liability—(1)

(b) Postal insurance Without other insurance. Postal insurance covers value up to the maximum of $10,000, except as provided in subparagraph (3) of this paragraph.

(2) With other insurance. When an "excess" or "other insurance" clause is contained in the commercial policy, the article shall be treated as if no commercial insurance is involved and the subparagraph (1) of this paragraph shall be applied. When a deductible clause is contained in the commercial policy, the article shall be treated as if no commercial insurance is involved and the pre

Kind of mail matter Negotiable instruments-Instruments payable to bearer, and matured interest coupons. Nonnegotiable instruments-All registered bonds, warehouse receipts, checks, drafts, deeds, wills, abstracts, and similar documents. Certificates of stock are considered nonnegotiable so far as declaration of value is concerned.

Money

Jewelry, gems, precious metals_. Merchandise

ceding subparagraph shall be applied, but postal liability shall be limited to the amount of the deductible. In other cases, postal insurance not exceeding $1,000 may be provided, with liability determined on a coinsurance basis and prorated according to the formula in Fiscal Handbook F-33, Accounts Payable.

(3) To Canal Zone. The maximum liability for registered mail addressed to the Canal Zone is $1,000. For values over $1,000, the handling charges apply.

(c) Refunds. Registration fees will not be refunded after the mail is accepted. Return receipt or restricted delivery fees will be refunded only when failure to furnish a return receipt or to give restricted delivery was the fault of the Postal Service. Receipts for fees must be submitted with requests for refunds.

(d) Declaration by sender-(1) Value. The sender is required to tell the postal clerk, or to enter on the firm mailing bill if a firm mailer, the “Full” value of mail matter presented for registration. The fact that private insurance may be carried on registered mail does not modify the requirements for declaring the value as defined below:

Market value.

Value to be declared

No value, or replacement cost if postal insurance coverage is desired. (See note below.)

Full value.

Market value or cost.

Market value or cost.

No value, or replacement cost if postal insurance coverage is desired.

(2) Fragile mail. The sender must tell the postal clerk whether the mail is fragile and must describe how it is packed if requested to do so.

(3) Official mail. Government agencies or officials must declare the value of the matter presented so that it may be given proper care.

(4) Free registration. A declaration of value is not required on mail registered free under the provisions of paragraph (e) (1) (iii) and (iv) of this section. No

indemnity will be paid for any matter registered free.

(e) Mail registered without prepayment (1) Types. The following types of official mail, if prepared in accordance with the requirements for transmission of mail without prepayment of postage set forth in Part 137, may be sent by registered mail without payment of a registration fee:

(i) Official mail of authorized Government departments and agencies.

(ii) Census mail. (iii) Naturalization and immigration mail.

(iv) Diplomatic and consular mail. (2) Currency for redemption. Currency sent to the Treasurer of the United States, Washington, D.C. 20220, for redemption, contained in letters or parcels with postage prepaid by the sender, and redeemed currency mailed to the Treasurer of the United States may be sent by registered mail without payment of registration fee, under the following conditions:

(i) The contents must be exhibited to the postmaster with a list giving a detailed description of the money. For currency, list the serial number, series date, and denomination. For coin, list only number and denomination.

(ii) After the contents have been verified, the letter or parcel must be sealed in the presence of the postmaster.

(iii) The list must be left with the postmaster.

(iv) No liability is assumed by the Postal Service. If coverage is desired, the regular registration fees must be paid for liability.

(3) Mailings of U.S. savings bond matter. The following conditions apply to stubs of sold U.S. savings bonds, spoiled or canceled bonds, and unissued or excess stock when presented for registration by authorized bond issuing and paying agents, including those located in the Canal Zone, or by Federal Reserve banks or their branches:

(i) The sender will prepay postage only. If the article weighs less than 1 pound, the first-class rate applies; if the weight is 1 pound or more, the fourthclass rate applies.

