priately labeled to identify the city and country of destination.

(iii) Canada only: Single copies addressed for delivery in Canada that are not enclosed in wrappers or envelopes, as permitted in subparagraph (1)(ii) of this paragraph, must be included in bundles protected with sections or cardboard, fiberboard, or other protective covering that will prevent the copies from being damaged in transit. The labels on these protected bundles must bear the notation "Open and Distribute" and the words "Second-class postage paid at or Controlled circulation

(5) Return request. Ordinary (unregistered) prints, other than books, are not returned if undeliverable unless return has been requested by the sender. Therefore, senders desiring that undeliverable ordinary prints be returned must place a "Return Requested" notation on the article, preferably immediately below the return address and in a language known in the country of destination. Books and registered prints that are undeliverable must always be returned to origin.

(6) Dutiable prints. Prints known to be dutiable in the country to which they are addressed must have a green customs label, Form 2976, fixed to the address side of the article. (See paragraph (a) of this section.)

(f) Direct sacks to one addressee. (1) Ordinary (unregistered) printed matter being mailed in quantity to one addressee may be transmitted in direct sacks (except to Ethiopia) if the sender complies with the following conditions:

(i) The minimum amount that may be mailed in a direct sack (by either surface or air) is 30 pounds; the maximum is 66 pounds (sack and contents). The size limits prescribed in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section do not apply.

(ii) Obtain sacks from local post office, which will furnish airmail sacks, if available, when material is to be sent by airmail.

(iii) Place printed matter in one or more individual, unsealed packages bearing the name and address of sender and addressee. Mark each package "Postage Paid."

(iv) Attach to the neck of the sack a tie-on tag bearing the name and address of sender and addressee. The tag must be of substantial quality, with reinforced eyelets to prevent it from being

torn off, and of such size as to permit the stamps in payment of the postage to be placed on it. Use heavy twine to tie on the tag. When sending several sacks for the same addressee, mark tag with an identifying fractional number, for example 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3, if the shipment consists of three sacks.

(2) Postage is calculated only on the weight of the contents of the sacks, and is paid by means of postage stamps or meter stamps affixed to the address tag. If a publisher or registered news agent prepares a direct sack of second-class or controlled circulation copies for one addressee and desires to pay the postage in cash or from money on deposit with the postmaster, the postage computation will be made on the basis of report on Form 3542. The address tag attached to the neck of the sack must then bear the second-class or controlled circulation imprint instead of stamps.

(3) The post office will label the sack with the name of the country of destination in large letters and the name of the U.S. dispatching exchange office in small letters (for example "GREAT BRITAIN-via New York") and send it to the exchange office for dispatch to destination.

[32 F.R. 12256, Aug. 24, 1967, as amended at 33 F.R. 3280, Feb. 22, 1968; 33 F.R. 7114, May 14, 1968; 34 F.R. 1381, Jan. 29, 1969]

§ 222.5 Matter for the blind.

(a) Rates (1) Surface. Items mailable internationally as Matter for the Blind (see paragraph (d) (1) of this section) are accepted as surface mail free of postage.

(2) Airmail. Items mailable internationally as Matter for the Blind are accepted at AO (other articles) air rates. The rates are shown in § 222.4(a) (2) and under the country items in Directory of International Mail.

(3) Nonconforming matter. Items not acceptable as Matter for the Blind, pursuant to paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this section are subject to regular international rates of postage.

(b) Weight limit. Weight limit is 15 pounds 6 ounces.

(c) Dimensions. Maximum and minimum dimensions are the same as for letters and letter-packages. See § 222.1(c).

(d) Description. (1) The following are acceptable in international mail as Matter for the Blind:

(i) Books, periodicals, and other matter, including unsealed letters, impressed in Braille or other special type for the use of the blind.

(ii) Plates for embossing blind literature.

(iii) Discs, tapes, or wires bearing voice recordings and special paper intended solely for the use of the blind, provided they are sent by or addressed to an officially recognized institution for the blind.

