# Permissible Barcode Symbology for Parcels Eligible for the Barcode Discount
**AGENCY:**
Postal Service.
**ACTION:**
Final rule with request for comments.
**SUMMARY:**
We are amending the information published in the *Federal Register* on July 14, 1998 [63 FR 37946], that announced new requirements for Package Services parcels eligible for the barcode discount. The barcode discount was extended to Standard Mail® machinable parcels in the *Federal Register* on December 15, 2000 [65 FR 78537] that announced the R2000-1 rate case. The standards implementing the new requirements were subsequently published in *Postal Bulletin* 22122 (2-19-04, pages 6-8). The *Postal Bulletin* notice allowed for the optional use of the human-readable presentation of the ZIP Code <sub>TM</sub> . This final rule modifies the standards to now require mailers to include the human-readable equivalent of the ZIP Code with all barcodes.
**DATES:**
Effective May 6, 2004. Submit comments on or before May 20, 2004.
**ADDRESSES:**
Mail or deliver comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards, Attn: Obataiye B. Akinwole, U.S. Postal Service, 1735 N Lynn Street, Room 3025, Arlington, VA 22209-6038. Written comments may be submitted also by facsimile transmission to (703) 292-4058. Copies of all written comments will be available for inspection and photocopying between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Postal Service Headquarters Library, 11th Floor North, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC.
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Obataiye B. Akinwole at (703) 292-3643.
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
On July 14, 1998, the Postal Service published in the *Federal Register* [63 FR 37946] a final rule setting forth Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ) standards for Package Services barcodes. The DMM standards were subsequently published in *Postal Bulletin* 22122 (2-19-04, pages 6-8). Under the previous rule, the human-readable equivalent of the ZIP Code information was optional. Under the new rule, mailers are required to include the human-readable equivalent of the ZIP Code information to be eligible for the barcode discount. No other changes are made to the standards in DMM C850.
Using the UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode symbology will benefit mailers in a number of ways:
• Increased accuracy and improved service—reduces manual processing of parcels.
• Variable length—compact, accurate, and reliable.
• Easy data capture capabilities—international availability.
In order to reduce the looping of mail in processing, this rule requires the printing of the applicable AI and ZIP Code or ZIP+4® code whenever a barcode is printed.
**List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111**
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
For the reasons noted above, the Postal Service adopts the following changes to the *Domestic Mail Manual,* which is incorporated by reference in the *Code of Federal Regulations* (CFR). *See* 39 CFR part 111.
**PART 111—[AMENDED]**
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 111 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
**39 CFR Part 111**
2. Revise the *Domestic Mail Manual* (DMM) as follows:
**Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)**
**C Characteristics and Content**
**C800 Automation-Compatible Mail**
**C850 Barcoding Standards for Parcels**
**2.0 Barcode Characteristics**
**2.5 Human-Readable Information**
The human-readable information on the barcode must conform to one of the following options:
*[Revise item a to read as follows:]*
a. If the barcode is printed on the delivery address label and in close proximity to the address, the human-readable equivalent of the ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code (omitting the AI “420”) encoded in the barcode preceded by the word “ZIP” must be printed between 1/8 inch and 1/2 inch below the barcode in 10-point or larger bold, sans serif type. This standard applies to barcodes printed under 1.1 or 1.2a, 1.2b, and 1.3.
*[Revise item c to read as follows:]*
c. For barcodes printed under 1.2 or 1.3, the human-readable presentation of the concatenated barcode must include the AI “91” and the full tracking identification number as text, the AI “420,” and the ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. The AI “420” and ZIP Code information must be parsed separately from the main body of the barcode text ( *e.g.* , 420 99999 9101 2345 6789 1234 5678).
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these changes.
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.