mail matrix barcode (IMmb) must be 

placed in the address block to the left 

of the delivery address. Optionally, a 

mailer may place a second IMmb in the 

lower right corner of the shipping label. 

* * * * * 

204 Barcode Standards 

* * * * * 

2.0 Standards for Package and Extra 

Service Barcodes 

[Revise 2.1 to read as follows:] 

2.1 Barcodes 

2.1.1 Definition 

The definition of an Intelligent Mail 

package barcode (IMpb) and an 

Intelligent Mail matrix barcode (IMmb) 

are as follows: 

a. IMpb—An IMpb is the USPSdeveloped barcode that can be read by 

automated parcel processing equipment 

and scanning devices and consists of a 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
93480 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 

data string that generally follows the 

GS1–128 specification. These barcodes 

include a variable length format that is 

determined by the elements selected by 

the mailer, and supplies tracking and 

routing data for packages and extra 

service applications. Intelligent Mail 

package barcodes must be used on all 

commercial packages, and on other 

mailpieces of customers requesting extra 

services. 

b. IMmb—An IMmb is supplemental 

GS1-DataMatrix (2D) barcode to 

improve package visibility. The IMmb 

contains the same data as the IMpb 

barcode using a space-efficient barcode 

symbology. 

2.1.2 Specification Resources 

Detailed Specifications on an IMpb 

and IMmb can be found on PostalPro at 

https://postalpro.usps.com as follows: 

a. Publication 199, Intelligent Mail 

Package Barcode (IMpb) 

Implementation Guide for Confirmation 

Services and Electronic Payment 

Systems. 

b. Parcel Labeling Guide. 

c. Intelligent Mail Package Barcode 

Technical Specifications. 

d. Intelligent Mail Matrix Barcode 

Technical Specifications. 

2.1.3 Barcode Location 

See 202.6.1 for barcode location 

standards. 

2.1.4 Quality Assurance 

Mailers must perform routine 

inspections and testing of labels and 

barcodes to ensure quality. 

2.1.5 Electronic File 

All mailers generating an IMpb and 

IMmb must transmit piece-level 

information to the USPS in an approved 

electronic file format (except for mailers 

generating barcodes for use on return 

services products, such as uninsured 

USPS Returns service packages). 

2.1.6 Compliance Quality Thresholds 

All mailers who enter commercial 

parcels must meet the established 

thresholds for Compliance Quality 

outlined in Exhibit 2.1.6 to avoid 

payment of the Package Quality 

Noncompliance Fee. Failure to meet any 

compliance quality threshold in Exhibit 

2.1.6 will result in the assessment of the 

Package Quality Noncompliance Fee. 

Exhibit 2.1.6 Compliance Quality 

Thresholds 

Note: See Publication 199 for a list of 

validations for each Compliance Category 

(AQ, MQ, BQ). 

Compliance categories Compliance 

codes 

Compliance 

thresholds 

Address Quality: Checks for a timely address that validates to a unique 11-Digit DPV or passes the critical validation criteria in Pub 199.AQ 90 

Manifest Quality (Shipping Services file): Checks for a timely manifest file that passes the critical validation criteria in Pub 199.MQ 94 

Barcode Quality: Checks the barcode in the manifest that passes the critical validation criteria in Pub 199 ........... BQ 98 

2.1.7 Alternate Approval 

Labels not meeting IMpb 

specifications or other label element 

standards, but still able to demonstrate 

acceptable functionality within USPS 

processes, may be allowed using an 

alternative approval process authorized 

by the vice president, Applied 

Engineering, (See 608.8.1 for contact 

information.). 

* * * * * 

210 Commercial Mail Priority Mail 

Express 

213 Prices and Eligibility 

1.0 Prices and Fees 

* * * * * 

1.7 Unmanifested Fee 

[Revise the text of 1.7 to read as 

follows:] 

Eligible Priority Mail Express pieces 

omitted from the manifest are subject to 

the unmanifested fee (see Notice 123— 

Price List), unless the piece is subject to 

the Package Quality Noncompliance Fee 

as specified in 3.2. 

