§ 3001. Nonmailable matter

(a) Matter the deposit of which in the mails is punishable under section 1302, 1341, 1342, 1461, 1463, 1715, 1716, 1717, or 1738 (1)(A), (1)(B), or (1)(C), such envelope or outside cover or wrapper bears on its face an accurate return address including the name of the entity that sent such matter.

(i)

(1) Matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails which constitutes a solicitation by a nongovernmental entity for information or the contribution of funds or membership fees and which reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying any Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement through the use of a seal, insignia, reference to the Postmaster General, citation to a Federal statute, name of a Federal agency, department, commission, or program, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol; or contains any reference to the Postmaster General or a citation to a Federal statute that misrepresents either the identity of the mailer or the protection or status afforded such matter by the Federal Government; or which bears the term “census” on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper; or on which the term “census” is visible through the envelope or outside cover or wrapper is nonmailable matter and shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs, unless—

(A) such nongovernmental entity has such expressed connection, approval or endorsement;

(B)

(i) such matter bears on its face, in conspicuous and legible type in contrast by typography, layout, or color with other printing on its face, in accordance with regulations which the Postal Service shall prescribe, the following notice: “THIS ORGANIZATION HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND THIS OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE BY AN AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.”, or a notice to the same effect in words which the Postal Service may prescribe;

(ii) the envelope or outside cover or wrapper in which such matter is mailed bears on its face in capital letters and in conspicuous and legible type, in accordance with regulations which the Postal Service shall prescribe, the following notice: “THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT.”, or a notice to the same effect in words which the Postal Service may prescribe; and

(iii) such matter does not contain a false representation stating or implying that Federal Government benefits or services will be affected by any contribution or noncontribution; or

(C) such matter is contained in a publication for which the addressee has paid or promised to pay a consideration or which he has otherwise indicated he desires to receive, except that this paragraph shall not apply if the solicitation is on behalf of the publisher of the publication.

(2) In the case of matter bearing the term “census” on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper or matter on which the term “census” is visible through the envelope or outside cover or wrapper, in addition to satisfying one of the exceptions contained in paragraphs ² (1)(A), (1)(B), or (1)(C), such envelope or outside cover or wrapper bears on its face an accurate return address including the name of the entity that sent such matter.

(j)

(1) Any matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails which is described in paragraph (2) is nonmailable matter, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs.

(2) Matter described in this paragraph is any matter that—

(A) constitutes a solicitation for the purchase of or payment for any product or service that—

(i) is provided by the Federal Government; and

(ii) may be obtained without cost from the Federal Government; and

(B) does not contain a clear and conspicuous statement giving notice of the information set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A).

(k)

(1) In this subsection—

(A) the term “clearly and conspicuously displayed” means presented in a manner that is readily noticeable, readable, and understandable to the group to whom the applicable matter is disseminated;

(B) the term “facsimile check” means any matter that—

(i) is designed to resemble a check or other negotiable instrument; but

(ii) is not negotiable;

(C) the term “skill contest” means a puzzle, game, competition, or other contest in which—

(i) a prize is awarded or offered;

(ii) the outcome depends predominately on the skill of the contestant; and

(iii) a purchase, payment, or donation is required or implied to be required to enter the contest; and

(D) the term “sweepstakes” means a game of chance for which no consideration is required to enter.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (4), any matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails which is described in paragraph (3) is nonmailable matter, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs.

(3) Matter described in this paragraph is any matter that—

(A)

(i) includes entry materials for a sweepstakes or a promotion that purports to be a sweepstakes; and

(ii)

(I) does not contain a statement that discloses in the mailing, in the rules, and on the order or entry form, that no purchase is necessary to enter such sweepstakes;

(II) does not contain a statement that discloses in the mailing, in the rules, and on the order or entry form, that a purchase will not improve an individual’s chances of winning with such entry;

(III) does not state all terms and conditions of the sweepstakes promotion, including the rules and entry procedures for the sweepstakes;

(IV) does not disclose the sponsor or mailer of such matter and the principal place of business or an address at which the sponsor or mailer may be contacted;

(V) does not contain sweepstakes rules that state—

(aa) the estimated odds of winning each prize;

(bb) the quantity, estimated retail value, and nature of each prize; and

(cc) the schedule of any payments made over time;

(VI) represents that individuals not purchasing products or services may be disqualified from receiving future sweepstakes mailings;

(VII) requires that a sweepstakes entry be accompanied by an order or payment for a product or service previously ordered;

(VIII) represents that an individual is a winner of a prize unless that individual has won such prize; or

(IX) contains a representation that contradicts, or is inconsistent with sweepstakes rules or any other disclosure required to be made under this subsection, including any statement qualifying, limiting, or explaining the rules or disclosures in a manner inconsistent with such rules or disclosures;

(B)

