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:

(1) The contents must be exhibited to the postmaster and a list furnished giving a detailed description of the money. For currency, the serial number, series date, and denomination must be given. Coin need be described only by number and denomination of pieces.

(2) After the contents have been compared with the list and found correct, the letter or parcel must be sealed in the presence of the postmaster.

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

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

(g) Civil Service mail. Letters or parcels relating exclusively to the business of the United States Civil Service Commission, Washington, D.C., and addressed to the Commission by members of local boards of examiners outside Washington, are registered free.

(h) Postal Service mail. Official mail of the Postal Service which requires registration may be registered without payment of a fee.

[26 F.R. 11587, Dec. 6, 1961, as amended at 33 F.R. 15416, Oct. 17, 1968. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

§ 161.7 Preparation for mailing.

(a) Conditions. Postal employees are not permitted to assist in the preparation or sealing of mail to be registered. The mail must bear the complete names 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) Registered COD. Registered mail to be sent COD must conform to the conditions in Part 163 of this chapter also.

(d) 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.

If an

(e) Firm registration books. average of three or more articles are presented for registration at one time, the sender may obtain free from the postmaster firm registration books, Form 3877 (Firm mailing book for registered, registered COD, and certified mail (20 entry)), which are to be used in accordance with instructions that will be given by the postmaster. These instructions will require that the mail be endorsed and numbered from a series of registration numbers that will be assigned by the postmaster, and that the sender also enter the particulars of the items on the firm bills in duplicate. One copy of the bill will be retained by the post office and the other will be receipted and returned to the sender.

(f) Return receipts and restricted delivery. Firm mailers, are expected to complete and attach the return receipt card, Form 3811, Return receipt registered, insured and certified mail, to the mail, and to endorse the address side of the mail to show the required official endorsement. See $161.5 (b) and (c). 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.

(g) Mailing receipts. A receipt will be issued when mail is accepted for registration. If requested to do so by the sender, the accepting postal employee will show on the mailing receipt and post office record the time the registered article was accepted for mailing. For individual transactions, the receipt is prepared by the postal employee. When firm registration forms are used, the receipt will be postmarked and issued

after the entries have been checked against the mail. A temporary receipt showing only the total number of articles may be issued.

[26 F.R. 11587, Dec. 1961, as amended at 29 F.R. 2757, Feb. 27, 1964; 33 F.R. 15416, Oct. 17, 1968. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

§ 161.8 Withdrawal or recall.

The sender may withdraw or recall registered mail without charge before its delivery under the following conditions:

(a) Before dispatch by writing on the receipt Withdrawn before dispatch, and signing and surrendering the receipt.

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

(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. If the signature on the delivery receipt is not legible, the delivering employee must print the name of the recipient on the receipt.

(b) Recipient. Delivery will be made in accordance with Part 154 of this chapter. Registered mail addressed to residents of a hotel or apartment house will be delivered only to persons designated by the management of a hotel or apartment house in an agreement with the Postal Service.

(c) 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.

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

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

(g) Restricted delivery. The fee for this service must be paid at the time of mailing. The mail must be conspicuously endorsed "Deliver to Addressee Only" or "Deliver to Addressee or Order." The endorsement, if not placed by the mailer, will be entered by the employee accepting the mail. Restricted delivery service is subject to the following rules:

(1) Mail marked "Delivery to Addressee Only" will be delivered only to the addressee, except as provided in subparagraph (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, and 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, in accordance with § 154.9 (c) of this chapter.

(h) Bad condition. If the addressee accepts a registered article that has been repaired with sealing stamps or reenclosed in a new envelope or wrapper, it must be opened 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. [26 F.R. 11587, Dec. 6, 1961, as amended at 27 F.R. 11767, Nov. 29, 1962; 28 F.R. 1509, Feb. 16, 1963; 31 F.R. 8236, June 11, 1966; 32 F.R. 7630, May 25, 1967; 33 F.R. 15416, Oct. 17, 1968. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

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

(b) Classes 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) Articles mailed under §§ 138.3 and 138.4 of this chapter.

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.