(2) Although various additional articles are admitted in domestic mail free of postage, pursuant to Part 138 of this chapter, the only articles admitted in international mail as "Matter for the Blind" are those indicated in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph.

(e) Preparation and marking. Articles must be in unsealed envelopes or wrappers prepared so as to permit easy examination. The word "free" must be placed in the upper right corner, immediately above the words "Matter for the Blind," on surface mail accepted free of postage. On airmail accepted at AO air rates the words "Matter for the Blind" must be placed in the upper right corner near the stamps. The name of the officially recognized institution for the blind must appear in the return address or in the address of matter mentioned in paragraph (d) (1) (iii) of this section. [34 F.R. 1382, Jan. 29, 1969] § 222.6 Samples of merchandise.

(a) Rates (1) Surface. Surface rates for samples of merchandise to Canada and Mexico are 6 cents for the first 2 ounces and 2 cents for each additional ounce or fraction, with a minimum charge of 12 cents. To all other countries the rates are 6 cents for the first 2 ounces and 4 cents for each additional 2 ounces or fraction, with a minimum charge of 13 cents.

(2) Airmail. AO (other articles) air rates apply. The rates are shown in § 222.4(a) (2) and under the country items in the appendix to this subchapter.

(b) Weight limits. Weight limits are 16 ounces to Canada and Mexico, and 18 ounces to all other countries.

(c) Dimensions. Maximum and minimum dimensions are the same as for letters and letter packages. See § 222.1(c) of this chapter.

(d) Description. (1) A "Sample of Merchandise" is defined as a specimen

or fragment which is sent free of charge to advertise an article or product and to enable it to be assessed by prospective buyers. It must not be intended for exchange with a third person for payment, and its character must be confirmed by the words "Free specimen" or "Free sample" (or its equivalent in a language understood in the country of destination) indelibly marked on the article itself, if practicable, otherwise on its container.

(2) Tubes of serum and vaccine and medicaments which are urgently needed and difficult to obtain are accepted at the samples rate. These articles may not be sent for commercial purposes unless they are sent in the general interest by officially recognized laboratories or institutions.

(e) Permitted notations. Senders may show the following on the outside wrapper, on the sample itself, or on a sheet enclosed with the sample: Particulars concerning sender and addressee, the manufacturer's mark or trademark, a reference to correspondence exchanged between sender and addressee, a brief statement referring to the manufacturer and to the person supplying the goods or concerning the person for whom the sample is intended, the serial or order number, price, size, quantity available as well as the weight, volume, and such other particulars as are necessary to determine the source and the character of the goods.

(f) Prohibited contents. Articles of salable value are prohibited unless defaced in such a way that they can no longer be offered for sale; also pairs of articles, such as gloves, shoes, socks, etc., or goods sent as gifts or in execution of an order, no matter how small the quantity. Canceled or uncanceled postage stamps or any paper representing a value may not be mailed as samples of merchandise.

(g) Packing and marking-(1) Packing and preparation. See § 221.1 (a) and (b) of this chapter. Packages must not be sealed.

(2) Marking. In addition to marking the sample as prescribed in § 222.6(d) (1) of this chapter, the sender must mark the address side of the package "Sample of Merchandise."

[32 F.R. 12256, Aug. 24, 1967, as amended at 34 F.R. 14028, Sept. 4, 1969]

(a) Rates (1) Surface. Surface rate for all countries accepting small packets is 6 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction. Minimum charge, 26 cents per packet.

(2) Airmail. AO (other articles) rates apply to countries accepting small packets. The rates are shown in § 222.4 (a) (2) and under the country items in the Directory of International Mail.

(b) Weight limit. Weight limit for small packets is 2 pounds 3 ounces.

(c) Dimensions. Maximum and minimum dimensions are the same as for letters and letter packages. See § 222.1(c).

(d) Description. Small packets offer a convenient and economical means for sending small quantities of merchandise to those countries that admit this class of postal union mail.

(e) Preparation and marking. (1) Small packets may not be sealed. They are subject to the provisions of § 221.1 of this chapter as to preparation and packing.