(ii) Each article must be endorsed by the mailer close to or below the return address "Registry Fee Paid by U.S. Treasury Department."

(iii) Each article, regardless of the postage rate chargeable, must be accepted for registration and endorsed "Registered."

(iv) Registry fees will be paid to the Postal Service by the Treasury Department on an annual basis.

[35 F.R. 19469, Dec. 23, 1970, as amended at 37 F.R. 25026, Nov. 25, 1972]

and addresses of both sender and addressee. Envelopes or packages that appear to have been opened and resealed, or which are otherwise improperly prepared, will not be registered.

(b) Sealing. The sender must securely seal envelopes. Self-sealing envelopes are not acceptable. Do not place paper or cellulose strips or wax or paper seals over the intersections of flaps of letter size envelopes where the postmark impressions are made. Wrap and seal packages with mucilage or glue or with plain paper or cloth tape. Packages containing currency or securities may not be sealed exclusively by use of paper strips, but must first be sealed securely with mucilage or glue. Large envelopes (flats) which are completely sealed and which also have paper strips or paper tape across the intersections of the flaps may be considered packages so far as the sealing requirements are concerned. Tape that will not adhere in such a manner as to damage the envelope or wrapper if removed, or tape which will not absorb a postmark impression, may not be used on registered mail.

(c) Window envelopes. Envelopes must have panels covering the opening. If transparent panels are glued to the envelopes, they may contain only matter without intrinsic value. If the panel is part of the envelope, the envelope may be used for all registered mail.

(d) Firm registration books. If an average of three or more articles are presented for registration at one time, the sender may obtain free firm registration books, Form 3877. These must be used in accordance with instructions that will be given by the postmaster. One copy of the bill will be retained by the post office and the other will be receipted and returned to the sender.

(e) Return receipts and restricted delivery. Firm mailers are expected to complete and attach the return receipt card, Form 3811, to the mail and show the required official endorsement on the address side of the mail. See § 161.1(e) (2) and (3). If the mail is to be restricted in delivery, the words "Deliver to Addressee Only" should be shown in space 2 on the receipt side of the return receipt card in addition to the address side of the mail.

(f) Mailing receipts. A receipt will be issued when mail is accepted for registration. If requested to do so by sender, the accepting postal employee will show on the mailing receipt and post office

record the time registered article was accepted for mailing. For individual transactions, the receipt is prepared by postal employee. When firm registration forms are used, the receipt will be postmarked and issued after entries have been checked against mail. A temporary receipt showing only the total number of articles may be issued when a large number of articles are mailed. The permanent descriptive receipt will be issued as soon as possible after verification.

(g) Withdrawal or recall. The sender may withdraw or recall registered mail without charge before its delivery, under the following conditions:

(1) By writing on the receipt "Withdrawn before dispatch" and signing and surrendering the receipt.

(2) By filing a written request for its return after dispatch at the post office where the article was mailed, giving names and addresses of sender and addressee, the registry number, and date of mailing. Costs of telegrams must be paid by the sender.

(h) Remailing. If remailed, the article must be under new cover, and bear new postage and fee.

[35 F.R. 19469, Dec. 23, 1970, as amended at 37 F.R. 25027, Nov. 25, 1972]

(a) Procedure. The responsibility of the Postal Service for registered mail ends with its proper delivery. Mail for delivery by carriers is taken on the first trip after it is received unless the addressee has requested the postmaster to hold his mail at the post office. The addressee or person representing him may obtain the name and address of the sender, and may look at registered mail while it is held by the postal employee, before accepting delivery and signing the delivery receipt. Identification will be required if the applicant for registered mail is unknown. The mail will not be given to the addressee until the delivery receipt is obtained by the postal employee. The name of the addressee must appear on line 1. If the signature on the delivery receipt is not legible, the delivering employee must print the name of the recipient on the receipt in an area which will not interfere with other signatures.

