USPS Media Mail & the Law
Media Mail is a way to mail books, film, printed music and other eligible products. This mail service is a more cost-effective alternative to Parcel Post and is reserved for very specific content. Mailers must follow certain regulations when sending packages in this manner, most notably the prohibition of advertising.
Other People Are Reading
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Eligible Items
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Only specific items may be mailed at Media Mail prices. They are: books of at least eight pages that contain no advertising, 16 mm or narrower film, printed sheet or bound music, printed objective test materials used by educational institutions, sound recordings, manuscripts, printed educational reference charts, binders of loose-leaf pages containing medical information, and computer-readable media. Rigid pieces, non-rectangular pieces and pieces that are not uniformly thick are not eligible for Media Mail rates.
Delivery, Attachments and Enclosures
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No minimum weight limit applies to Media Mail. A single piece of Media Mail, however, must weigh 70 pounds or less. Presorted Media Mail must contain at least 300 pieces.
Invoices or packing slips can be enclosed with Media Mail packages. First-class mail, such as a bill or statement, may also be included in or attached to the outside of a Media Mail package. All Media Mail must include complete delivery and return addresses with correct ZIP codes.
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Advertising Limitations
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The Postal Service prohibits the placement of advertising matter in books mailed at Media Mail rates, except for book announcements. Enclosures bound in a book are subject to three standards: one envelope or one addressed postcard, one order form, or announcements of other books that appear as book pages. Books that are inherently advertisements for a product are prohibited from being shipped using Media Mail.
Inspection Policy
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Regardless of how the item is sealed, Media Mail is subject to inspection by the Postal Service. In sending items by this method, the consumer automatically gives consent for the items to be inspected should it be deemed necessary by a member of the Postal Service.
Unsolicited Media Mail and Violations
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Consumers are protected from unwanted or obscene mail, including Media Mail items not purchased, under Title 39 of the United States Code. Further, consumers can stop this mail by filing PS Form 1500 at a local post office.
Consumers can make complaints of any postal law violations by contacting the Postal Inspection Office designated to their ZIP code; a directory can be found on the Postal Service's website.
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References
Resources
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