Customer Support Ruling

Written Additions

UPDATED January 2017

PS-006 (243.2.6)

This Customer Support Ruling discusses whether a mailpiece that bears a handwritten addition may be mailed as USPS Marketing Mail, rather than at First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express prices.

The mailpiece, from Maine Teddy Bears, is a package weighing less than 16 ounces that contains a gift for the addressee. The package bears the handwritten notation “Do Not Open Until Your Birthday.”

Under the provisions of Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 233.2.4, matter wholly or partially in handwriting must be sent at First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express prices, unless the handwritten matter is an authorized addition. The authorized additions for USPS Marketing Mail set forth in DMM 243.2.6 provides that USPS Marketing Mail may contain written additions such as “Do Not Open Until Christmas” and “Happy Birthday.” Notations that do not conform substantially to the specific examples in 243.2.6 or that convey personal information are not considered to be “authorized additions.”

Since the written addition here, “Do Not Open Until Your Birthday,” is just a variation of those specifically authorized under DMM 243.2.6 and does not convey “personal Information,” the mailpiece would be eligible at the applicable USPS Marketing Mail price.

(signed)

Sherry Suggs

Manager

Mailing Standards

Headquarters, US Postal Service

Washington, DC 20260-3436