USPS Ditches Old Manifest System for Digital Simplicity
Published Date: 11/9/2025
Rule
Summary
The Postal Service is retiring the old Manifest Mailing System on April 1, 2026. This change affects all mailers, especially small businesses, who will now use a free, easy online tool to handle their mail barcodes. No extra costs or software needed—just a smoother, simpler way to get your mail moving!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Manifest Mailing System retired April 1, 2026
The Postal Service is retiring the Manifest Mailing System (MMS) effective April 1, 2026. After that date, mailers must use electronic documentation options such as eDoc, Full Service, Seamless, and eInduction for Letters, Cards, and Flats, or USPS Ship / Click-N-Ship for packages.
Free web tool for small business mailers
Small business mailers can use the Intelligent Mail for Small Business (IMsb) Tool, a free, web-based application that requires no software installation or downloads. The IMsb Tool generates Intelligent Mail barcodes, works via standard web browsers, and includes a user guide on PostalPro.
Package shipping moves to USPS Ship and limits commingling
For packages, the Postal Service points mailers to USPS Ship and Click-N-Ship as electronic manifest options. USPS Ship lets mailers transmit electronic files and pay postage without paper manifests, but Business Acceptance Solutions must approve these systems and mailers may not commingle USPS Ship mail with non-USPS Ship mail in the same mailing or container unless authorized.
Publication 401 removed from PostalPro
As a result of retiring MMS, Publication 401, Guide to the Manifest Mailing System, will no longer be available on PostalPro after April 1, 2026. Mailers who used Publication 401 must use the alternative electronic guidance and documentation on PostalPro.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
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