* * * * * 

[Add new 1.10 to read as follows:] 

1.10 Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling Fee 

Priority Mail Express pieces 

containing live animals or perishables 

(e.g. fruit, meat) are subject to the 

nonrefundable Live Animal and 

Perishable Handling fee (see Notice 

123—Price List). This fee is in addition 

to the Live Animal Transportation fee 

provided in the Notice 123—Price List, 

when applicable. For additional 

information on the Live Animal and 

Perishable Handling fee see Publication 

52, Hazardous, Restricted, and 

Perishable, Mail, (526). 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for 

Priority Mail Express 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 3.2 to read as 

follows:] 

3.2 Barcode Standards 

[Move the text from 3.2 under new 

heading 3.2.1 to read as follows:] 

3.2.1 IMpb Standards 

[Revise the renumbered text of 3.2.1 

by deleting the second and last 

sentence.] 

All Priority Mail Express pieces 

(outbound and returns) must bear an 

Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) 

prepared under 204.2.0. 

[Add new 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 to read as 

follows:] 

3.2.2 IMmb Standards 

In addition to the IMpb under 3.2.1, 

all Priority Mail Express pieces 

(outbound and returns) must bear an 

Intelligent Mail matrix barcode (IMmb) 

prepared under 204.2.0. 

3.2.3 Package Quality Noncompliance 

Fee 

Unless otherwise excepted, mailers of 

mailpieces not meeting the 

requirements for use of a unique IMpb, 

and IMmb as outlined in section 

204.2.1.8 and Publication 199, 

Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) 

Implementation Guide for: Confirmation 

Services and Electronic Payment 

Systems, will be assessed the Package 

Quality Noncompliance Fee (see Notice 

123-Price List). For details see PostalPro 

at https://postalpro.usps.com. 

* * * * * 

215 Mail Preparation 

* * * * * 

2.0 Priority Mail Express 1-Day and 2- 

Day 

2.1 Mailing Label 

Priority Mail Express 1-Day and 2-Day 

items must be labeled as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the second sentence in item c 

to read as follows:] 

c. * * * The Intelligent Mail package 

barcode (IMpb) and the Intelligent Mail 

matrix barcode (IMmb) on the shipping 

label must have the appropriate serviceVerDate Sep<11>2014 14:19 Nov 26, 2024 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\27NOR1.SGM 27NOR1

ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 93481 

type code and banner text above the 

IMpb barcode used for cremated 

remains. * * * 

* * * * * 

220 Commercial Mail Priority Mail 

223 Prices and Eligibility 

1.0 Prices and Fees 

* * * * * 

1.9 Unmanifested Fee 

[Revise the text of 1.9 to read as 

follows:] 

Eligible Priority Mail pieces omitted 

from the manifest are subject to the 

unmanifested piece fee (see Notice 

123—Price List), unless the piece is 

subject to the Package Quality 

Noncompliance Fee as specified in 3.2. 

* * * * * 

[Add new 1.12 to read as follows:] 

1.12 Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling Fee 

Priority Mail pieces containing live 

animals or perishables (e.g., fruit, meat) 

are subject to the nonrefundable Live 

Animal and Perishable Handling fee 

(see Notice 123—Price List). This fee is 

in addition to the Live Animal 

Transportation fee provided in the 

Notice 123—Price List, when 

applicable. For additional information 

on the Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling fee see Publication 52, 

Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable, 

Mail, (526). 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for 

Priority Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 3.2 to read as 

follows:] 

3.2 Barcode Standards 

[Move the text from 3.2 under new 

heading 3.2.1 to read as follows:] 

3.2.1 IMpb Standards 

[Revise the renumbered text of 3.2.1 

by deleting the second and last 

sentence.] 

Unless the mailer is authorized to use 

a unique IMb on Priority Mail letters 

and flats prepared in high-speed 

environments, all Priority Mail pieces 

(outbound and returns) must bear an 

Intelligent Mail package barcode 

prepared under 204.2.0. To obtain 

information on how to acquire an 

authorization to use an IMb on Priority 

Mail letters and flats, mailers can 

contact USPS Shipping Information 

Systems at IMPB@usps.gov. 

