---
kind: "section"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 402"
title: "39"
title_heading: "Postal Service"
number: "402"
heading: "Delegation of authority"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/39/402"
units:
  - "Part I — General"
  - "Chapter 4 — General Authority"
---

# §402. Delegation of authority


Except for those powers, duties, or obligations specifically vested in the [Governors](/usc/39/102.md?p=3), as distinguished from the Board of [Governors](/usc/39/102.md?p=3), the Board may delegate the authority vested in it to the Postmaster General under such terms, conditions, and limitations, including the power of redelegation, as it deems desirable. The Board may establish such committees of the Board, and delegate such powers to any committee, as the Board determines appropriate to carry out its functions and duties. Delegations to the Postmaster General or committees shall be consistent with other provisions of this title, shall not relieve the Board of full responsibility for the carrying out of its duties and functions, and shall be revocable by the [Governors](/usc/39/102.md?p=3) in their exclusive judgment.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 723.)

## Notes

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 16, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–5 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.