(2) The sender must mark the address side of the packet "Small Packet" or its equivalent in a language known in the country of destination-"petit paquet" (French), "pequeño paquete" (Spanish), "päckchen" (German).

(f) Documentation. Small packets, whether or not they are subject to customs inspection, must bear the green (customs) label, Form 2976. See § 221.4 (a) of this chapter.

(g) Enclosures-(1) Permitted enclosures. A simple invoice and a slip showing the names and addresses of the sender and addressee of the packet may be enclosed.

[32 F.R. 12256, Aug. 24, 1967, as amended at 33 F.R. 11599, Aug. 15, 1968; 34 F.R. 14028, Sept. 4, 1969]

§ 222.8 Combination packages.

(a) Definition. Combination packages are packages made up of two parts, firmly attached together, both addressed for delivery to the same addressee, and consisting of (1) a sealed envelope containing a written or printed communication; and (2) an unsealed container, with samples of merchandise or printed matter enclosed. These packages are treated as AO mail.

(b) Rates. Each part of a combination package must be fully prepaid at the appropriate rate of postage.

(c) Countries for which accepted. The following countries accept combination packages as ordinary (unregistered) mail only, except as noted:

sions must conform to those prescribed for letter mail (see § 222.1(c)).

(b) Rates-(1) Surface. The rates are as follows:

(i) To Canada and Mexico 6 cents for the first 2 ounces and 2 cents for each additional ounce, with a minimum of 12 cents.

(ii) To all other countries, 6 cents for the first 2 ounces and 4 cents for each additional 2 ounces or fraction, with a minimum of 13 cents.

(2) Airmail. AO (other articles) rates apply. The rates are shown in § 222.4(a) (2) and under the country items in the appendix of this subchapter.

(c) Preparation and marking. Envelopes or packages mailed as grouped articles must not be sealed. Senders must mark the address side of the envelope or package "Grouped Article."

[32 F.R. 12256, Aug. 24, 1967; as amended at 34 F.R. 14028, Sept. 4, 1969]

The post office of mailing will postmark postal union mail.

§ 223.2 Shortpaid and unpaid.

(a) At mailing office or sectional center. Check carefully all locally mailed articles and mail received at sectional centers from associated offices for postage payment before it is dispatched. Return shortpaid and unpaid articles to the sender for deficient postage, using stock rubber stamp R-1300-230. The following exceptions apply:

(1) Special delivery. Dispatch to appropriate exchange office, unless deficiency can be obtained without delaying the article.

(2) Letter mail and post cards with return address at an office other than the mailing office. Dispatch to appropriate

exchange office, unless the articles (1) can be returned to the office shown in the return address by the next business day; or (ii) are paid at domestic rates; or (iii) are totally unpaid.

(3) Articles without return address. Send letter mail and post cards to appropriate exchange office. Send "Other Articles" to proper dead letter branch.

(4) Mail for Canada. When quantity mailings of 10 or more pieces from the same sender are received return them for the deficiency or arrange that the postage charges be adjusted before the mail is dispatched. Otherwise, endorse articles to show that postage due charges are to be collected from the addressee, as follows, and dispatch to appropriate exchange office:

(i) Double the amount of the deficient postage on ordinary (unregistered) letter mail and post cards.

(ii) The actual amount of the deficiency on ordinary "Other Articles" and on all registered mail.

(b) Dispatch to exchange office or dead letter branch. When shortpaid or unpaid mail is dispatched to exchange offices or to dead letter branches pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, apply stock rubber stamp R-1300-4, "Postage Due Cents," but do not indicate the amount of shortpayment, except as provided in subparagraph (a) (4) of this section for mail addressed to Canada. Dispatch to exchange offices by surface means when surface mail is involved and by air when airmail is involved.

(c) In transit to dispatching exchange offices. Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, no check shall be made for postage deficiences, but any articles seen to be paid at domestic postage rates (except special delivery) or to be totally unpaid shall be returned. Endorse "Returned for additional postage" or "Returned for postage." Do not return if the senders are in Alaska, Hawaii, or an overseas territory or possession and the articles are seen after arrival in continental United States, or vice versa; allow them to go forward to the dispatching exchange office for appropriate treatment.

