What is an M-bag?

An M-bag is a special rate for sending books internationally to a single addressee.   Quite literally, it is a canvas bag that you place boxes of books into prior to mailing. As of May 14, 2007, only airmail M-bag will be available.

The rates are based on a per pound rate with an 11 pound minimum and a 66 pound maximum (including the weight of the sack). So even if your books weigh 7 pounds, you are still charged the minimum 11 pound rate.

Mailing an M-bag

Gather your books and package them securely into a box (or boxes). Tape and address the box as you normally would. In the postage area write 'M-bag Postage Paid.' Attach invoices to the outside of the box (boxes) per customs regulations of your destination country.

Fill out the GREEN customs label: PS Form 2976 This is one of the few times a heavy package doesn't take the big white one with tons of copies. Make sure to mark the shipment 'commercial.' The HS tariff number for most books is 490199.

Take the box or boxes and your customs form to the post office. The clerk should have access to a canvas bag and a PS Tag 158(large white tie on tag with a big blue 'M' on it.)

Why use M-bags?
An example of postage rates:

11 pound package to Australia (reflecting May 14, 2007 increases and service changes)

Priority  Mail International = $59.60
Airmail M-bag = $49.50

The difference in postage is significant--and people like to buy more to take advantage of the cheaper shipping.

Like most international shipments, there is a small possiblility of loss/fraud with m-bags.  Like Media Mail in the US, M-bags are for printed matter only!