The United States Postal Service (USPS) has submitted a formal request to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to amend the Mail Classification Schedule (MCS) concerning Competitive International Registered Mail. Filed on October 14, 2025, this request seeks to remove the outbound portion of this service as an optional feature for First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS), effective January 1, 2026. The changes stem from amendments to the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Convention, which will limit international registered mail to certain document-only formats starting in 2026 and discontinue bulky letter formats in 2027. This development reflects broader efforts to harmonize U.S. postal offerings with global standards, potentially affecting users of international mail services by restricting tracking options for packages containing goods. The PRC has opened Docket No. MC2026-21 for public comments, due by October 24, 2025, underscoring the regulatory process for ensuring compliance with federal statutes.
Background on USPS International Mail Services and UPU Influence
The USPS operates under Title 39 of the U.S. Code, which requires it to provide universal postal services while competing in certain markets. Competitive products, including international mail like FCPIS, are regulated by the PRC to ensure they cover costs and do not unfairly subsidize other services, as outlined in 39 U.S.C. 3633. Currently, International Registered Mail serves as an optional feature for both First-Class Mail International (FCMI) and FCPIS, offering tracking and limited insurance for outbound items.
FCMI handles small letters (P) and large letters (G) under UPU classifications, typically for documents, while FCPIS covers bulky letters (E) and small packets (E), which can include goods. The UPU, an agency of the United Nations with 192 member countries including the U.S., sets international postal standards through its Convention and Regulations. Amendments to these documents, adopted at the 2023 UPU Extraordinary Congress and the 2025 UPU Congress, directly impact USPS offerings. Specifically, effective January 1, 2026, registered mail will be restricted to document-only items in P, G, and E formats, excluding small packets (E) with goods. A further change in 2027 will eliminate the bulky letters (E) format altogether, confining documents to P and G formats.
The USPS request cites these UPU amendments as the primary rationale, noting that maintaining non-compliant services could disrupt international mail flows. Governors' Decision No. 25-3, attached to the filing, supports the changes, emphasizing alignment with global norms to avoid operational disruptions.
Key Details of the Proposed MCS Changes
The USPS proposes to excise the outbound Competitive International Registered Mail from MCS section 2615.2 and make conforming edits to sections 2335.5, 2510.3.5, 2510.7.5, and 2510.8.5, where it is listed as an FCPIS feature. This would limit registered mail to FCMI for small and large letters containing documents only. Although the UPU's bulky letters discontinuation takes effect in 2027, the USPS aims to implement all changes on January 1, 2026, to streamline operations and provide clarity to users.
In its filing, the USPS asserts compliance with 39 CFR 3040.180, which governs material changes to product descriptions. It argues that the modifications will not violate cost-coverage standards under 39 U.S.C. 3633 or 39 CFR part 3035, as they involve removing a feature rather than altering pricing. The request includes sealed financial data to demonstrate minimal impact on competitive dynamics, projecting no significant harm to users or competitors like private carriers such as FedEx or UPS, which offer alternative international tracking services.
Regulatory Process and Public Involvement
The PRC's notice establishes a formal docket for review, inviting electronic comments via its Filing Online system. This step adheres to 39 CFR 3040.181, requiring public input on whether the changes align with statutory requirements. Samuel Robinson has been appointed as the Public Representative to advocate for general public interests, independent of any specific stakeholder.
Historically, similar MCS adjustments have drawn comments from industry groups, such as the Association for Postal Commerce, focusing on competitive fairness. In this case, perspectives may vary: USPS views the changes as necessary for UPU compliance, potentially reducing administrative burdens. Users of FCPIS, including small businesses shipping goods internationally, might express concerns over lost tracking options, though alternatives like insured mail or priority services remain. Competitors could argue that the restriction levels the playing field by limiting USPS advantages in low-cost registered options.
Legal precedents, such as the PRC's rulings in prior dockets like MC2019-13 on international product adjustments, emphasize that changes must not result in cross-subsidization. The USPS filing addresses this by providing justifications and sealed data, asserting no adverse effects on market competition.
Implications for Stakeholders and International Postal Landscape
In the short term, the changes could simplify USPS operations by aligning with UPU standards, reducing the risk of rejected mail at international borders. Users accustomed to registered FCPIS for goods may need to shift to other services, potentially increasing costs or complexity. Long-term, this reflects ongoing UPU efforts to distinguish between document and goods shipments, addressing e-commerce growth and customs challenges.
Different viewpoints highlight tensions: Proponents, including USPS, stress harmonization benefits for global efficiency. Critics, possibly from e-commerce sectors, might point to reduced options for affordable, trackable shipping. The proposal does not affect inbound registered mail or domestic services, focusing solely on outbound competitive products.
The USPS request to the Postal Regulatory Commission underscores the interplay between domestic postal regulation and international standards. By proposing to remove Competitive International Registered Mail from First-Class Package International Service effective January 1, 2026, the USPS aims to comply with UPU amendments restricting such services to document-only formats. Public comments, due by October 24, 2025, will inform the PRC's decision, potentially shaping final implementation. Ongoing debates may center on balancing UPU compliance with user needs, with future challenges including adapting to the 2027 bulky letters discontinuation and monitoring competitive impacts. Stakeholders should watch for PRC orders that could refine or delay these changes based on feedback.