(d) Credit for postage already affixed. Credit is allowed for postage already affixed in figuring correct amount on articles returned to senders for deficient postage.

§ 223.3 Improperly prepared.

(a) Insufficient address. Post offices will not return articles to senders if they are not addressed as prescribed in § 221.1(c) of this chapter, provided the country of destination is legibly written. but will dispatch them to the exchange office for decision as to the sufficiency of the address. New postage must be paid on articles remailed with corrected addresses after being returned from other countries.

(b) Oversized cards. Post offices will return oversized cards (those exceeding 6 x 44 inches) to senders, if known, unless they are paid at letter rates. If sender is not known, dispatch oversized cards as letter mail.

(c) Undersized articles. Post offices will return to the senders, if known, any articles that are less than the prescribed minimum size (44 x 3 inches) and are not prepared as provided under § 222.1(c) (2) of this chapter. If the sender is not known, dispatch the articles to the dead letter office.

(d) Meter stamps. The Universal Postal Convention prescribes that meter stamps are to be bright red in color. (See § 221.2(b) (1) of this chapter.) Although the use of red color for meter stamps on international mail should be encouraged, articles bearing those of other colors are to be allowed to go forward.

[32 F.R. 12260, Aug. 24, 1967, as amended at 34 F.R. 1383, Jan. 29, 1969]

§ 223.4 Forwarding.

(a) International. Articles will generally be forwarded to a new address of the addressee, even in a third country, or back to the United States. The sender may forbid forwarding by a notation on the envelope or wrapper in a language understood in the country to which addressed. See § 224.3 of this chapter concerning forwarding mail of foreign origin.

(b) Domestic-(1) Addressee moved to another country. Treat as undeliverable and dispose of as provided in Part 158, except that post or postal cards and ordinary letters that do not appear to contain merchandise and do not bear a notice forbidding forwarding may be redirected to the original addressee in another country. Letters and cards are forwarded by surface if surface mail is involved and by air if airmail is involved, without prepayment of additional post

age. If the difference between the domestic and international postage is not added at the time of forwarding it will be collected when the letter or card is delivered. Surface letters and cards will be forwarded by air if the difference between the domestic postage and the international airmail rate has been added on the letter or card.

(2) Bearing foreign return address. Any domestic letters (except those that appear to contain merchandise) or domestic post or postal cards bearing the sender's request for return are returned to the foreign return address. Return is by surface mail only, and without prepayment of additional postage. Indication of a foreign return address on registered or certified letter mail will be deemed to constitute a request on the part of the sender that the letter is to be forwarded to the foreign return address if it is not deliverable at the U.S. address. It further indicates that the sender thereby agrees, in case of loss of a registered letter after dispatch from the United States, to adjustment of indemnity in accordance with the provisions of § 272.2, irrespective of the amount of registry fee paid. Articles or packages containing merchandise are held by the post office of address and a report sent to the Department as provided in § 231.7(b) of this chapter. Treat other undeliverable domestic articles with foreign return addresses as dead mail. (See § 158.7(b) (1) of this chapter.)

(c) Ship passenger and crew mail. (1) As an alternative to the provisions of §§ 223.4 (b) and 224.3(b), of this chapter, ordinary (unregistered) articles of correspondence (except those which appear to contain merchandise) addressed to crew members or passengers on board a ship may be forwarded in the international mail, by surface or air, in one envelope addressed to a ship or travel agency under the following conditions:

(i) The envelope in which the articles are to be forwarded shall be approximately 9 inches by 6 inches in size and shall be supplied by the sender. Do not put postage on this envelope but place the following endorsement in the upper right corner of the envelope:

This envelope contains prepaid letters forwarded in bulk by authority of Assistant Postmaster General, Bureau of Operations. Any required additional international postage has been affixed to the articles enclosed.