(i) includes entry materials for a skill contest or a promotion that purports to be a skill contest; and

(ii)

(I) does not state all terms and conditions of the skill contest, including the rules and entry procedures for the skill contest;

(II) does not disclose the sponsor or mailer of the skill contest and the principal place of business or an address at which the sponsor or mailer may be contacted; or

(III) does not contain skill contest rules that state, as applicable—

(aa) the number of rounds or levels of the contest and the cost to enter each round or level;

(bb) that subsequent rounds or levels will be more difficult to solve;

(cc) the maximum cost to enter all rounds or levels;

(dd) the estimated number or percentage of entrants who may correctly solve the skill contest or the approximate number or percentage of entrants correctly solving the past 3 skill contests conducted by the sponsor;

(ee) the identity or description of the qualifications of the judges if the contest is judged by other than the sponsor;

(ff) the method used in judging;

(gg) the date by which the winner or winners will be determined and the date or process by which prizes will be awarded;

(hh) the quantity, estimated retail value, and nature of each prize; and

(ii) the schedule of any payments made over time; or

(C) includes any facsimile check that does not contain a statement on the check itself that such check is not a negotiable instrument and has no cash value.

(4) Matter that appears in a magazine, newspaper, or other periodical shall be exempt from paragraph (2) if such matter—

(A) is not directed to a named individual; or

(B) does not include an opportunity to make a payment or order a product or service.

(5) Any statement, notice, or disclaimer required under paragraph (3) shall be clearly and conspicuously displayed. Any statement, notice, or disclaimer required under subclause (I) or (II) of paragraph (3)(A)(ii) shall be displayed more conspicuously than would otherwise be required under the preceding sentence.

(6) In the enforcement of paragraph (3), the Postal Service shall consider all of the materials included in the mailing and the material and language on and visible through the envelope or outside cover or wrapper in which those materials are mailed.

(l)

(1) Any person who uses the mails for any matter to which subsection (h), (i), (j), or (k) applies shall adopt reasonable practices and procedures to prevent the mailing of such matter to any person who, personally or through a conservator, guardian, or individual with power of attorney—

(A) submits to the mailer of such matter a written request that such matter should not be mailed to such person; or

(B)

(i) submits such a written request to the attorney general of the appropriate State (or any State government officer who transmits the request to that attorney general); and

(ii) that attorney general transmits such request to the mailer.

(2) Any person who mails matter to which subsection (h), (i), (j), or (k) applies shall maintain or cause to be maintained a record of all requests made under paragraph (1). The records shall be maintained in a form to permit the suppression of an applicable name at the applicable address for a 5-year period beginning on the date the written request under paragraph (1) is submitted to the mailer.

(m) Except as otherwise provided by law, proceedings concerning the mailability of matter under this chapter and chapters 71 and 83 of title 18 shall be conducted in accordance with chapters 5 and 7 of title 5.

(n)

(1) Except as otherwise authorized by law or regulations of the Postal Service, hazardous material is nonmailable.

(2) In this subsection, the term “hazardous material” means a substance or material designated by the Secretary of Transportation under section 5103(a) of title 49.

(o) The district courts, together with the District Court of the Virgin Islands and the District Court of Guam, shall have jurisdiction, upon cause shown, to enjoin violations of section 1716 of title 18.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 745; Pub. L. 91–662, § 6(1), Jan. 8, 1971, 84 Stat. 1974; Pub. L. 92–191, § 2, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 647; Pub. L. 89–544, § 26(i)(2), formerly § 26(h)(2), as added Pub. L. 94–279, § 17, Apr. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 423, and renumbered § 26(i)(2), Pub. L. 110–234, title XIV, § 14207(a)(8), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1462, and Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title XIV, § 14207(a)(8), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2224; Pub. L. 97–398, § 5, Dec. 31, 1982, 96 Stat. 2011; Pub. L. 101–493, § 2, Oct. 31, 1990, 104 Stat. 1184; Pub. L. 101–524, § 2(a), Nov. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 2301; Pub. L. 102–71, § 2(1), July 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 330; Pub. L. 106–168, title I, §§ 102, 103, 110(a), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1806, 1808, 1817; Pub. L. 109–435, title X, § 1008(a), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3259; Pub. L. 111–155, § 2, Apr. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 1112; Pub. L. 111–170, § 1, May 24, 2010, 124 Stat. 1193.)

References In Text

References in Text

Section 1738 of title 18, referred to in subsec. (a), was repealed by Pub. L. 106–578, § 4, Dec. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 3076.

Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is section 26 of Pub. L. 89–544, which is classified to section 2156 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Section 2 of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (f), is classified to section 1471 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

Codification

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to Pub. L. 89–544 included in the credit of this section. The amendment by Pub. L. 110–234 was repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Constitutionality

Constitutionality

For information regarding constitutionality of certain provisions of this section, as taken from section 2 of act Mar. 3, 1873, ch. 258, 17 Stat. 599, codified by Pub. L. 91–375, and amended by section 6(1) of Pub. L. 91–662, see Congressional Research Service, The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation, Appendix 1, Acts of Congress Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Amendments

Amendments

2010—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 111–155, § 2(a)(2)–(5), designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as subpars. (A) to (C), respectively, of par. (1), redesignated subpars. (A) to (C) of former par. (2) as cls. (i) to (iii), respectively, of par. (1)(B), and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 111–155, § 2(a)(1), inserted “; or which bears the term ‘census’ on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper” after “such matter by the Federal Government” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 111–170, § 1(a)(1), inserted “; or on which the term ‘census’ is visible through the envelope or outside cover or wrapper” after “or which bears the term ‘census’ on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 111–170, § 1(a)(2), inserted “or matter on which the term ‘census’ is visible through the envelope or outside cover or wrapper” after “In the case of matter bearing the term ‘census’ on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper”.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 111–155, § 2(b)(2)–(5), designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as subpars. (A) to (C), respectively, of par. (1), redesignated subpars. (A) to (C) of former par. (2) as cls. (i) to (iii), respectively, of par. (1)(B), and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 111–155, § 2(b)(1), inserted “; or which bears the term ‘census’ on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper” after “such matter by the Federal Government” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 111–170, § 1(b)(1), inserted “; or on which the term ‘census’ is visible through the envelope or outside cover or wrapper” after “or which bears the term ‘census’ on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper”.

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 111–170, § 1(b)(2), inserted “or matter on which the term ‘census’ is visible through the envelope or outside cover or wrapper” after “In the case of matter bearing the term ‘census’ on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper”.

2008—Pub. L. 110–246, § 14207(a)(8), renumbered Pub. L. 89–544, § 26(h)(2), as § 26(i)(2). See 1976 Amendment note below.

2006—Subsecs. (n), (o). Pub. L. 109–435 added subsec. (n) and redesignated former subsec. (n) as (o).

1999—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–168, § 110(a), struck out “1714,” after “1463,” and “1718,” after “1717,”.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 106–168, § 102(1)(A), in introductory provisions, substituted “which reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying any Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement through the use of a seal, insignia, reference to the Postmaster General, citation to a Federal statute, name of a Federal agency, department, commission, or program, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol; or contains any reference to the Postmaster General or a citation to a Federal statute that misrepresents either the identity of the mailer or the protection or status afforded such matter by the Federal Government” for “contains a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol that reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying any Federal Government connection, approval or endorsement”.

Subsec. (h)(2)(C). Pub. L. 106–168, § 102(1)(B), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 106–168, § 102(2)(A), in introductory provisions, substituted “which reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying any Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement through the use of a seal, insignia, reference to the Postmaster General, citation to a Federal statute, name of a Federal agency, department, commission, or program, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol; or contains any reference to the Postmaster General or a citation to a Federal statute that misrepresents either the identity of the mailer or the protection or status afforded such matter by the Federal Government” for “contains a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol that reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying any Federal Government connection, approval or endorsement”.

Subsec. (i)(2)(C). Pub. L. 106–168, § 102(2)(B), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 106–168, § 102(3), (4), added subsec. (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (m).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 106–168, §§ 102(3), 103, added subsec. (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (n).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 106–168, § 103, added subsec. (l).

Subsecs. (m), (n). Pub. L. 106–168, § 102(3), redesignated subsecs. (j) and (k) as (m) and (n), respectively.

1991—Subsecs. (i) to (k). Pub. L. 102–71 redesignated subsec. (i), relating to conduct of proceedings concerning mailability of certain matter, as (j), and former subsec. (j), relating to jurisdiction of district courts, as (k).

1990—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–524 added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (i).

Pub. L. 101–493 added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f), as added by Pub. L. 101–524, redesignated (h).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–524 added subsec. (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (j).

Pub. L. 101–493 added subsec. (g). Former subsec. (g), as added by Pub. L. 101–524, redesignated (i).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–493 redesignated subsec. (f), as added by Pub. L. 101–524, as (h).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 101–524 redesignated subsec. (f) as (i).

Pub. L. 101–493 redesignated subsec. (g), as added by Pub. L. 101–524, as (i).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 101–524 redesignated subsec. (g) as (j).

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–398 substituted “, 1718, or 1738” for “or 1718”.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–544, § 26(i)(2), formerly § 26(h)(2), as added Pub. L. 94–279, § 17, and renumbered § 26(i)(2) by Pub. L. 110–246, § 14207(a)(8), inserted “, or section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act” after “title 18”.