(b) Rural delivery. For delivery by rural carriers or at personnel and nonpersonnel rural stations and branches, see Part 156.

(c) Star route delivery. Star route carriers will deliver registered mail if required by the contract, but delivery will be made only at the customer's box or along the route.

(d) Notice of arrival. If the carrier is unable to deliver registered mail, he will leave a notice. If the mail is not delivered by carrier, a notice of arrival will be issued through regular mail channels. If the mail is not delivered or called for within 5 days, a second notice will be issued, provided the maximum period for which the mail may be held permits. No second attempt to deliver will be made unless the post office is requested to do so.

(e) Restricted delivery. (1) Mail marked "Deliver to Addressee Only" will be so delivered, except as otherwise provided below.

(1) Mail marked "Deliver to Addressee Only" will be so delivered, except as provided in subparagraphs (4) and (5) of this paragraph.

(2) Mail marked "Deliver to Addressee or Order" may be delivered either to the addressee or to the person he authorizes in writing to receive his mail.

(3) When the mail is addressed jointly to two or more persons, the addressees will be notified to be present to accept delivery together. The delivery receipt obtained and the return receipt, if any, must be signed by all of the addressees. The registered article then may be delivered to any of the addressees unless the others object, in which case delivery will not be made until all of the addressees sign a statement designating the one to receive the mail.

(4) When the registered mail is addressed to officials of executive agencies, or members of the legislative and judicial branches of the Government of the United States, or of the States and possessions, or to members of the diplomatic corps, delivery may be made either to the addressee or to the person he authorizes to receive his mail.

(5) Registered mail addressed to the commander, staff sections, and other officials of military organizations by name and title will be delivered to the unit mail clerk, mail orderly, postal clerk, or assistant postal clerk or postal finance clerk.

(6) Registered Mail addressed to minors may be delivered to their guardians or parents.

(7) Registered Mail addressed to an inmate of city, State, or Federal prisons where a personal signature cannot be obtained may be delivered to the warden or his authorized representative.

(f) Bad condition. If the addressee accepts a registered article that has been repaired with sealing stamps or reenclosed in a new envelope or wrapper, the addressee must open it without disturbing the seal, in the presence of the delivering employee. If anything is missing, the envelope or wrapper must be given to the employee after it has been endorsed to show what was missing. The postal employee will not wait while large sums of money or coin are counted if the damage is so slight as to indicate that nothing is missing.

(g) When not delivered. The addressee may be required to call at the post office for registered mail if its delivery by a carrier would not be safe.

[35 F.R. 19469, Dec. 23, 1970, as amended at 37 F.R. 25027, Nov. 25, 1972]

(a) Purpose. The sender may obtain payment for loss of, rifling of, or damage to domestic mail by having it insured.

(b) Class of mail to which applicable. (1) Third- and fourth-class mail.

(2) Airmail which contains third- or fourth-class matter (may contain incidental first-class enclosures). Sealed envelopes should be endorsed "Contains Third-Class Mail" or "Contains FourthClass Mail."

(3) Official Government mail bearing "Postage and Fees Paid" endorsement.

(4) The mail must bear the complete names and addresses of sender and addressee.

(c) Not acceptable for insurance. (1) Parcels containing matter offered for sale, addressed to prospective purchasers who have not ordered or authorized their sending. If such matter is received in the mail, payment will not be made for loss, rifling, or damage.

(2) Nonmailable matter.

(3) Articles that are so fragile as to prevent their safe carriage in the mail regardless of packaging.

(4) Articles not adequately prepared to withstand normal handling in the mail. See Part 121 for packaging standards.

§ 162.2 Fees and liability.

(a) Fees (in addition to postage). Liability:

$0.01 to $15

15.01 to 50.. 50.01 to 100.. 100.01 to 150_ 150.01 to 200..

