What to know about IBI meters and how to become IMI-compliant
What you need to know
- Effective June 30, 2024, all Information Based Indicia (IBI) meter technology is discontinued.*
- To remain compliant and avoid service disruption mailers must switch to an Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) solution.
- If your device is currently not compliant, you’ve entered the migration grace period during which a series of new business rules may apply.
- Per the USPS your non-compliant device will need to be withdrawn from service by December 2024.*
- As an approved USPS partner, Pitney Bowes has you covered with a suite of IMI-compliant solutions.
*Due to enhanced security features, the USPS has extended the service withdrawal deadline for Connect + and SendPro P-Series devices beyond 2024. You can continue using your system through the end of the current lease period and transition to an IMI solution at that time.
How to upgrade your IBI postage device?
Replacement: SendPro C Series
Replacement: SendPro C Series
Replacement: SendPro C Series
Replacement: SendPro C Series
Replacement: SendPro C Auto
Replacement: SendPro Mailstation
Replacement: SendPro Mailstation
Replacement: SendPro C Series
Replacement: SendPro C Series
Replacement: SendPro MailCenter
*Pitney Bowes Connect +, SendPro® P-Series, and DM Infinity™ mailing machines have a USPS-approved extension beyond the 2024 service withdrawal deadline. Find information and updates on your DM Infinity replacement solution here and your P-Series and Connect+ replacement solution here.
Compare our meter options to find the right IMI-compliant solution for your organization
*5 lbs scale included with optional 15, 30 and 70 lbs scales available.
USPS Mandate FAQs
How do I know if I have an IMI postage device?
If you are using one of the following postage devices, you are using IMI technology and are not required to make any changes at this time.
Where can I learn more about how to move to an IMI postage device?
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. If you are within a year of your lease ending or currently renting, enter your account number here to see if you have any offer(s) available.
Not a client? Click here to have a representative contact you.
When will USPS require non-IMI devices to be removed from the market?
There is a lot going on, so here’s a snapshot of key dates to remember.
- June 30, 2024: The USPS will discontinue all IBI meters after this date.* To remain compliant, you must switch to an IMI-compliant solution.
- December 31, 2024: If your device is still non-compliant after June 30, a grace period will be provided through this date. During this time, you can continue using your current meter but are required to migrate to an IMI-compliant solution to avoid potential disruptions to your mailing operation. After this date, IBI meters will not be able to print valid postage.*
- June 30, 2026: DM Infinity™ will be withdrawn from service at this time through a USPS-approved extension. We are fast at work to deliver a solution that meets both your needs and USPS regulations. Find information and updates on your DM Infinity replacement here.
*Due to enhanced security features, the USPS has extended the service withdrawal deadline for Connect + and SendPro P-Series devices beyond 2024. You can continue using your system through the end of the current lease period and transition to an IMI solution at that time.
Why did the USPS mandate a move to the IMI standard?
Postage and transaction data that the USPS gets from IBI technology 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. This is not the first technology migration the USPS has mandated, and it certainly won’t be the last. We’re here to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Read more in our latest blog, USPS® IMI: Compliance Comes with Benefits
Interested in learning more? Click here to have a Pitney Bowes sales representative contact you.
How does the new IMI standard benefit my business?
- Eliminate overspending with the new option to select desired service class for more accurate postage.
- Improve mail deliverability and efficiency with real-time transactional data.
- Robust security encrypts sensitive data to facilitate Fraud Detection, making your organization less susceptible to cyberattacks.