§233.12. Civil penalties.
39 C.F.R. § 233.12
False representations and lottery orders. Under 39 U.S.C. 3005(a)(1)-(3), the Postal Service may issue administrative orders prohibiting persons from using the mail to obtain money through false representations or lotteries. Persons who evade, attempt to evade, or fail to comply with an order to stop such prohibited practices may be liable to the United States for a civil penalty under 39 U.S.C. 3012(a). As adjusted under Public Law 114-74, the penalties are as follows: $90,709 for each mailing less than 50,000 pieces, $181,414 for each mailing of 50,000 to 100,000 pieces, and $18,142 for each additional 10,000 pieces above 100,000 not to exceed $3,628,298.
False representation and lottery penalties in lieu of or as part of an order. In lieu of or as part of an order issued under 39 U.S.C. 3005(a)(1)-(3), the Postal Service may assess a civil penalty payable under 39 U.S.C. 3012(c)(1). As adjusted under Public Law 114-74, the penalties are as follows: $45,354 for each mailing that is less than 50,000 pieces, $90,709 for each mailing of 50,000 to 100,000 pieces, and an additional $9,072 for each additional 10,000 pieces above 100,000 not to exceed $1,814,150.
Misleading references to the United States Government; Sweepstakes and deceptive mailings. Persons sending certain deceptive mail matter described in 39 U.S.C. 3001(h)-(k), including:
Solicitations making false claims of Federal Government connection or approval;
Certain solicitations for the purchase of a product or service that may be obtained without cost from the Federal Government;
Solicitations containing improperly prepared “facsimile checks”; and
Solicitations for “skill contests” and “sweepstakes” sent to individuals who, in accordance with 39 U.S.C. 3017(d), have requested that such materials not be mailed to them; may be liable to the United States for a civil penalty under 39 U.S.C. 3012(d). As adjusted under Public Law 114-74, this penalty is not to exceed $18,142 for each mailing.
Commercial use of lists of persons electing not to receive skill contest or sweepstakes mailings. Under 39 U.S.C. 3017(g)(2), the Postal Service may impose a civil penalty against a person who provides information for commercial use about individuals who, in accordance with 39 U.S.C. 3017(d), have elected not to receive certain sweepstakes and contest information. As adjusted under Public Law 114-74, the penalty may not exceed $3,628,298 per violation.
Reckless mailing of skill contest or sweepstakes matter. Under 39 U.S.C. 3017(h)(1)(A), any promoter who recklessly mails nonmailable skill contest or sweepstakes matter may be liable to the United States for a civil penalty for each mailing to an individual. As adjusted under Public Law 114-74, the penalty is $18,142 per violation.
Hazardous material. Under 39 U.S.C. 3018(c)(1)(A), the Postal Service may impose a civil penalty payable into the Treasury of the United States on a person who knowingly mails nonmailable hazardous materials or fails to follow postal laws on mailing hazardous materials. As adjusted under Public Law 114-74, the penalty is at least $393, but not more than $156,422 for each violation.
Notes, amendments, and revision history
Amendments
[81 FR 42533, June 30, 2016, as amended at 82 FR 6277, Jan. 19, 2017; 84 FR 20805, May 13, 2019; 85 FR 2037, Jan. 14, 2020; 86 FR 2987, Jan. 14, 2021; 87 FR 1675, Jan. 12, 2022; 88 FR 1514, Jan. 11, 2023; 89 FR 1461, Jan. 10, 2024; 90 FR 5651, Jan. 17, 2025]
Authority
Authority: 39 U.S.C. 101, 102, 202, 204, 401, 402, 403, 404, 406, 410, 411, 1003, 3005(e)(1), 3012, 3017, 3018; 12 U.S.C. 3401-3422; 18 U.S.C. 981, 983, 1956, 1957, 2254, 3061; 21 U.S.C. 881; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890 (28 U.S.C. 2461 note); Pub. L. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009; Secs. 106 and 108, Pub. L. 106-168, 113 Stat. 1806 (39 U.S.C. 3012, 3017); Pub. L. 114-74, 129 Stat. 584.
Amendments
[81 FR 42533, June 30, 2016, as amended at 82 FR 6277, Jan. 19, 2017; 84 FR 20805, May 13, 2019; 85 FR 2037, Jan. 14, 2020; 86 FR 2987, Jan. 14, 2021; 87 FR 1675, Jan. 12, 2022; 88 FR 1514, Jan. 11, 2023; 89 FR 1461, Jan. 10, 2024; 90 FR 5651, Jan. 17, 2025]