The Comprehensive Guide to USPS Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) and Postage Meter Decertification [WITH Q&A]

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Understanding IMI compliance and what it means for your business

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard about the new IMI postage technology from the USPS®, or you received a notification from your postage meter vendor that your machine is being decertified. Postage meters are important to ensuring the smooth operation of your business and the timely deliverability of critical customer communications. So, what happens when your machine gets decertified? In this article, we outline everything you need to know about postage meter decertification and get you straight to the essential IMI information so you can navigate the process successfully.

Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) Fast Facts

IMI ensures you always use the correct postage. No overcharges or returned mail!
Postage updates happen every 72 hours compared to every 90 days with previous technology.
No more special phone lines needed just for your postage meters.
Stops miscalculations! Postage is automatically calculated based on Service Class.
Transaction-level data for each mail piece...daily
IMI standards go into effect June 2024. All postage meters must meet those requirements.

What are the benefits of Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI)?
IMI is good news for your business! This new technology allows the Post Office to automate more of the behind-the-scenes work that goes delivering the millions of mail pieces and shipments sent every day. All that efficiency is passed on to your business in the form of improved delivery times and better account security and tracking. Faster delivery and tracking of your invoices, statements and other critical mail pieces results in shorter billing cycles, better days sales outstanding and happier customers!

There’s more good news for businesses of all sizes. Grab our IMI Reference Guide to see how IMI stacks up to the current postage technology.

Why is the U.S. Postal Service decertifying postage meters?
Postage meters currently use Information-Based Indicia (IBI) technology. This was great for its time, but it only offers basic information. A new standard was needed to match current mailing and shipping volumes and to keep mailing modernized with other digital technologies. That’s where IMI technology comes in!

Better data
More accurate postage
Auditable tracking on every mail piece
Postal information to and from your meter is encrypted and more secure
Fraud detection

When is the deadline for decertification?
There are several important dates to be aware of, so let’s break it all down…

June 30, 2024: The USPS will officially decertify all non-IMI postage meters.

December 31, 2024: Last day to use your non-IMI postage meter. After this date, all non-IMI compliant postage meters will be considered “inactive.” Be sure your business has worked with a USPS certified postage meter company, like Quadient, to find the right postage meter for your mail volume.

June 30, 2026: The USPS has provided this extension date for some mailers who meet specific criteria. Please contact us or your dedicated Quadient rep to learn if your business meets those requirements.

Why should I upgrade now?
Avoid the last-minute rush! Switching to an IMI-compliant postage meter will keep your mail operations running smoothly with little to no downtime. Plus, the sooner you switch the sooner you can experience the benefits of IMI, like simple postage calculation, better security and advanced tracking.

Did you get a notice from Pitney Bowes that your postage meter will be discontinued?
Pitney Bowes is also sunsetting some of their other mailing products at the same time. To see a complete list of Pitney Bowes discontinued products, visit our product recommendations page.
<link to Welcome to Quadient’s IMI-Ready Product Guide>