The most recent Postal Bulletin released by the USPS on Aug. 25, 2022, contains two key policy updates pertaining to Periodicals Requester Records Requirements. Effective Nov. 7, 2022, the Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), part 207, to reflect changes to Postal Service verification requirements for authorized audit bureaus.
The Postal Service is enacting new procedures for auditing compliance with circulation standards for Periodicals requester publications, as well as standardizing procedures across Postal Service publications. The Postal Service is also revising the applicable Customer Support Ruling and Postal Service customer handbooks to reflect this DMM revision. Although the Postal Service will not publish these revisions in the DMM until Nov. 7, 2022, the standards are effective immediately.
Previous
8.1.3 Retention
The publisher must keep records for each issue of a publication for three years from its issue date, except for circulation records for general or requester publications for which USPS verification of circulation is done by a USPS- authorized audit bureau. A publisher whose records are verified by an authorized audit bureau is not required to keep source records of requests and subscriptions longer than required by the audit bureau.
Revised
8.1.3 Retention
The publisher must keep records for each issue of a publication for a minimum of three years from its issue date, except for circulation records for general or requester publications for which a USPS-authorized audit bureau verifies USPS circulation. In addition, the publisher must retain records for paid subscribers for a minimum of 12 months following the issue date. A publisher whose records are verified by an authorized audit bureau is not required to keep source records of requests and subscriptions longer than required by the audit bureau, provided that the authorized audit bureau retains records related to such requests and subscriptions for a minimum of three years following each issue date.
Previous
8.2.2 Authorized Verification
USPS employees or an authorized audit bureau may conduct verifications of circulation for an application for Periodicals mailing privileges, reentry application, or other required circulation verification of general or requester publications.
Revised
8.2.2 Authorized Verification
USPS employees or an authorized audit bureau may conduct circulation verifications for an application for Periodicals mailing privileges, reentry application, or other required circulation verification of general or requester publications, provided that the Postal Service will have the authority to review audit procedures upon request. In addition, the Postal Service reserves the right to verify each audit bureau’s compliance with Postal Service audit procedures. The Postal Service has the authority to revoke any audit bureau’s authorization to conduct verifications if it finds the audit bureau failed to follow approved audit procedures.
Walsworth continues to seek and share the latest postal updates and information to help our customers understand and navigate changes to mailing and shipping. When any policies, procedures or forms are updated, Walsworth will be sure to share announcements.
