Postal Explorer > Publication 417 - Nonprofit Standard Mail Eligibility > 6 Content-Based Restrictions > 6-2 Summary of Process for Determining Eligibility of Mailpiece

6-2 Summary of Process for Determining Eligibility of Mailpiece

The following six-step process (discussed in detail in 6-3) can help you decide whether your mailpiece is eligible for nonprofit rates under current content-based rules. (Other requirements must also be considered for determining that a mailpiece may be mailed at the nonprofit rates. For example, see the cooperative mail rule and other requirements in 4-3.) The flow chart in Exhibit 6-2 summarizes these steps:

• Step 1: Examine the mailpiece for products (see 6-3.1).

• Step 2: Determine whether the product to be mailed meets one of the three statutory provisions for mailing at the nonprofit rates - that is, the product is a low-cost item, a donated item, or a periodical publication (see 6-3.2).

• Step 3: Examine the mailpiece for advertisements (see 6-3.3).

• Step 4: Determine whether the mailpiece contains any prohibited or restricted advertisement (see 6-3.4).

• Step 5: Determine whether the mailpiece meets the content requirements for a periodical publication - also referred to as the "space advertisement exception" (see 6-3.5).

• Step 6: Determine the substantial relatedness of each advertised product or service (see 6-3.6).

Exhibit 6-2

Product and Advertising Steps