[Add new 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 to read as 

follows:] 

3.2.2 IMmb Standards 

In addition to the IMpb under 3.2.1, 

all Priority Mail pieces (outbound and 

returns) must bear an Intelligent Mail 

matrix barcode (IMmb) prepared under 

204.2.0. 

3.2.3 Package Quality Noncompliance 

Fee 

Unless otherwise excepted, mailers of 

mailpieces not meeting the 

requirements for use of a unique IMpb 

and IMmb, as outlined in section 

204.2.1.8 and Publication 199, 

Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) 

Implementation Guide for: Confirmation 

Services and Electronic Payment 

Systems, will be assessed the Package 

Quality Noncompliance Fee (see Notice 

123—Price List). For details see 

PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. 

* * * * * 

240 Commercial Mail USPS 

Marketing Mail 

243 Prices and Eligibility 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for 

USPS Marketing Mail 

* * * * * 

3.4 IMpb Standards 

All USPS Marketing Mail parcels 

must bear an Intelligent Mail package 

barcode (IMpb) and an Intelligent Mail 

matrix barcode (IMmb) as outlined in 

section 204.2.0 and Publication 199, 

Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) 

Implementation Guide for: Confirmation 

Services and Electronic Payment 

Systems. For details see PostalPro at 

https://postalpro.usps.com. 

* * * * * 

250 Commercial Mail Parcel Select 

253 Prices and Eligibility 

1.0 Prices and Fees 

* * * * * 

1.4 Unmanifested Fee 

[Revise the text of 1.4 to read as 

follows:] 

Eligible Parcel Select pieces omitted 

from the manifest are subject to the 

unmanifested fee (see Notice 123—Price 

List), unless the piece is subject to the 

Package Quality Noncompliance Fee 

specified in 3.3. 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for 

Parcel Select Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 3.3 to read as 

follows:] 

3.3 Barcode Standards 

[Move the text from 3.3 under new 

heading 3.3.1 to read as follows:] 

3.3.1 IMpb Standards 

[Revise the renumbered text of 3.3.1 

by deleting the second and last 

sentence.] 

All Parcel Select mailpieces must bear 

an Intelligent Mail package barcode 

(IMpb) prepared under 204.2.0. 

[Add new 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 to read as 

follows:] 

3.3.2 IMmb Standards 

In addition to the IMpb under 3.3.1, 

all Parcel Select pieces (outbound and 

returns) must bear an Intelligent Mail 

matrix barcode (IMmb) prepared under 

204.2.0. 

3.3.3 Package Quality Noncompliance 

Fee 

Unless otherwise excepted, mailers of 

mailpieces not meeting the 

requirements for use of a unique IMpb 

and IMmb, as outlined in section 

204.2.1.8 and Publication 199, 

Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) 

Implementation Guide for: Confirmation 

Services and Electronic Payment 

Systems, will be assessed the Package 

Quality Noncompliance Fee (see Notice 

123-Price List). For details see PostalPro 

at https://postalpro.usps.com. 

* * * * * 

260 Commercial Mail Bound Printed 

Matter 

263 Prices and Eligibility 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for 

Bound Printed Matter 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading and text of 3.5 to 

read as follows:] 

3.5 Barcode Standards 

Presorted priced BPM parcels must 

bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode 

(IMpb) and an Intelligent Mail matrix 

barcode (IMmb) as outlined in section 

204.2.0 and Publication 199, Intelligent 

Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) 

Implementation Guide for: Confirmation 

Services and Electronic Payment 

Systems. For details see PostalPro at 

https://postalpro.usps.com. 

* * * * * 

270 Commercial Mail Media Mail and 

Library Mail 

273 Prices and Eligibility 

* * * * * 


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93482 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 

5.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for 

Media Mail and Library Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading and text of 5.5 to 

read as follows:] 

5.5 Barcode Standards 

All Media Mail and Library Mail 

parcels must bear an Intelligent Mail 

package barcode (IMpb) and an 

Intelligent Mail matrix barcode (IMmb) 

as outlined in section 204.2.0 and 

Publication 199, Intelligent Mail 

Package Barcode (IMpb) 

Implementation Guide for: Confirmation 

Services and Electronic Payment 

Systems. For details see PostalPro at 

https://postalpro.usps.com. 

