The Comprehensive Guide to USPS Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) and Postage Meter Decertification [WITH Q&A]
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 if you could...
Assemble mail quickly and efficiently
A mail run shouldn’t take so long. Use intelligence to eliminate manual pre-processing and deliver communications faster.
- Speed up mail delivery
- Save hours, even days, on mail preparation
- Automate key steps in your workflow
Send mail with confidence
Yes, you can be 100% confident that your mailings are error-free. Mistakes are easy to prevent, but hard to recover from.
- Prevent mistakes from manual processing
- Improve mailing accuracy
- Ensure document integrity and compliance
Accelerate payment time and revenue cycles
Shrink DSO and reduce overall billing payment cycles with an automation-enabled mailing process.
- Get invoices paid faster
- Create a more complete view of invoicing process
- Send invoices and payment reminders
Digitally transform mailing
Unify printed and digital communications and track the delivery of every communication you send from one platform.
- Enable multi-channel delivery
- Send mail according to customer preference
- Mail from anywhere, at any time
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.
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.
Faster updates
IMI-ready machines update postal data every 72 hours!
Better pricing
Save at least 33% Over Pitney Bowes, No hidden fees!
Reduced costs
Save 5% on every First-Class letter compared to stamps.
No overspending
No more incorrect postage or miscalculations.