Physical Standards
Number and location of tabs or wafer seals are specified for particular types of letter-size mail. In all cases, additional tabs may be used.
Tabs, wafer seals, cellophane tape, or permanent glue (continuous or spot) must not interfere with recognition of the barcode, rate marking, postage identification, or required address information. In all cases additional tabs or seals may be used. Cellophane tape is not acceptable within the barcode clear zone. Tabs or wafer seals placed in the barcode clear zone must contain a paper face meeting the standards for background reflectance and, if the barcode is not preprinted by the mailer, the standards for water-based ink.
Adequate adhesion is required.
Basis weight: the minimum basis weight standards vary, depending on the construction of the mailpiece (see below) and the sheet size below.
Letter-Size Folded Self-Mailers
Folded edge (bottom) must be parallel to the longest dimension (length) and address of the mailpiece. All references to paper weight are for book-grade paper unless otherwise noted. The conversion table in DMM Exhibit 201.3.2 provides a paper basis weight cross-reference.
With one tab or wafer seal: folded edge at bottom of mailpiece, tab or wafer seal in middle of top edge of mailpiece.
- Single folded sheet, sealed with one tab or wafer seal, minimum basis weight: 70 pounds.
- Two or more sheets, sealed with one tab or wafer seal, minimum basis weight: 60 pounds.
With two tabs or wafer seals: minimum basis weight 20 pounds (17 by 22 inches by 500 sheets) if folded edge is at top or bottom of the mailpiece. Tabs or wafer seals must be placed within 1 inch of the right and left edges of mailpiece (see reverse).
With folded edge on right (leading) edge: left (trailing) edge and other open edges must be secured with at least one tab or a glue line; additional tabs may be required based on trim size and basis weight.
Letter-Size Booklet-Type Mailpiece
The mailpiece must be tabbed (secured) with nonperforated 1-1/2 inch tabs, glue, or 1-1/2 inch wide tape. See DMM 201.3.15 for illustrations and design details for booklets.
Placement of Tabs and Wafer Seals |
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Specifications for Automation-Compatible Letter-Size Mailpieces |
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Double Postcard Tabs 1 (middle) |
Folded Self-Mailer Tabs 3 (left and open edges) |
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Folded Self-Mailer Tabs 2 (start ≤ 1 inch from edges) |
Folded Self-Mailer (Invitation Fold) |
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Folded Self-Mailer Tabs 1 (middle) |
Folded Self-Mailer (Continuous Glue Strip) |
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Folded Self-Mailer Tabs 1 (middle) |
An 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper folded once to 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches does not necessarily meet the minimum thickness of 0.009 inch for an automation-compatible letter. See DMM 201.3.15 for illustrations and design details for booklets. |