* * * * * 

280 Commercial Mail USPS Ground 

Advantage—Commercial 

283 Prices and Eligibility 

1.0 Prices and Fees 

* * * * * 

1.6 Unmanifested Fee 

[Revise the text of 1.6 to read as 

follows:] 

Eligible USPS Ground Advantage— 

Commercial pieces omitted from the 

manifest are subject to the unmanifested 

fee (see Notice 123–Price List), unless 

the piece is subject to the Package 

Quality Noncompliance Fee as specified 

in 3.4. 

* * * * * 

[Add new 1.9 to read as follows:] 

1.9 Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling Fee 

USPS Ground advantage— 

Commercial pieces containing live 

animals or perishables (e.g., fruit, meat) 

are subject to the nonrefundable Live 

Animal and Perishable Handling fee 

(see Notice 123—Price List). This fee is 

in addition to the Live Animal 

Transportation fee provided in the 

Notice 123—Price List, when 

applicable. For additional information 

on the Live Animal and Perishable 

Handling fee see Publication 52, 

Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable, 

Mail, (526). 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for 

USPS Ground Advantage—Commercial 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 3.4 to read as 

follows:] 

3.4 Barcode Standards 

[Move the text from 3.4 under new 

heading 3.4.1 to read as follows:] 

3.4.1 IMpb Standards 

[Revise the renumbered text of 3.4.1 

by deleting the second and last 

sentence.] 

All USPS Ground Advantage— 

Commercial parcels (outbound and 

returns) must bear an Intelligent Mail 

package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 

204.2.0. 

[Add new 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 to read as 

follows:] 

3.4.2 IMmb Standards 

In addition to the IMpb under 3.4.1, 

all USPS Ground Advantage pieces 

(outbound and returns) must bear an 

Intelligent Mail matrix barcode (IMmb) 

prepared under 204.2.0. 

3.4.3 Package Quality Noncompliance 

Fee 

Unless otherwise excepted, mailers of 

mailpieces not meeting the 

requirements for use of unique 

Intelligent Mail package barcodes or 

extra services barcodes, as outlined in 

section 204.2.1.8 and Publication 199, 

Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) 

Implementation Guide for: Confirmation 

Services and Electronic Payment 

Systems, will be assessed the Package 

Quality Noncompliance Fee (see Notice 

123—Price List). For details see 

PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. 

* * * * * 

500 Additional Mailing Services 

503 Extra Services 

1.0 Basic Standards for All Extra 

Services 

* * * * * 

1.7 Forms and Labels 

* * * * * 

1.7.2 Privately Printed Forms or 

Labels 

[Revise the first and fourth sentence 

of 1.7.2 to read as follows:] 

Except for Certificate of Mailing 

service using privately printed forms 

(i.e., facsimiles) as provided under 5.0, 

if authorized, a mailer may use privately 

printed extra service forms and labels 

for domestic mail only, if the forms and 

labels are nearly identical in design 

elements and color to the USPS form, 

with an Intelligent Mail package 

barcode (IMpb) and human-readable 

numbers that meet USPS specifications, 

and an Intelligent Mail matrix barcode 

(IMmb), in 204.2.0.* * * * * * Mailers 

generating shipping labels bearing an 

IMpb and IMmb must also affix the 

appropriate colored non-barcoded colorcoded label for Registered Mail (under 

2.1.2) or Certified Mail (under 

3.2.1).* * * 

[Revise the heading and text of 1.7.3 

to read as follows:] 

1.7.3 Barcodes 

Items for which extra services are 

added must bear a correct Intelligent 

Mail package barcode (IMpb) and 

Intelligent Mail matrix barcode (IMmb). 

