are large enough to show all the destination address at any insert position;
•
are at least 19 mm from the bottom edge;
•
do not show other print (text or graphics) to the right or below the address;
•
do not print in the quiet zones to the left and above the address;
•
are rectangular in shape.
Oversize
The entire window must be located inside the Address Zone (refer to 3.2.2).
6.1.2 Auxiliary Windows
Placement
Ensure that windows on the front and back of the item are not on top of each other so that one cannot see through the envelope.
Short and Long
•
Use only one other window, in addition to the destination address window.
•
This window may be either on:
Front:
•
At least 45 mm from the bottom edge.
•
Outside the Address Zone and the reserved areas.
Or
Back:
•
Not less than 30 mm from the top and bottom edges.
•
15 mm from the left and right edges.
Oversize
•
Use no more than two auxiliary windows, in addition to the main address window.
•
Locate only one of these auxiliary windows on either side of the item (i.e. one on the front and one on the back) and anywhere on the item except in the areas for the indicia and the bar code.
•
Show address information only in the window on the front and not in the window on the back of the item.
OVERSIZE
Both Short and Long, and Oversize
Separate the auxiliary window on the front of the item by a minimum of 7 mm from the destination address window.
6.1.3 Window Material
Note: Ensure all windows are covered.
Characteristics
Cover all address windows with material that has:
•
sufficient transparency to allow a transmission with a maximum haze of 75%.
•
uniform clarity
•
no wrinkles, creases or blemishes
•
a gloss reading on the side facing out of 159 gloss units or less.
If the address is below the transparent wrapper, then the seam of a transparent wrapper should be located:
•
outside of the areas for the destination address or bar code.
•
preferably on the side opposite the destination address.
Fold-Over Location
When folding the back of the envelope over its front to form the envelope, place the fold-over portion either under or over the front of the envelope.
6.2.2 Envelope Flap
Location
The recommended location of the closing flap is the top edge on the back (side without the destination address) of the item.
Adhesive
The portion of the envelope flap that does not have adhesive will not extend more than:
CATEGORY
FROM THE BOTTOM FOLD
FROM RIGHT OR LEFT EDGE
Short and Long
13 mm
19 mm
OR vice versa
Oversize
19 mm
25 mm
OR vice versa
Split gumming
Split gumming on Short and Long items
•
There should be gum at the top of pointed flaps.
•
Gum covers 60% of the fold line.
•
Maximum width of untreated splits is 19 mm.
6.2.3 Sealing
Requirement
Seal all items, except postcards.
Methods
If the item is not glued, use tape instead of clasps, metal eyelets, hook fastenings, staples, string and button.
Note: Use staples for oversize items, if the staples are properly clinched and covered with tape.
6.3 Self-mailers
6.3.1 Preparation
Pin Feed Holes
Remove pin feed hold strips before mailing the item.
Tear-off Strips
Locate tear-off strips on the left of the front (address) side of the item.
Perforations
Prepare perforations in mail items by:
•
not punching out paper to make them
•
arranging the layers of the mailer so that one line of perforations does not fall exactly on top of another.
6.3.2 Return Envelope – Self-mailer
Perforations
Don't have a perforation line for an opening within the body of the envelope.
Sealing
•
Fold the sealing flap to the back of the item.
•
Locate the sealing flap:
•
preferably on the top of the item, like a conventional envelope
Or
•
on either side.
6.3.3 Multi-web Self-mailer
Paper
Use paper that meets flexural strength requirements.
Sealing
Seal on all four edges of the items so that there are no spaces without sealing greater than 1 mm.
6.3.4 Fold-over Self-mailer
Paper
Use paper that meets flexural strength requirements.
Folding
If the item is folded
Then locate the fold on:
Horizontally
the bottom edge of the item
Vertically
the right (lead) edge
Sealing
Seal on all four sides of the item.
•
Completely seal the lead and trail edges so there are no spaces without sealing greater than 1 mm.
•
Spot seal the top and bottom edges as long as the centres of the sealing spots can be located no farther apart than 20 mm.
6.4 Reusable Mail Piece (Two-way Mailer)
Definition
A reusable mail piece is an envelope, self-mailer, card or similar item that is designed for two-way movement.
•
The sender sends it to the receiver.
•
The receiver reconfigures it to send a response back to the sender.
Outgoing Portion
Provide sufficient instructions on the cover for the recipient to be able to reconfigure the item.
Returning Portion
Completely cover so that there is no “show through” of the following:
•
the original destination and return address
•
the original indication of postage paid and extraction bars (if any).
•
the fluorescent orange bar code on the front of the original item (if any).
6.5 Outer Cover Requirements
6.5.1 Oversize Wrappings
Transparent Oversize Wrapping and Polybags
Use plastics and similar transparent wrappings if they are strong enough to withstand mechanized processing and have:
•
a gloss reading of 159 or less
•
a low-slip coating.
•
a maximum haze of 75%, if the wrapping covers the address.
•
a thickness of at least .03 mm.
•
undergone antistatic treatment and have a static charge of 2.0kV or less.
Endorsement Area
If the plastic wrapper does not take a lasting impression, then use a white opaque band or an outside label large enough for a postal endorsement.
Oversize Paper Wrapping
Secure with adhesive or tape the opens seams on oversize items.
6.5.2 Cover Characteristics
Both Short and Long, and Oversize
These requirements, except for opacity, apply to outer covering paper, labels, inserts visible through windows and transparent wrappings.
The Opacity requirement applies only to the paper used in outer coverings.
Ink Absorbency
Requirement
A reading of not more than 60%.
Minimum Requirement – Compliance in these areas
On short and long items: • 19 mm along the bottom front • 15 mm high x 140 mm wide on the bottom back. This requirement does not apply to oversize items.
Note:
Gloss/matte papers usually don’t meet this requirement because their coating prevents the bar code ink used in processing to be absorbed.
Luminescence
Requirement
A UV content level of less than 1% or a lower luminescence than either “Century Premium Opaque Cover” or “Mayfair Cover Antique Britewhite” when compared under a UV light.
Opacity
Requirement
An opacity of 80% or greater on outer coverings.
Minimum Requirement – Compliance in these areas
On short and long items: • the address and 13 mm around it • 74 mm wide by 40 mm high in the upper right corner • 140 mm wide by 15 mm high on the back • 19 mm along the bottom front.
On oversize items, the address and 10 mm around it.
Smoothness
Requirement
A measurement of between 55 and 380 Sheffield Smoothness Units.
Note:
Avoid using paper with raised or projected areas for item covers and wrappings or for postcards.
Reflectance
Requirement
A reflectance between 45 and 95%, so that both people and machines can easily read addresses and bar codes.
Minimum Requirement – Compliance in these areas
On short and long items: • the address and 13 mm around it • 74 mm wide by 40 high in the upper right corner • 140 mm wide by 15 mm high on the back • 19 mm along the bottom front.
On Oversize items, the address and 10 mm around it.
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