For ANYONE sending items that require a customs form, these changes will affect YOU even if you only send one at a time..  These packages include printed matter over 13 ozs, dutiable items, or any items that because of their size (over 3/4″ thick) are classified as “packages”.

The words “EXPORT COMPLIANCE” will be discussed at length in the coming weeks and months as the Federal government (not the USPS) moves to implement sweeping changes to the way we present package content information.  It’s important to note that this initiative is driven by the threat of terrorism and has nothing to do with the collection of duties and taxes.

Introduction: 

Due to federal export regulations, the United States Postal Service currently requires electronic customs declaration information on all Express Mail International (EMI) and Priority Mail International (PMI) items prior to leaving the United States. The same requirement is now being extended to International Letter Class products that contain a customs declaration. Customers sending First Class Mail International (FCMI), International Priority Airmail (IPA), International Surface Air Lift (ISAL), and Global Bulk Economy (GBE) will be required to provide sender, receiver, address, package content detail, date of mailing, mailer generated receptacle barcode, shipment date and permit number electronically to the Postal Service, in order to facilitate federal oversight. These changes are effective October 31st, 2012.

Background: 

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Commerce

Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) maintain regulations that, among other things, prohibit certain goods from being sent to persons, entities, or countries determined to be adverse to U.S. interests. These agencies implement sanctions imposed by Congress, the President, and the United Nations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, OFAC, and BIS enforce these export controls with respect to all shipments leaving the country, whether by mail or by private carrier. Mailers can be subject to civil and criminal penalties for any violations.  Shippers and Mailers who export items out of the United States are now responsible to comply with these regulations. All items that are prepared for shipment either by a shipper or consolidator (IMS) must follow OFAC and BIS regulations before items are handed to USPS. OFAC and BIS have the authority to impose fines on entities not following regulations.  The Postal Service screens certain outbound international mail items for potential violations of federal export laws. In order to ensure that all international mail has been properly screened for export control laws and regulations, it is essential that the Postal Service receive electronic customs data from mailers.

IMS CAN HELP!

We will collect data from our customers either electronically or by allowing access to the USPS “Global Shipping Software” (GSS) to create and print a customs form that meets all requirements.  We will then be required to create two different mailings within each service level (IPA and ISAL as examples).  One for items with customs forms and one without. 

IMS will then submit package information at least 2 hours prior to drop.  Addresses are scrubbed against the “Consolidated Screening List files“.  If any items are addressed to a prohibited recipient, that shipping receptacle will be held untill the item is removed from the mailing.

It’s important to note that we all understand that there’s no way to guarantee that all “bad” packages will be intercepted in this process.  This is merely an attempt to lessen the likelyhood and we have no choice but to comply.  If we don’t insure that all clients and all packages are compliant, everyone’s mail will be delayed or potentially refused entry. 

• On Friday (2/17) 301 of 1,082 flights were cancelled
• Expecting 30% of 1,200 daily flights will be cancelled
• Mail outbound from Germany to other Western European countries will be transported by road, so delays to be expected

Stay tuned for further updates.

USPS price changes go into effect on January 22, 2012 and will affect both domestic and international services.  Based on USPS calculations, the postage increase by service (international services only):

• Global Express Guaranteed (GXG):  6.0%
• Express Mail International (EMI):  11.6%
• Priority Mail International (PMI):  8.7%
• First Class Mail International (FCMI):  7.0%
• International Priority Airmail (IPA):  1.0% (no change to m-bags)
• International Surface Air Lift (ISAL):  13.7% (no change to m-bags)
• Airmail M-Bags:  3.5%

We’re obviously not happy about the ISAL increase and would be happy to discuss your options.  Please contact Mark at your convenience.

Note that the above estimates are for postage only.  IMS service rates are not changing for this rate cycle.

Canada Post changes go into effect on January 16, 2012.  Increases will vary by service and are subject to current currency exchange and volume fluctuations.  For an updated quote please contact Mark.

Relative to getting mail processed and entered at current rates - we must have mail in house by the Wednesday prior to implementation date to guarantee current rate (or earlier if high volume).  Please contact us in advance if you think you may have specific mail that you want to drop at current rates.  Thanks in advance because this is always a busy week!

This action will affect both international and domestic flights and also mail collection and delivery.  The air traffic controllers have also announced a 2 hour work stoppage between 1200 and 1400 local time the same day.