[Federal Register: March 18, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 52)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 13124-13126] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr18mr98-9] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 20 Implementation of New Market Opportunities Program AGENCY: Postal Service. ACTION: Interim rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes to adopt, as an interim rule, new rates and conditions of mailing for the New Market Opportunities Program. This program is designed to meet the needs of direct mail and mail order companies seeking to easily and cost effectively enter the international marketplace. It is available for companies who wish to test sending catalogs and merchandise to any or all of the following markets: Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. A mailer will send catalogs using International Surface Air Lift or VALUEPOST TM/CANADA service and merchandise using Global Package Link. To assist the mailers' tests in these markets, the Postal Service includes other services as part of the program, including translation of order form and [[Page 13125]] company information sheet into in-country language, and advice on catalog layout, as well as mailing list companies, call centers, and other resources in the destination countries. DATES: These regulations take effect March 18, 1998. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be directed to Manager, Mail Order, Room 370-IBU, International Business Unit, U.S. Postal Service, Washington, D.C. 20260-6500. Copies of all written comments will be available for public inspection between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the International Business Unit, 10th Floor, 901 D Street, SW, Washington, D.C. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert E. Michelson, (202) 268-5731. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The New Market Opportunities Program provides bulk mailing services designed to assist direct mailers, catalogers, and other mailers in entering new international markets. This program ties together International Surface Air Lift (ISAL), VALUEPOST TM/CANADA, and Global Package Link (GPL) to Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and the United Kingdom with other services so that mailers may conduct market tests. The New Market Opportunities Program is adopted as an interim rule in response to the requests of numerous mailers for an easy way to test whether their merchandise is marketable in the markets where the program is available. The Postal Service believes that this program will make it possible for companies to conduct such a test, with minimal risk and investment, and will cover the cost of providing the service with a reasonable contribution to institutional costs. To qualify for this program, a direct mailer, cataloger, or other mailer must use ISAL or VALUEPOST TM/CANADA service to send a minimum of 25,000 catalogs to one of the test markets and use Global Package Link service to ship orders received. Each test will last up to 6 months, and more than one country may be tested simultaneously. Companies that participate in the New Market Opportunities Program will receive information to determine their best country-specific prospects, delivery of their catalogs in the selected test market(s), delivery of their packages, and evaluation of test results at the end of the test. The New Market Opportunities Program is available to Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Rates for this program include delivery of catalogs; translation of the company's order form and company information to the in-country language of the test market; lists of suppliers for mailing lists, call centers, payment processing companies; country-specific information; lettershop services for mailers that have not used ISAL or VALUEPOST TM/CANADA for at least 1 year, a cost analysis worksheet; post-test evaluation of results; and participation in a post-test visit to USPS-selected destination countries. Rates are one fixed price for all markets for 25,000 catalogs and a per-piece charge for more than 25,000. Maximum weight allowable for each catalog is 6 ounces. Although exempted by 39 U.S.C. 410(a) from the advance notice requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act regarding proposed rulemaking (5 U.S.C. 553), the Postal Service invites public comment at the above address. The Postal Service adopts as an interim rule International Mail Manual (IMM) 248 , which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations (see 39 CFR 20.1). List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 20 Foreign relations, Incorporation by reference, International postal services. PART 20--[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 20 continues to read as follows: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 401, 407, 408. 2. The IMM is amended to incorporate part 248, New Market Opportunities Program, as follows: International Mail Manual (IMM) 2 Conditions for Mailing * * * * * * * * 248 New Market Opportunities Program 248.1 Definition The New Market Opportunities Program is designed for catalog companies that desire to test sending catalogs and merchandise to foreign countries. Each test will last up to 6 months. More than one market may be tested simultaneously. To participate in the New Market Opportunities Program, a company must sign a service agreement. This will contain the mailer's agreement to use International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) or VALUEPOST TM/CANADA service to send its catalogs and Global Package Link (GPL) service to fulfill catalog orders to selected destination markets. The mailer must meet all qualifications of GPL, either directly or through a GPL wholesaler (see 620 and 630). In addition to the delivery of catalogs and merchandise, the Postal Service will provide the mailer with: .11. A translation of the company's order form and ordering instructions to the language of the destination country, if appropriate. .12. A translation of a single page in the mailer's catalog, which describes the company and the products it sells, to the language of the destination country, if appropriate. .13. A list of suppliers including list providers, call centers, and payment processing companies for the destination countries. .14. A description of the destination country culture and mail order environment, including, but not limited to, country demographics, potential mail order products, direct marketing infrastructure, payment options, and catalog configuration. .15. Lettershop service through the USPS Prequalified Wholesaler Program, if the mailer has not used ISAL or VALUEPOST TM/ CANADA for 1 year or more. .16. A cost analysis worksheet to assist the mailer in making a cost analysis and projections for each market test. .17. Participation in a post-test visit to Postal Service-selected destination countries. 248.2 Qualifying Mailings Only printed matter as defined in 241 that meets all applicable mailing standards may be sent through this program. To qualify, a mailing must consist of a minimum of 25,000 ISAL or VALUEPOST TM/CANADA pieces to each country tested. 248.3 Availability The New Market Opportunities Program is available to the following markets: Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. The service is available as a Direct Ship or Drop Ship acceptance under 246.712 and 246.32 for ISAL and 247 for VALUEPOST TM/CANADA. 248.4 Special Services The special services described in chapter 3 are not available for items sent as part of the New Market Opportunities Program as ISAL or VALUEPOST TM/CANADA. 248.5 Customs Documentation See the customs forms requirements in 244.6 for ISAL and in 247.42 for VALUEPOST TM/CANADA. [[Page 13126]] 248.6 Permits ISAL and VALUEPOST TM/CANADA mailings must be submitted to the Postal Service with PS Form 3651, International Statement of Mailing (for Permit Imprints and Metered Bulk Letters to Canada). 248.7 Postage 248.71 Rates Rates for the first 25,000 pieces per country: Price per country: $22,000 Price for Canada: $17,000 Discount per country $ 2,000 (3 or more countries in a 6-month period) Additional catalogs over 25,000 pieces: Add $0.80 per piece. Note: Cost for GPL shipments is additional (see 620). 248.72 Payment Methods Payment must be paid through advance deposit account by permit imprint only. Mailings must consist of identical weight pieces. 248.8 Weight and Size Limits The maximum weight per piece is 6 ounces. 248.9 Preparation Requirements All of the requirements for preparation of ISAL and VALUEPOST TM/CANADA in 246 and 247 must be met. Stanley F. Mires, Chief Counsel, Legislative. [FR Doc. 98-6943 Filed 3-17-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-P