(a) Payment of fees and postage. Insurance fees must be paid in addition to the postage. The mailer guarantees to pay return and forwarding postage unless he writes instructions on the wrapper or envelope not to forward or return the mail.

(b) 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 in, rural mail boxes.

(c) 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, de

tailed inquiry will be made to determine whether contents are admissible in the mail and are adequately packed.

(d) 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. A duplicate copy is not made.

(2) Form 3813-P, "Receipt For Insured Parcel", when the package is insured for more than $15. A duplicate copy is not made. 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.

(e) Firm mailing books. Mailing books, Form 3877-A, are furnished without charge to patrons 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 initiated 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:

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

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

(f) 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. Any alterations must be initialed by the mailer and accepting employee.

(g) Temporary receipts. 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.

(h) 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. Patrons at nonpersonnel rural stations and branches must meet the rural carrier at the station or branch for insurance service.

(i) Endorsements and postmarking. (1) Each package insured for $15 or less will be stamped on the address side with the elliptical stamp. Each package insured for more than $15 will be stamped close to the address with the Insured No. stamp, unless the address label on the package bears an effective reproduction of the official stamp.

sured 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 delivery was made.

126 F.R. 11590, Dec. 6, 1961, as amended at 31 F.R. 5197, Mar. 31, 1966. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

§ 162.5 Delivery.

(a) Delivery is made in accordance with the following provisions and those in part 154 of this chapter: Parcels insured for over $15 are delivered in accordance with the regulations for the delivery of registered mail (see § 161.9 of this chapter), except that when delivery has not been restricted, mail addressed to a person at a hotel, apartment house, or the like, may be delivered to any person in a supervisory or clerical capacity to whom the mail is customarily delivered. The responsibility of the Postal Service ends at this time.

(1) At letter carrier offices. (1) Insured mail is held for the period specified in the sender's return address, but not in excess of 15 consecutive days. If no return period is specified, the mail is held for 15 days. The retention period of 15 days applies also to offices to which the mail may be forwarded.

(ii) Insured parcels will be delivered to the addressee's home, or if he receives his mail in a post office box or through general delivery, he will be furnished a notice of the arrival of the parcel. If the parcel is undelivered after 5 days, a second notice will be sent. If addressee does not accept the parcel when it is offered, it will be returned to the post office and held for the length of time directed by the sender, but never more than 15 days. The addressee may go to the post office and obtain the parcel or he may request that it be delivered to his home again. The mailer may also request that it be delivered again.

(2) At offices not having carrier delivery service. The addressee is notifiled when an insured parcel is on hand

for delivery. The notice is placed in the general delivery or in a post office box. A second notice is issued if the article is undelivered after 5 days.

(3) Rural delivery. Rural carriers will deliver insured mail to the residence if it is not more than one-half mile from the route and if there is a passable road leading to it. Otherwise, the carrier will leave a notice in the box so that the addressee may either meet him at the box on his next trip or call at the post office for the mail. For delivery by rural carriers or at personnel and nonpersonnel rural stations and branches, see Part 156 of this chapter.

(4) On star routes affording delivery service. Star route carriers will deliver insured parcels if required by the contract, but delivery will be made only at the patron's box or along the route.

(5) Damaged packages. Damaged packages will be delivered if possible. When a damaged package is refused by the addressee, the sender will be informed of the damage and of the addressee's refusal. If sender does not reply, a partially damaged package will be returned to him at the end of the retention period. Packages damaged beyond repair will be held a reasonable time awaiting instructions or a request for payment of postal insurance. If not received, the mailing postmaster will be requested to ascertain what disposition will be made of the package.

(6) Spoiled contents. When the contents of a package are spoiled, the postal employee will write on the receipt form the date and hour the package was received, the date and hour it was delivered to the addressee, whether the package was endorsed Perishable, and any known cause of delay or improper handling.

(7) Examination of mail. The addressee or his representative may read and copy the name and address of the mailer from insured mail while it is in the possession of the postal employee. Examination of the contents may be made only after delivery has been made. [31 F.R. 11146, Aug. 23, 1966. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

§ 162.6 Receipts.

(a) Unnumbered packages. Unnumbered packages will be delivered as ordinary mail.

(b) Numbered packages. Postal employees will take receipts for the delivery