First Class Mail: International Service In Belarus?

The US Postal Service (USPS) offers First-Class Mail International® (FCMI) as an affordable way to send postcards, letters, and large envelopes to over 180 countries. Belarus is one of the countries that USPS provides international delivery to, but there are specific regulations and standards for mailing restricted, prohibited, and hazardous materials.

First-Class Mail International® weight and size limits

First-Class Mail International® (FCMI) is a service provided by USPS that allows users to send letters and large envelopes to over 180 countries, including Canada, Great Britain, and Australia. The weight and size limits for FCMI are as follows:

Weight Limits

The maximum weight for letters sent through FCMI is 3.5 oz. For large envelopes, or "flats," the maximum weight is 15.994 oz. The weight limit for packages sent through First-Class Package International Service®, a similar service, is 4 lbs (64 oz).

Size Limits

All postcards, letters, and large envelopes must be rectangular; otherwise, an additional charge may apply. Size restrictions vary depending on the type of mailpiece being sent. For example, large envelopes that exceed maximum dimensions will be charged package rates.

Shape Requirements

FCMI has specific shape requirements for mailpieces. For instance, non-rectangular, rigid, or irregularly shaped envelopes may be charged a non-machinable surcharge.

First-Class Package International Service® pricing

First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®) is a popular, affordable, and economical way to send lightweight packages to about 180 countries worldwide.

Pricing

FCPIS® is available at two pricing levels: Retail Pricing and Commercial Pricing. The latter can save you up to 17% compared to retail prices.

FCPIS® prices start at $17.00, and the maximum weight is 4 lbs (64 oz) with a maximum value of $400. The final price varies depending on the weight and destination of the package.

Delivery

FCPIS® includes Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation® International (E-USPS DELCON INTL®) when you ship online to select destinations, although certain limitations may apply. Delivery time varies by destination and can take between 1 to 4 weeks.

Customs Forms

When sending packages internationally using FCPIS®, your package must have a complete and computer-generated customs form. If you use Click-N-Ship® service to print your own postage, it will print a customs form for you. Alternatively, you can print your own customs form and bring it with your package to the Post Office.

Customs forms for First-Class Mail International®

When shipping items from the U.S. to another country, you must fill out a customs form, except for First-Class Mail International® letters and large envelopes under 15.994 oz. The form you need depends on the USPS® mail service you use and the total value of what you send.

If you are sending packages to countries that follow European Union (EU) customs rules, including Belarus, you must use more detailed content descriptions on your customs forms. If you don't, customs officials in the receiving country may reject and return your package.

For each item in your package, you need to provide a detailed description on the customs form. You can't just name a general category; your description must be specific. For example, you can't just say "electronics"; you have to be specific about the type of electronics, like "computer", "mobile phone", or "television".

If you are sending First-Class Mail International® that weighs under 15.994 oz, you do not need a customs form. First-Class Mail International must contain only non-negotiable documents or correspondence.

If you are sending packages to Belarus, you can use the following USPS international services:

• First-Class Mail International®
• First-Class Package International Service®
• Priority Mail Express International®
• Priority Mail International®

For Priority Mail Express International® and all other USPS international services, including APO/FPO/DPO mail, use PS Form 2976-R, and take your package to the counter for the clerk to create the label.

For First-Class Package International Service®, Priority Mail Express International®, and Priority Mail International®, you can use Click-N-Ship® to print your postage and customs form.

If you are paying for your postage at the Post Office, you can print your own customs form and bring it with your package to the Post Office.

Alternatively, you can bring your package to the Post Office, fill out Form PS 2976-R, and give it to the USPS® retail associate so they can create and print your customs form.

Prohibited items for First-Class Mail International®

First-Class Mail International® (FCMI) is a service provided by USPS that allows users to send letters and large envelopes to over 180 countries, including Canada, Great Britain, and Australia. The service is affordable, with a flat rate for letters and postcards weighing up to 1 oz, and prices varying based on weight and destination for larger envelopes.

There are, however, several prohibited items that cannot be sent using the First-Class Mail International® service. These restrictions are in place to comply with international shipping regulations and to ensure the safety and security of the mail system.

• Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.
• Hazardous materials, including explosive or combustible substances, radioactive materials, and substances harmful to the ozone layer.
• Narcotics, psychotropic substances, and their precursors.
• Opium and other substances containing narcotics.
• Pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms.
• Unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones and copters (with some exceptions for entertainment aircraft without recording equipment).
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Weapons, arms, ammunition, and related parts or accessories.
• Articles of cultural value.
• Currencies of certain countries.
• Plants and plant seeds.
• Precious stones and natural diamonds (excluding jewelry).
• Printed materials containing information that may be harmful to the political or economic interests of a country or the health and morality of its citizens.
• Perishable items.
• Cremated remains.
• Firearms, knives, and sharp instruments.

In addition to these prohibited items, there are also restrictions on the weight, size, and shape of mailpieces. All postcards, letters, and large envelopes must be rectangular, or an additional charge may apply. The maximum weight for letters is 3.5 oz, while large envelopes can weigh up to 15.994 oz.

It is important to note that these restrictions may vary depending on the destination country, and users should always refer to the most up-to-date information provided by USPS and relevant government authorities before sending any mail internationally.

First-Class Mail International® delivery times

First-Class Mail International® is an affordable way to send postcards, letters, and large envelopes (flats) to about 180 countries. The delivery time for First-Class Mail International® varies by destination and the type of package being sent.

For standard-sized letters and postcards up to 1 oz, a Global Forever® stamp can be used, which currently costs $1.65. This stamp can be used for any country, and never expires. For envelopes heavier than 1 oz, oversized, or unusually shaped, the price is based on the destination country's price group.

For large envelopes (flats) up to 15.994 oz, postage prices vary based on weight and destination, starting from $3.15.

The maximum weight for First-Class Mail International® is 15.994 oz for large envelopes, 3.5 oz for letters, and 15.994 oz for postcards.

The First-Class Package International Service® is a similar service, for packages up to 4 lbs in weight, and valued at up to $400. This service delivers to over 180 countries, with delivery times varying by destination. Retail prices for this service start at $17.

The USPS website has an International Price Calculator that can be used to calculate expected shipping costs for international shipments.

Frequently asked questions