International Priority Airmail® (IPA®) service is designed to meet the need of business mailers for an international service that is faster and more economical than regular First-Class Mail International service. Average delivery time is 3–7 business days. To use it, customers must tender only First–Class Mail International items and must meet specified volume and sortation requirements. Presort, nonpresort, and drop ship prices as well as volume pricing are available for commercial customers who meet international customized mail program requirements. Each IPA mailing must weigh a minimum of 11 pounds.
IPA service is available to all destination countries except to Montenegro and to Somalia. Qualifying mailings can be entered at Postal Service business mail entry units (BMEUs) or at other locally designated bulk mail acceptance locations.
IPA M-bags that are entered in conjunction with an IPA mailing (see IMM 292) may contain all types of allowable printed matter and certain other items (see IMM 261.22). See IMM Exhibits 292.211a or 292.211b for the postage price that applies to M-bags mailed to each IPA destination country. Each full service IPA M-bag that weighs 11 pounds or less is charged the applicable 11-pound price; a bag that exceeds 11 pounds is charged the applicable 11–pound price and the applicable per-pound price for each additional pound or fraction of a pound over 11 pounds. Each International Service Center (ISC) drop shipment IPA M-bag that weighs 5 pounds or less is charged the applicable 5-pound price; a bag that exceeds 5 pounds is charged the applicable 5-pound price and the applicable per-pound price for each additional pound or fraction of a pound over 5 pounds.
IPA postage prices are based on a “piece plus pound” structure that consists of per–piece and per–pound charges. Two price options are available: presorted prices based on country groups, and a nonpresorted worldwide price. See IMM 292 for more information about pricing, documentation, and preparation requirements, or consult your local Post Office.
