USPS TO REQUIRE 2D BARCODE ON SHIPPING LABELS

The US Postal Service is considering updating systems/processes to detect the absence of the Intelligent Mail Matrix Barcode (IMmb, also known as 2D barcodes) on all shipping labels. This includes packages mailed as USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Parcel Select, Media Mail, Library Mail, USPS Marketing Mail, Parcel Return Service and USPS Return.

The proposal includes requiring the IMmbs for all labels starting January 19, 2025 including PME, PM, GA, PS, Library Mail, Media Mail, Marketing Mail, Presorted BPM, Periodicals (Parcels), PMERS, PMRS, GARS, and PRS.
IMpb Compliance assessments for HAZMAT packages will begin January 19, 2025. This will include PME, PM, GA, PS, MM/LM, PMERS, PMRS, GARS, and PRS. This will bring our systems up to date for HAZMAT compliance. IMpb Compliance assessments for all other packages will begin April 1, 2025. This will prepare the US Postal Service systems to monitor and assess IMmb compliance on all shipping labels.

The US Postal Service implemented the Intelligent Mail Matrix Barcode (IMmb) technology in 2023. The IMmb is based on the GS1-DataMatrix. The labeling requirements add two (2) supplemental GS1-DataMatrix IMmb barcodes to the standard shipping label layouts. The two required GS1 IMmb barcodesshall be positioned on the shipping label per the following guidelines … (click to read more)