ALERT! WaferSeals.com Customers
USPS changes on January 5, 2013
As many of you are aware, the USPS requirements and options for the mailing, and construction of Folded Self Mailers (FSM) and other unenveloped mailpieces went into effect on January 5th, 2013.
Some of the changes specific to our customers are:
- Tabs Must Not contain perforations.
- Minimum tab size is (1") inch,
- A minimum of two tabs are now required to seal all FSMs when tabs are used as the sealing method.
- The size and quantity of tabs shall be determined by the weight of the mailing piece as well as the paper stock used.
- FSM Up to 1 ounce require two (2) 1" tabs
- FSM Over 1 ounce require two (2) 1-1/2" tabs
- Quarter-fold self-mailers Up to 1 ounce require two (2) 1" tabs
- Quarter-fold self-mailers Over 1 ounce require two (2) 1-1/2" tabs
- Newsprint 1 ounce or less require two (2) 1-1/2" tabs
- Newsprint Over 1 ounce require three (3) 1-1/2" tabs
WaferSeals.com Product Changes
Since we believe clear poly tabs without perforations may tear a mailing piece when opened, we recommend that our mailing customers use the TransUltra ™ product which is a lot clearer than regular translucent material and will tear easily even without a perforation. TransUltra ™ paper tabs. The TransUltra ™ product has become very popular resulting in a much lower price, which has lead us to eliminate our regular translucent product entirely.
We have done everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for ourselves and our more than 2000 customers. Please understand that discontinued products cannot be reproduced.
Final rule: Folded Self-Mailers and Unenveloped Mailpieces 39 CFR Part 111
Use of Tabs on Folded Self-Mailers
3.14.4 Sealing Methods
Folded self-mailers must be sealed using tabs or glue under the following conditions:
a. Tabs must meet the standards for tabs in 3.11. The size and number of tabs required is determined by the weight of the mailpiece and optional design elements as follows:
1. To seal folded self-mailers that weigh up to 3 ounces created in bi-fold, tri-fold formats, pieces with multiple interior folds and a final fold on the bottom, and quarter-fold mailpieces that weigh one ounce or less, place two nonperforated tabs on the top edge, one within 1-inch from the leading and another within 1-inch from the trailing edge, or place one tab on the leading and another on the trailing edge, both placed within 1 inch from the top.
2. To seal quarter-fold mailpieces that weigh more than 1 ounce up to 3 ounces, affix two tabs, one on the leading edge and one on the trailing edge within 1 inch from the top, and affix a third tab on the lower leading edge 1/2 inch from the bottom.
3. To seal oblong pieces that weigh up to 3 ounces, affix one tab in the center of the top edge and one tab in the center of the trailing edge (preferred) or affix both tabs on the trailing edge within 1 inch of the top and bottom edges. Tabs may not be placed on the bottom of an oblong piece.
5. Quarter-fold self-mailers must be sealed with tabs.
a. Folded self-mailers, (except quarter-fold mailpieces) as described in 3.14.3e1 through 3.14.3e3:
1. Up to 1 ounce: 70 pound paper sealed with a continuous glue line, three glue spots; or elongated glue lines under 3.14.4b; or two 1-inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a3.
2. Over 1 ounce: 80 pound paper sealed with a continuous glue line, four glue spots; or four elongated glue lines under 3.14.4b; or two 1-1/2 inch tabs under 3.14.4a1 and 3.14.4a3.
b. Quarter fold self-mailers as described in 3.14.3e4:
1. Up to 1 ounce: 70 pound paper sealed with two 1-inch tabs.
2. Over 1 ounce: 80 pound paper sealed with three 1-1/2inch tabs.
3. Newsprint: 55 pound minimum paper required. Seal pieces one ounce or less with two 1-1/2 inch tabs and those weighing over one ounce with three 1-1/2 inch tabs.
Basic FSM
(Bi-Fold/Tri-Fold)
When using tabs on basic folded self-mailers the following applies:
- Mailing pieces Up to 1oz require 2 tabs at 1" dia.
- Mailing pieces Over 1oz require 2 tabs at 1-1/2" dia.
- Tabs can be positioned in 2 places, see images below.
1. Placement of Tabs:
For either 1" or 1-1/2" Tabs within 1" of lead/trail edge
2. Placement of Tabs:
For either 1" or 1-1/2" Tabs on lead/trail edge within 1" of top edge
Oblong Folded FSM
(Basic oblong)
When using tabs on oblong folded self-mailers the following applies:
- Mailing pieces Up to 1oz require 2 tabs at 1" dia.
- Mailing pieces Over 1oz require 2 tabs at 1-1/2" dia.
- See images below for tab positioning
1. Placement of 1" tabs:
1 tab on center top edge and another on center trailing edge
2. Placement of 1" tabs:
Affix two tabs on the trailing edge within 1" of the top and bottom edges.
Quarter Fold FSM
(Basic quarter fold and newsprint)
When using tabs on quarter fold self-mailers the following applies:
- Mailing pieces Up to 1oz require 2 tabs at 1" dia.
- Mailing pieces Over 1oz require 3 tabs at 1-1/2" dia.
- Newsprint requires 3 tabs at 1-1/2" dia.
- See images below for tab positioning
1.Placement of 1" tabs:
For mailing pieces up to 1oz within 1" of lead/trail edge
2. Placement of 1" tabs:
For mailing pieces up to 1oz on lead/trail edge within 1" of top edge
3. Placement of 1" tabs:
For over 1 oz and Newsprint
Lead Edge: one within 1" of top and one at 1/2" from bottom
Trail Edge: one within 1" of top edge