* * * * * 

1.7.5 Legacy Extra-Service Forms 

[Revise the last sentence in the 

introductory text of 1.7.5 to read as 

follows:] 

* * * Mailers using noncompliant 

versions of the following extra-service 

forms will be subject to the Package 

Quality Noncompliance Fee (see Notice 

123—Price List): 

* * * * * 

2.0 Registered Mail 

2.1 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

2.1.2 Label 200 

[Revise the first sentence of 2.1.2 to 

read as follows:] 

Registered Mail must bear the 

barcoded red Label 200 (see forms at 

https://pe.usps.com/), or a nonbarcoded red Label 200–N when a 

mailer-generated shipping label bearing 

an IMpb and IMmb under 204.2.0 is also 

affixed on the same mailpiece.* * * 

* * * * * 

3.0 Certified Mail Services 

* * * * * 

3.2 Mailing 

3.2.1 PS Form 3800 

[Revise the first sentence in the 

introductory text of 3.2.1 to read as 

follows:] 

Certified Mail must bear the barcoded 

green label part of the Form 3800 (see 

forms at https://pe.usps.com/), or a nonbarcoded green Label 3800–N when a 

mailer-generated shipping label bearing 

an IMpb and IMmb, under 204.2.0, is 

also affixed on the same 

mailpiece.* * * 

* * * * * 

4.0 Insured Mail 

* * * * * 

4.2 Insurance Coverage—Priority 

Mail, USPS Ground Advantage—Retail, 

and USPS Ground Advantage— 

Commercial 

Priority Mail pieces (including 

Priority Mail Return service), USPS 

Ground Advantage—Retail, and USPS 

Ground Advantage—Commercial pieces 

(including USPS Ground Advantage 

Return service) are insured against loss, 


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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 93483 

damage, or missing contents, for no 

more than $100.00 in coverage, subject 

to the following: 

[Revise the text of item a to read as 

follows:] 

a. Insurance coverage is provided 

against loss, damage, or missing 

contents and is limited to a maximum 

liability of $100.00 when the pieces bear 

an Intelligent Mail package barcode 

(IMpb) and an Intelligent Mail matrix 

barcode (IMmb) or USPS retail tracking 

barcode (see 4.3.4) and the mailer pays 

retail or commercial prices. 

* * * * * 

4.3 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

4.3.4 Markings and Forms 

The treatment of pieces is determined 

by the insurance amount as described in 

4.3.1c and under the following 

conditions: 

[Revise the text of item a to read as 

follows:] 

a. Retail Systems Software (RSS) 

sites—A label and a receipt will be 

provided at the retail counter. The label 

printed at the retail counter will include 

postage and an Intelligent Mail package 

barcode (IMpb) and an Intelligent Mail 

matrix barcode (IMmb) that contains the 

appropriate service type code for the 

product and extra service purchased. 

* * * * * 

7.0 USPS Tracking 

* * * * * 

7.2 Labels 

7.2.1 Types of Labels 

* * * Mailers not printing their own 

privately printed labels must use one of 

the label options as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the second sentence of item b 

to read as follows:] 

b. * * * The labels are populated 

with the product service type code and 

customer’s Mailer Identification (MID) 

number in the Intelligent Mail package 

barcode (IMpb) and Intelligent Mail 

matrix barcode (IMmb). 

* * * * * 

8.0 USPS Signature Services 

8.1 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

8.1.2 Standards for Signature 

Confirmation 

For Signature Confirmation with 

Media Mail, Library Mail, Bound 

Printed Matter, or Parcel Select pieces 

meeting the physical standards under 

201.7.0, the parcel must meet these 

additional requirements: 

* * * * * 

d. Mailers must use one of the 

following labels: 

[Revise the second sentence of item 

d1 to read as follows:] 

1. Retail Systems Software (RSS) 

sites—* * * The label printed at the 

retail counter will include postage and 

an Intelligent Mail package barcode 

(IMpb) and an Intelligent Mail matrix 

barcode (IMmb) that contains the 

appropriate service type code for the 

product and extra service purchased. 