1971—Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 91–662, § 6(1)(A), (B), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f). Section 5(a) of Pub. L. 91–662 inserted a similar provision to section 4001 of former Title 39, The Postal Service, pending the effective date of this section. Said amendment to section 4001 has not been executed in view of the passage of Title 39, Postal Service, as enacted by the Postal Reorganization Act.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 92–191 added subsec. (g).

Effective Date Of Amendment

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–168, title I, § 111, Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1817, provided that: “Except as provided in section 108 or 110(b) [enacting section 3017 of this title, amending section 3013 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3013 and 3017 of this title], this title [see Short Title of 1999 Amendment note below] shall take effect 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 1999].”

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–524, § 6, Nov. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 2304, provided that: “The provisions of this Act [enacting section 413 of this title, amending this section and section 3005 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes below] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1990], except the amendments made by section 2 [amending this section and section 3005 of this title] shall apply to matter deposited for mailing and delivery on or after 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.”

Pub. L. 101–493, § 3, Oct. 31, 1990, 104 Stat. 1184, provided that: “The amendments made by this Act [amending this section] shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 31, 1990], and shall apply with respect to any matter mailed on or after that effective date.”

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–191 effective at beginning of third calendar month following Dec. 15, 1971, or on the date that this section becomes effective pursuant to section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, which is set out as and Effective Date note preceding section 101 of this title, whichever is later, see section 3 of Pub. L. 92–191, set out as a note under section 1716 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Pub. L. 91–662, § 6, Jan. 8, 1971, 84 Stat. 1974, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective on the date that the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service establishes as the effective date for section 3001 of title 39 of the United States Code, as enacted by the Postal Reorganization Act.

Effective Date

Effective Date

Chapter effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.

Short Title Of Amendment

Short Title of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–168, title I, § 101, Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1806, provided that: “This title [enacting sections 3016 and 3017 of this title, amending this section and sections 3005, 3007, 3011, 3012, and 3013 of this title, repealing section 3006 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 3013, 3016, and 3017 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act’.”

Short Title of 1990 Amendments

Pub. L. 101–524, § 1, Nov. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 2301, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 413 of this title, amending this section and section 3005 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the ‘Deceptive Mailings Prevention Act of 1990’.”

Pub. L. 101–493, § 1, Oct. 31, 1990, 104 Stat. 1184, provided that: “This Act [amending this section and enacting provisions set out above] may be cited as the ‘Drug and Household Substance Mailing Act of 1990’.”

Short Title of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–186, § 1, Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1315, provided: “That this Act [enacting sections 3012 and 3013 of this title, amending section 3005 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3005 and 3012 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Mail Order Consumer Protection Amendments of 1983’.”

Miscellaneous

State Law Not Preempted

Pub. L. 106–168, title I, § 109, Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1816, provided that:

“(a) In General.—Nothing in the provisions of this title [see Short Title of 1999 Amendment note above] (including the amendments made by this title) or in the regulations promulgated under such provisions shall be construed to preempt any provision of State or local law that imposes more restrictive requirements, regulations, damages, costs, or penalties. No determination by the Postal Service that any particular piece of mail or class of mail is in compliance with such provisions of this title shall be construed to preempt any provision of State or local law.

“(b) Effect on State Court Proceedings.—Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit an authorized State official from proceeding in State court on the basis of an alleged violation of any general civil or criminal statute of such State or any specific civil or criminal statute of such State.”

Coordination of Functions With Department of Health and Human Services

Pub. L. 101–524, § 4, Nov. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 2303, provided that: “The United States Postal Service shall consult and coordinate the functions and administration of the provisions of this Act and the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1990 Amendments note above] with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the functions of the Secretary in the administration of section 428 of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1320b–10) [Pub. L. 100–360, which enacted section 1320b–10 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amended section 1395ss of Title 42, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 1320b–10 of Title 42].”

Notice With Respect to Obscene Matter Distributed by Mail and Detention Thereof

Pub. L. 87–793, § 307, Oct. 11, 1962, 76 Stat. 841, provided that: “In order to alert the recipients of mail and the general public to the fact that large quantities of obscene, lewd, lascivious, and indecent matter are being introduced into this country from abroad and disseminated in the United States by means of the United States mails, the Postmaster General shall publicize such fact (1) by appropriate notices posted in post offices, and (2) by notifying recipients of mail, whenever he deems it appropriate in order to carry out the purposes of this section, that the United States mails may contain such obscene, lewd, lascivious, or indecent matter. Any person may file a written request with his local post office to detain obscene, lewd, lascivious, or indecent matter addressed to him, and the Postmaster General shall detain and dispose of such matter for such period as the request is in effect. The Postmaster General shall permit the return of mail containing obscene, lewd, lascivious, or indecent matter, to local post offices, without cost to the recipient thereof. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorize the Postmaster General to open, inspect, or censor any mail except on specific request by the addressee thereof. The Postmaster General is authorized to prescribe such regulations as he may deem appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section.”