[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 39, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 39CFR501.7]

[Page 164]
 
                        TITLE 39--POSTAL SERVICE
 
                 CHAPTER I--UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
 
PART 501_AUTHORIZATION TO MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTE POSTAGE
 
Sec.  501.7  Postage Evidencing System requirements.

    (a) A Postage Evidencing System submitted to the Postal Service for 
approval must meet the requirements of the Performance Criteria for 
Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for Open IBI Postage 
Evidencing Systems or Performance Criteria for Information-Based Indicia 
and Security Architecture for Closed IBI Postage Metering Systems 
published by PTM. The current versions of the Performance Criteria may 
be found on the Postal Service Web site at http://www.usps.com/
postagesolutions/programdoc.html or requests for copies may be submitted 
via mail to the address in Sec.  501.2(g).
    (b) The provider must affix to all meters a cautionary message 
providing the meter user with basic reminders on leasing and meter 
movement.
    (1) The cautionary message must be placed on all meters in a 
conspicuous and highly visible location. PROPERTY OF [NAME OF PROVIDER] 
as well as the provider's toll-free number must be emphasized by 
capitalized bold type and preferably printed in red. The minimum width 
of the message should be 3.25 inches, and the minimum height should be 
1.75 inches. The message should read as follows:

RENTED POSTAGE METER-NOT FOR SALE
PROPERTY OF [NAME OF PROVIDER]
(800) -

    Use of this meter is permissible only under U.S. Postal Service 
authorization. Call [Name of Provider] at (800) 
- to 
relocate/return this meter.

WARNING! METER TAMPERING IS A FEDERAL OFFENSE.
IF YOU SUSPECT METER TAMPERING, CALL POSTAL INSPECTORS AT (800) 372-8347

    REWARD UP TO $50,000 for information leading to the conviction of 
any person who misuses postage meters resulting in the Postal Service 
not receiving correct postage payments.

    (2) Exceptions to the formatting of the required message are 
determined on a case-by-case basis. Any deviation from standardized 
meter message requirements must be approved in writing by the Postal 
Service.
    (c) The provider must ensure that any matter printed by a postage 
evidencing system, whether within the boundaries of the indicia or 
outside the clear zone as defined in DMM 604.4.0 and the Performance 
Criteria for Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for 
Open IBI Postage Evidencing Systems or Performance Criteria for 
Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for Closed IBI 
Postage Metering Systems, is:
    (1) Consistent with the Postal Service's intent to maintain 
neutrality on religious, social, political, legal, moral, or other 
public issues;
    (2) Is not obscene, deceptive, or defamatory of any person, entity, 
or group, and does not advocate unlawful action;
    (3) Does not emulate any form of valid postage, government, or other 
official indicia, or payment of postage; and
    (4) Does not harm the public image, reputation, or good will of the 
Postal Service and is not otherwise derogatory or detrimental to the 
interests of the Postal Service.
    (d) Providers must also ensure that customers acknowledge, agree, 
and warrant in writing that:
    (1) The customer bears full responsibility and liability for 
obtaining authorization to reproduce and otherwise use the matter as 
proposed (including, without limitation, any trademarks, slogans, 
likenesses or copyrighted material contained in the image);
    (2) The customer in fact has the legal authority to reproduce and 
otherwise use the matter as proposed; and
    (3) The customer understands that images or other matter is not 
provided, approved, or endorsed in any way by the Postal Service.