* * * * * 

505 Return Services 

* * * * * 

3.0 USPS Returns Service 

3.1 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

3.1.3 Postage and Prices 

Postage and prices are subject to the 

following: 

[Revise the third and last sentence of 

item a to read as follows:] 

a. * * * USPS Returns service 

packages are charged postage and fees 

based on the STC embedded in the 

IMpb and IMmb and as provided under 

3.1.3c. If all or part of the barcodes are 

unreadable, or the package is unable to 

be priced based on the data collected, 

postage will be determined by the Postal 

Service based on historical data, or 

default data determined at time of 

enrollment. 

* * * * * 

c. The account holder or mailer may 

obtain extra and additional services as 

follows: 

[Revise the third sentence of item c1 

to read as follows:] 

1. * * * Additional insurance for 

Priority Mail Return service and USPS 

Ground Advantage Return service is 

available to the account holder for a fee 

on packages that have the applicable 

STC embedded into the IMpb and IMmb 

on the label, and for which the account 

holder has provided electronic data that 

supports the value of the merchandise 

(see 503.4.1a).* * * 

* * * * * 

3.1.4 Labels 

Distribution and preparation of labels 

are subject to the following: 

* * * * * 

b. Label Preparation. The following 

provisions apply: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the text of item b2 to read as 

follows:] 

2. The label must include an IMpb 

and IMmb (see 204.2.0), accommodate 

all required information, be legible, and 

be prepared in accordance with the 

standards in Publication 199, Intelligent 

Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) 

Implementation Guide for Confirmation 

Services and Electronic Payment 

Systems, available on the PostalPro 

website at https://postalpro.usps.com. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the text of item b4 to read as 

follows:] 

4. Except for USPS Returns service 

labels generated by the USPS API or 

MRA, all returns labels must have a 

properly constructed IMpb (C01, C05, 

N02, or N05, as applicable) and IMmb 

approved by the NCSC. 

* * * * * 

3.1.5 Noncompliant Labels 

[Revise the last sentence of 3.1.5 to 

read as follows:] 

* * * When noncompliant labels, 

including discontinued labels, are 

affixed to USPS Returns service 

packages, the permit holder may be 

assessed the Package Quality 

Noncompliance Fee (see Notice 123— 

Price List), or the appropriate USPS 

Returns class of mail retail price (i.e., 

permit holders of Priority Mail Express 

Returns service packages will be 

assessed the retail Priority Mail Express 

price) calculated from the package’s 

initial entry point (first physical scan) in 

the USPS network to its delivery 

address. 

3.1.6 Enter and Deposit 

The following standards apply: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the last sentence of item b to 

read as follows:] 

b * * * Any such packages deposited 

in collection boxes may be returned to 

the sender for the extra service to be 

purchased appropriately, or it will be 

processed and the sender charged 

postage and fees based on the STC 

embedded in the IMpb and IMmb on the 

label and as provided under 3.1.4c. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Bulk Parcel Return Service 

* * * * * 

5.4 Optional BPRS Label 

[Revise the last sentence of 5.4 to read 

as follows:] 

* * * The label is prepared at the 

mailer’s expense and must meet all 

format standards in the Parcel Labeling 

Guide available on PostalPro at https:// 

postalpro.usps.com, including an IMpb 


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93484 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 

and IMmb meeting the standards in 

204.2.0. 

* * * * * 

507 Mailer Services 

* * * * * 

5.0 Package Intercept 

* * * * * 

5.3 Adding Extra Services 

[Revise the third sentence in the 

introductory text of 5.3 to read as 

follows:] 

* * * The relabeled item will be 

assigned a new barcode applicable to 

the extra service purchased.* * * 

* * * * * 

600 Basic Standards for All Mailing 

Services 

601 Mailability 

1.0 General Standards 

* * * * * 

1.2 Overweight Items or Oversize 

Items 

* * * * * 

1.2.3 Fee 

[Revise the text of 1.2.3 to read as 

follows:] 

Except for an overweight or oversize 

item discovered and picked up at the 

same facility where it was entered, the 

overweight/oversize item fee of $200 

will be assessed and must be paid before 

release of the item. The $200 overweight 

or oversize item fee may be paid by any 

authorized retail payment method or 

through PostalOne!. 

