§ 3001. — Nonmailable matter.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 39USC3001]
TITLE 39--POSTAL SERVICE
PART IV--MAIL MATTER
CHAPTER 30--NONMAILABLE MATTER
Sec. 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\ of
title 18, or section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act is nonmailable.
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\1\ See References in Text note below.
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(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section,
nonmailable matter which reaches the office of delivery, or which may be
seized or detained for violation of law, shall be disposed of as the
Postal Service shall direct.
(c)(1) Matter which--
(A) exceeds the size and weight limits prescribed for the
particular class of mail; or
(B) is of a character perishable within the period required for
transportation and delivery;
is nonmailable.
(2) Matter made nonmailable by this subsection which reaches the
office of destination may be delivered in accordance with its address,
if the party addressed furnishes the name and address of the sender.
(d) Matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails which--
(1) is in the form of, and reasonably could be interpreted or
construed as, a bill, invoice, or statement of account due; but
(2) constitutes, in fact, a solicitation for the order by the
addressee of goods or services, or both;
is nonmailable matter, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and
shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs, unless 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--
(A) the following notice: ``This is a solicitation for the order
of goods or services, or both, and not a bill, invoice, or statement
of account due. You are under no obligation to make any payments on
account of this offer unless you accept this offer.''; or
(B) in lieu thereof, a notice to the same effect in words which
the Postal Service may prescribe.
(e)(1) Any matter which is unsolicited by the addressee and which is
designed, adapted, or intended for preventing conception (except
unsolicited samples thereof mailed to a manufacturer thereof, a dealer
therein, a licensed physician or surgeon, or a nurse, pharmacist,
druggist, hospital, or clinic) is nonmailable matter, shall not be
carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal
Service directs.
(2) Any unsolicited advertisement of matter which is designed,
adapted, or intended for preventing conception is nonmailable matter,
shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as
the Postal Service directs unless the advertisement--
(A) is mailed to a manufacturer of such matter, a dealer
therein, a licensed physician or surgeon, or a nurse, pharmacist,
druggist, hospital, or clinic; or
(B) accompanies in the same parcel any unsolicited sample
excepted by paragraph (1) of this subsection.
An advertisement shall not be deemed to be unsolicited for the purposes
of this paragraph if it 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.
(f) Any matter which is unsolicited by the addressee, which contains
a ``household substance'' (as defined by section 2 of the Poison
Prevention Packaging Act of 1970), and which does not comply with the
requirements for special child-resistant packaging established for that
substance by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is nonmailable
matter, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed
of as the Postal Service directs.
(g)(1) Matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails which
contains or includes a fragrance advertising sample is nonmailable
matter, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed
of as the Postal Service directs, unless the sample is sealed, wrapped,
treated, or otherwise prepared in a manner reasonably designed to
prevent individuals from being unknowingly or involuntarily exposed to
the sample.
(2) The Postal Service shall by regulation establish the standards
or requirements which a fragrance advertising sample must satisfy in
order for the mail matter involved not to be considered nonmailable
under this subsection.
(h) Matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails which
constitutes a solicitation by a nongovernmental entity for the purchase
of or payment for a product or service; 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 is nonmailable matter and shall not be carried
or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service
directs, unless--
(1) such nongovernmental entity has such expressed connection,
approval or endorsement;
(2)(A) 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 PRODUCT OR SERVICE 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;
(B) 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
(C) such matter does not contain a false representation stating
or implying that Federal Government benefits or services will be
affected by any purchase or nonpurchase; or
(3) 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.
(i) 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 is nonmailable
matter and shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be
disposed of as the Postal Service directs, unless--
(1) such nongovernmental entity has such expressed connection,
approval or endorsement;
(2)(A) 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;
(B) 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
(C) 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
(3) 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.
(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) 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, Sec. 6(1),
Jan. 8, 1971, 84 Stat. 1974; Pub. L. 92-191, Sec. 2, Dec. 15, 1971, 85
Stat. 647; Pub. L. 89-544, Sec. 26(h)(2), as added Pub. L. 94-279,
Sec. 17, Apr. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 423; Pub. L. 97-398, Sec. 5, Dec. 31,
1982, 96 Stat. 2011; Pub. L. 101-493, Sec. 2, Oct. 31, 1990, 104 Stat.
1184; Pub. L. 101-524, Sec. 2(a), Nov. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 2301; Pub. L.
102-71, Sec. 2(1), July 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 330; Pub. L. 106-168, title
I, Secs. 102, 103, 110(a), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1806, 1808, 1817.)
References in Text
Section 1738 of title 18, referred to in subsec. (a), was repealed
by Pub. L. 106-578, Sec. 4, Dec. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 3076.
Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is
section 26(a)-(h)(1) of Pub. L. 89-544 as added by Pub. L. 94-279,
Sec. 17, Apr. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 421, 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.
Amendments
1999--Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-168, Sec. 110(a), struck out
``1714,'' after ``1463,'' and ``1718,'' after ``1717,''.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 106-168, Sec. 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, Sec. 102(1)(B), added subpar.
(C).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 106-168, Sec. 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, Sec. 102(2)(B), added subpar.
(C).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 106-168, Sec. 102(3), (4), added subsec. (j).
Former subsec. (j) redesignated (m).
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 106-168, Secs. 102(3), 103, added subsec. (k).
Former subsec. (k) redesignated (n).
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 106-168, Sec. 103, added subsec. (l).
Subsecs. (m), (n). Pub. L. 106-168, Sec. 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. 94-279 inserted ``, or section 26 of the
Animal Welfare Act'' after ``title 18''.
1971--Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 91-662, Sec. 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 1999 Amendment
Pub. L. 106-168, title I, Sec. 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 Amendments
Section 6 of Pub. L. 101-524 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.''
Section 3 of Pub. L. 101-493 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.
Section 6 of Pub. L. 91-662 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
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 1999 Amendment
Pub. L. 106-168, title I, Sec. 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
Section 1 of Pub. L. 101-524 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'.''
Section 1 of Pub. L. 101-493 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, Sec. 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'.''
State Law Not Preempted
Pub. L. 106-168, title I, Sec. 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
Section 4 of Pub. L. 101-524 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, Sec. 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.''
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in sections 3005, 3012, 3017 of this
title.
