Free Blind Mail Gets Barcodes and Hazmat Fees from USPS?
Published Date: 9/1/2026
Rule
Summary
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to clarify the applicability of the Hazmat Handling Fee, and to require a parcel barcode, on parcels mailed as Free Matter for the Blind and Other Physically Handicapped Persons (Free Matter).
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Commercial Free Matter hits Hazmat noncompliance fee
Packages mailed by commercial mailers under the Free Matter standard are subject to the Hazmat Noncompliance Fee when the Postal Service detects hazardous materials that were not properly declared and labeled. The Postal Service introduced the Hazmat Handling and Hazmat Noncompliance Fees on July 12, 2026.
Barcode/STC rules and noncompliance fees for mailers
Commercial mailers of Free Matter must use a unique IMpb and IMmb prepared under the DMM and Publication 199 and must use specific HAZMAT Service Type Codes (STC). Commercial mailers that do not meet the unique IMpb/IMmb requirements will be subject to the Package Quality Noncompliance Fee under Notice 123-Price List.
Free Matter exempt from Hazmat Handling Fee
Matter mailed free under the Free Matter for the Blind and Other Physically Handicapped Persons standard is not subject to the Postal Service's Hazmat Handling Fee. This clarification applies to pieces entered free of postage under that standard.
Free Matter parcels must carry IMpb and IMmb
All parcels mailed as Free Matter must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) and an Intelligent Mail matrix barcode (IMmb). The barcodes provide customers the ability to track their packages and give the Postal Service better visibility for expeditious handling and delivery.
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Key Dates
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