[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 39, Volume 1]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 39CFR501.26]

[Page 188-189]
 
                        TITLE 39--POSTAL SERVICE
 
                 CHAPTER I--UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
 
PART 501--AUTHORIZATION TO MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTE POSTAGE METERS--Table 
of Contents
 
Sec. 501.26  Inspection of meters in use.

    (a) The manufacturer must have all its meters in service with 
licensees inspected according to the following schedule. A high-volume 
mailer is defined as one who has annual metered postage in excess of 
$12,000.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09JN95.008

    (b) Manufacturer inspections must be sufficiently thorough to 
determine that each meter is clean, in proper operating condition, and 
recording its operations correctly and accurately. The manufacturers 
must:
    (1) Compare the meter serial number on the meter with the serial 
number on the source document (manufacturer's records).
    (2) Record the ascending and descending register readings and 
calculate the total readings. Record the locking-seal identification 
number.
    (3) Obtain the licensee's PS Form 3602-A, Record of Meter Register 
Readings, or equivalent, and a copy of the most recent PS Form 3603, 
Receipt for Postage Meter Setting, and verify the control total after 
the last setting with the control total calculated during the proof-of-
register procedure.
    (4) Verify the accuracy of postage selection, denomination indicator 
wheels or electronic display, and denomination printing wheels following 
the proof of registers by printing a .00 meter stamp and then comparing 
the register readings with the recorded register readings.
    (5) Check to determine that the post office locking seal is in place 
and properly sealed and that the seal wire is properly wound and tightly 
gripped by the seal-locking mechanism, and tightly pulled up to the lock 
cover or post. Ensure that the locking-seal identification number 
matches the seal number recorded at the time of the last meter 
resetting.
    (6) Check to determine that the lock cover properly protects the 
lock and has not been loosened, bent, or tampered with.
    (7) Complete the following, as applicable to the specific meter 
model:
    (i) Check to ensure that the meter fits properly on the meter base.
    (ii) Check all breakoff screws to determine that no screw is missing 
or loose or shows signs of removal.
    (iii) Operate the dater and meter ad selector dials to test the 
dater, postmark die, and meter ad plate.
    (iv) Check the alignment and condition of engraving on the 
denomination printing wheels, when visible.
    (v) Check the descending register door for damage, pry marks, or 
scarring. Make certain that the door cannot be opened without unlocking 
it.

[[Page 189]]

    (vi) Examine the meter drum for damage, pry marks, or scarring.
    (vii) Examine the meter cover for pry marks or scarring near the 
post office lock or breakoff screws, any drilled holes, or any signs of 
attempted entry into the internal mechanism of the meter.
    (viii) Examine the meter stamp die for excessive wear, damage, 
breakage, or scars from prying, and the postage die retaining screws for 
signs of wear to ensure that none is missing or shows signs of removal.
    (ix) Check the register, counter, and display windows for breakage 
or cloudiness.
    (x) Obtain the signature of the licensee to show that a meter 
inspection has taken place.
    (8) Report immediately to the licensee's licensing postmaster any 
irregularity in the operation of the meter or sign of improper use, and 
take steps to replace or remove the meter.

[60 FR 30726, June 9, 1995. Redesignated at 66 FR 55097, Nov. 1, 2001]