* * * * * 

604 Postage Payment Methods and 

Refunds 

* * * * * 

9.0 Exchanges and Refunds 

* * * * * 

9.2 Postage and Fee Refunds 

* * * * * 

9.2.4 Postage and Fee Refunds Not 

Available 

Refunds are not made for the 

following: 

* * * * * 

[Revise 9.2.4 by adding an item j to 

read as follows:] 

j. For the Package Intercept per-piece 

fee once the USPS successfully 

intercepts the mailpiece (507.5.2) or the 

Live Animal and Perishable Handling 

fee once the piece is entered in the 

network. 

* * * * * 

609 Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss 

or Damage 

1.0 General Filing Instructions 

* * * * * 

1.2.2 Eligibilty 

Eligibility for mailers to submit claims 

using the Bulk Indemnity Claims feature 

is based on the following: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the text of item b to read as 

follows:] 

b. IMpb and IMmb compliance 

history. 

* * * * * 

1.3 Who May File 

A claim may be filed by: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the text of item c to read as 

follows:] 

c. Only the account holder, for USPS 

Returns packages that are insured as 

identified by the account holder’s 

mailer identification (MID) and the 

applicable STC for insurance imbedded 

into the IMpb and IMmb on the label, 

and for which the account holder has 

provided electronic data that supports 

the value of the merchandise being 

returned (see 503.4.3.1a). 

* * * * * 

700 Special Standards 

* * * * * 

705 Advanced Preparation and 

Special Postage Payment Systems 

* * * * * 

18.0 Priority Mail Express Open and 

Distribute and Priority Mail Open and 

Distribute 

* * * * * 

18.5 Preparation 

* * * * * 

18.5.7 Address Label Service Barcode 

Requirement 

[Revise first and third through fifth 

sentences in the introductory text of 

18.5.7 to read as follows:] 

An electronic service barcode must 

include an Intelligent Mail package 

barcode (IMpb) and Intelligent Mail 

matrix barcode (IMmb) (eVS approved 

mailers) symbology for Priority Mail 

Express Open and Distribute, and the 

IMpb and IMmb symbology for Priority 

Mail Open and Distribute in the address 

label.* * * * * * Priority Mail Express 

Open and Distribute IMpb and IMmb 

labels must include service type code 

‘‘723.’’ For Priority Mail Open and 

Distribute, the IMpb and IMmb must 

include service type code ‘‘123.’’ The 

human-readable text ‘‘USPS SCAN ON 

ARRIVAL’’ must appear above the IMpb 

barcode.* * * 

* * * * * 

[Add an IMmb in the address block to 

the left of the delivery address to the 

label graphics in Exhibits 18.5.8 through 

18.5.12.] 

* * * * * 

Index 

* * * * * 

I 

* * * * * 

Intelligent Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise the ‘‘Intelligent Mail’’ entry by 

alphabetically adding the following:] 

matrix barcode, 204.2.0 

* * * * * 

Notice 123 (Price List) 

[Revise competitive prices as 

applicable.] 

* * * * * 

Colleen Hibbert-Kapler, 

Attorney, Ethics and Legal Compliance. 

[FR Doc. 2024–27463 Filed 11–26–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 7710–12–P 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND 

HUMAN SERVICES 

42 CFR Part 121 

RIN 0937–AA13 

Organ Procurement and 

Transplantation: Implementation of the 

HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act 

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant 

Secretary for Health (OASH) and Health 

Resources and Services Administration 

(HRSA), Department of Health and 

Human Services (HHS). 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: The Department of Health and 

Human Services (HHS) amends the 

regulations implementing the National 

Organ Transplant Act of 1984, as 

amended (NOTA), to remove clinical 

research and institutional review board 

(IRB) requirements (‘‘research and IRB 

requirements’’) for transplantation of 

kidneys and livers from donors with 

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 

to recipients with HIV. As allowed by 

the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) 

Act, the Secretary of HHS determines 

that participation in such clinical 

research should no longer be a 

requirement for transplantation of 

kidneys and livers from donors with 

HIV to recipients with HIV. This final 

rule serves as publication of the 


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