USPS Proposed Rule: Electronic Indicators for the Mailing of Hazardous Materials

The Postal Service proposes to provide unique electronic service codes and to standardize extra service options for shipments of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). If adopted, this proposal would amend Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52) by requiring the use of unique service type codes and extra service codes within the electronic data submission and tracking barcodes for shipments containing HAZMAT provided to the USPS by the mailers in their Shipping Services File (SSF). This proposal would standardize the acceptance and handling of shipments containing HAZMAT by collecting electronic data to create manifests for the Postal Service’s air carrier suppliers and ensuring these items are handled appropriately with regards to the category of HAMZAT contained within the package. The Postal Service also proposes to amend the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) that would alter the refund eligibility of Priority Mail Express containing hazardous materials. DATES: Submit comments on or before December 30, 2022. ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260–4446.

If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to [email protected], with a subject line of ‘‘Electronic Indicators’’. Faxed comments will not be accepted. All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC 20260. These records are available for review Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling 202–268–2906. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Cox at (202) 268–2108, Juliaann Hess at (202) 268–7663, or Dale Kennedy (202) 268–6592.