USPS Axes Airmail M-Bags Because World Says 'No Thanks' Anymore
Published Date: 8/27/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting January 17, 2027, the Postal Service is changing how it handles International Direct Sacks—Airmail M-Bags by removing outbound M-Bags from their services. This update follows global postal rules that shifted M-Bags from a basic to an optional service, with many countries no longer accepting inbound M-Bags. If you use or rely on international mail services, keep an eye out and share your thoughts by September 8, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Outbound M‑Bags Service Removed
On January 17, 2027, the Postal Service will remove outbound International Direct Sacks—Airmail M‑Bags from its Mail Classification Schedule. If you currently send printed matter overseas using outbound M‑Bags, that service option will no longer be available starting on that date.
UPU Reclassified M‑Bags; 53 Countries Exited
The Universal Postal Union reclassified M‑Bags from a basic service to an optional supplementary service effective January 1, 2025, and the Postal Service says postal operators of 53 countries decided they would no longer accept inbound M‑Bags. This change in international acceptance is cited as a reason for the Postal Service's January 17, 2027 changes.
Certificate & Price‑List Changes for M‑Bags
Also effective January 17, 2027, the Postal Service will remove the combination of the International Certificate of Mailing with M‑Bags and will change Notes in the Part D Country Price Lists for international mail. The Postal Service will also update MCS section 2320 to add information about International Priority Airmail M‑Bags.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-10758, System for Regulating Rates and Classes for Market Dominant Products
Starting in 2025, the Postal Service will only change rates for Market Dominant products once a year until 2030, making prices more predictable and easier to manage. They’ll also fix discounts to better match actual cost savings, stopping unfair price cuts. These changes affect businesses and customers who use postal services and aim to save money and simplify how rates are set.
2025-03042, Market Dominant Postal Products
The Postal Regulatory Commission is updating rules about discounts and price perks for popular mail services like letters and small packages. These changes affect businesses and everyday folks who use mail, aiming to keep prices fair and encourage smart mailing choices. The new rules kick in soon, so get ready for some fresh ways to save or pay when sending mail!
2026-17443, Mail Classification Schedule
The Commission is recognizing a recently filed Postal Service request to make changes to the product description of International Proof of Delivery in the Mail Classification Schedule. This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps.
2026-17493, New Postal Products
The Postal Service has asked for approval of new deals that offer special shipping options to businesses. These changes could affect companies using competitive mailing services and might change prices or services soon. Everyone can share their thoughts by September 1, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!
2026-17014, New Postal Products
The Postal Service has asked for approval of a new deal that changes how some mail services work. This affects businesses using competitive postal products and could mean new options or tweaks to existing services. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until August 25, 2026, to comment—no cost to join in!
2026-16872, New Postal Products
The Postal Service has asked for approval of new or changed special deals for competitive mail services. This affects businesses using these services and could change prices or options soon. You’ve got until August 24, 2026, to share your thoughts before the Postal Regulatory Commission makes a decision.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-17443, Mail Classification Schedule
The Commission is recognizing a recently filed Postal Service request to make changes to the product description of International Proof of Delivery in the Mail Classification Schedule. This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps.
Next: 2026-17447, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Reinstated Information Collection: Pilot Certification and Qualification Requirements for Air Carrier Operations
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to reinstate an information collection that expired in December 2025. The collection involves FAA review of Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification Training Program (CTP) submissions to determine whether the program complies with the applicable requirements. It also involves FAA review of educational institutions' applications for authority to certify its graduates meet the minimum regulatory requirements.