Fee

$0.20

.30

.40

.50

.60

(a) Restricted delivery service. Mailers may at the time of mailing direct that a parcel insured for more than $15 be delivered only to the addressee or to someone named by him in writing. The mail will be endorsed: "Deliver to Addressee Only" or "Deliver to Addressee or Order." The additional fee for this service is 50 cents.

(b) Return receipt. Mailers may request a return receipt for a parcel insured for more than $15. Request at the time of mailing may be made either to the postal employee or by endorsement on the mail reading "Return Receipt Requested," or "Return Receipt Requested Showing Address Where Delivered." Request after mailing must be made at the post office where the insured parcel was mailed. The insurance receipt must be shown and the prescribed additional fee for this service paid. When the request is made after mailing, the return receipt will not show the address where

(a) Where to mail. Mailers must mail parcels that they insure at a post office, branch, or station, or give them to a rural carrier. They must not be deposited in mail drops at post offices, nor in or on street mail boxes. They must not be left on, but may be placed is, rural mail boxes.

(b) Inquiry as to contents and preparation. The postal employee at the window is required to ask whether the package presented for insurance contains fragile, perishable, or flammable matter. If the package does not contain such matter and to all outward appearances is adequately prepared, no further inquiry as to contents will be made. If the package contains such matter, detailed inquiry will be made to determine whether contents are admissible in the mail and are adequately packed.

(c) Individual receipts for mailing. Mailers are issued a receipt for each insured parcel mailed on one of the following forms:

(1) Form 3813, Receipt For Domestic Insured Parcel, when the package is insured for $15 or less.

(2) Form 3813-P, Receipt For Insured Parcel, when the package is insured for more than $15.

The post office keeps no record of the mailing of insured packages. Mailers must enter the name and address of the addressee on the receipt and retain it. Mailers must exhibit the receipt if claim for loss is made. The receipt should be shown if an inquiry is filed. A telephone request for inquiry is acceptable if the mailer can furnish particulars of mailing from his receipt. A temporary receipt showing only the total number of parcels accepted may be issued when a large number of articles are mailed. The permanent receipt will be issued as soon as possible.

(d) Firm mailings—(1) Firm mailing books. Mailing books, Form 3877-A, are

furnished without charge to customers who mail an average of three or more parcels at one time. Spaces are provided for entering the description of parcels to be insured. Any alterations must be initialed by the mailer and accepting employee. The sheets of these books become the senders' receipts. The books must be presented with the parcels to be mailed. Following are instructions for their use:

(i) Parcels to be insured for $15 or less are not to be numbered and should be listed on separate sheets or grouped together. Prepare one copy only.

(ii) For parcels to be insured for more than $15, the postmaster will assign a series of numbers. The mailer must number the articles and the items in the book to correspond.

(iii) The parcels must be conspicuously endorsed with the stamped or printed official insurance endorsement.

(2) Special firm mailing bills or multiple forms. Mailers may use special firm mailing bills or multiple forms which incorporate mailing receipts containing all necessary postal information. Such forms must be submitted to the postmaster for prior approval before use. For parcels to be insured for more than $15, the postmaster will assign a series of numbers on Form 3857, Assignment of Number Blocks for Registered Insured, Certified and COD Mail. Suffixes will not be authorized. Any alterations must be initialed by the mailer and accepting employee.

(e) Mailing on rural routes and at nonpersonnel rural stations and branches. Mailers may give the mail to the rural carriers; or they may leave the mail in rural mail boxes, provided stamps are affixed for postage and fee, or money for postage and fee is left in the box. Mailers must leave a note stating the amount of insurance desired. The carrier will issue a receipt at the time the mail is received. The Postal Service assumes no responsibility for articles or money left in rural mail boxes until the articles are receipted for by the carrier. Customers at nonpersonnel rural stations and branches must meet the rural carrier at the station or branch for insurance service.

(f) Endorsements and postmarking. (1) Each package insured for $15 or less will be stamped on the address side with the elliptical stamp. Each package in