Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Today, there are two types of meter technology, or Performance Criteria, in use:
- Information Based Indicia (IBI)
- The new standard Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI)
The USPS is ending the older IBI technology and moving to the new standard, IMI.
Postage and transaction data that USPS gets from IBI is limited, and it inhibits them from fully automating some back-office operations (such as refunds and proper postage payment validation).
The IMI standard will provide much more detailed real-time transaction data, enabling the USPS to automate operations, employ better security standards, and ensure correct postage is used.
The USPS stated in its final rule that all non-IMI compliant meters will become decertified on June 30, 2024, and must be withdrawn from service by December 31, 2024.* In addition, all providers must stop manufacturing and leasing non-IMI compliant meters for lease lengths extending beyond December 31, 2024.
*The USPS has approved extensions that postpone the withdrawal from service dates for: 1) the DM Infinity™ until June 30, 2026, and 2) the SendPro® P-Series/Connect+ mailing systems until December 31, 2027.
We’ve made it easy. Simply log in to Your Account to view if your meter is IBI or IMI technology. Here you can access a single view of all active meters and the IBI or IMI designation will appear to the right of the product name.
While you can continue to use your current IBI-technology device until December 31st, 2024, many clients are now switching to our IMI-compliant SendPro® technology to take advantage of the new features and benefits SendPro® provides. Our latest SendPro® devices make mailing and shipping easier with easy-to-use full-color touchscreens, truly integrated USPS and Multi-Carrier Shipping, near real-time analytics, and so much more. SendPro® provides clients the additional peace of mind their device will be IMI compliant with stronger security, automatic updates, and accurate postage too.
Pitney Bowes is dedicated to helping your business thrive. Please speak to your account representative today to learn about which equipment options best fit your business needs. We are committed to making your transition to your new IMI-compliant equipment smooth and easy.
For more info on our IMI-compliant solutions, please click here
If you are not currently a Pitney Bowes client and are interested in learning more about our latest generation of IMI compliant digital connected devices, please call us at 877.914.6050. If you are currently a Pitney Bowes client and are within a year of your lease ending, enter your account number here to see your offer(s), or check for a notification at the top of Your Account. If you don’t see any offers, simply call 877.914.6050 to speak with a representative.
