USPS Marketing Mail Eligibility

USPS Marketing Mail consists of mailable matter that is neither mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail nor entered as Periodicals (unless permitted or required by standard) and that weighs less than 16 ounces.

As advances in technology have enabled mailers to increase the amount of "personal information" in computer-generated mailings, including advertising material typically entered as USPS Marketing Mail, the Postal Service has determined the need for guidance concerning the inclusion of "personal information" in USPS Marketing Mail (regular or nonprofit rates).

The following "decision tree" along with Customer Support Rulings will assist you in determining if your mailpiece is eligible at the USPS Marketing Mail rates of postage.

These eligibility standards for USPS Marketing Mail are effective June 1, 2005. On October 27, 2004, the USPS published the Federal Register Final Rule for Eligibility Requirements for USPS Marketing Mail.

InformationCustomer Support Ruling. Click on icon to see more information.

USPS Marketing Mail Eligibility Decision Tree (PDF)

Mailpiece Flow Chart with links to CSR.

Description of Mailpiece Flow Chart with links to CSR

This screen consists of a flow diagram to determine USPS marketing mail eligibility. It consists of a total 7 boxes to define the process. The process starts with the user examining the mailpiece and addressing each question with a yes or no response to move through the diagram.

Is the mailpiece typewritten or handwritten? If yes (PS-091), then it is assumed that it is First Class Mail.

Is it typewritten or handwritten? If no, move to the next process box. Is it a bill or statement of account? If yes (PS-031), then it is assumed that it is First Class Mail.

Is it a bill or statement of account? If no, move to the next process box. Does it contain personal information? If no (PS-026, PS-159, PS-317, PS-320, PS-323), then it is Marketing Mail.

Does it contain personal information? If yes (PS-238, PS-262, PS-275, PS-318, PS-319 , PS-321, PS-322, PS-323, PS-324), then move to the next process box. Are there at least 200 pieces that contain the same personal information in the overall mailing? If yes, then it is Marketing Mail.

Are there at least 200 pieces that contain the same personal information in the overall mailing? If no (PS-332), move to the next process box. Is there explicit advertising for a product or service for sale or lease, or an explicit solicitation for a donation? If no (PS-319), then it is assumed that it is First Class Mail.

Is there explicit advertising for a product or service for sale or lease, or an explicit solicitation for a donation? If yes (PS-238 , PS-262, PS-275, PS-318, PS-321 , PS-322), then move to the next process box. Is all of the "personal information" directly related to the advertising or solicitation? If no(PS-321), then it is First Class Mail.

Is all of the "personal information" directly related to the advertising or solicitation? If yes (PS-238, PS-262, PS-275, PS-318, PS-322), then move to the next process box. Is the exclusive purpose of the "personal information" to support the advertising or solicitation? If no (PS-322) , then it is First Class Mail.

Is the exclusive purpose of the "personal information" to support the advertising or solicitation? If yes (PS-238, PS-262, PS-275, PS-318), then it is Marketing Mail.


Summary of Customer Support Rulings (CSR) on Qualifications for USPS Marketing Mail

  Is it typewritten or handwritten?
  Is it a bill or statement of account?
  Does it contain personal information?
  Is there explicit advertising for a product or service for sale or lease, or an explicit solicitation for a donation?
  Is all the "personal information" directly related to the advertising solicitation?
  Is the exclusive purpose of the "personal information" to support the advertising or solicitation?

Additional Information

For the content standards for USPS Marketing Mail, see Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 243

For the content standards for First-Class Mail, see DMM 233

On October 27, 2004, the USPS published the Federal Register Final Rule for Eligibility Requirements for USPS Marketing Mail.

For questions concerning USPS Marketing Mail eligibility, contact your manager, district Business Mail Entry.