On Oct. 11, 2012, the Postal Service announced new prices and product features for the following domestic and international mailing services, effective Jan. 27:

*First-Class Mail

*First-Class Mail International

*Standard Mail

*Periodicals.

*Package Services

*Bound Printed Matter.

*Media Mail/Library Mail.

*Alaska Bypass Mail (formerly part of Parcel Post).

*Extra Services and Fees.

According to the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, on average, Mailing Services prices can increase no more than the rate of inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Mailing Services prices will increase by an average of 2.570 percent (rounded to 2.6 percent) across each class of mail.

Individual prices within a mail class may have an increase that is higher or lower than 2.6 percent. Furthermore, when the prices for certain products are raised by less than the full CPI amount, the remainder can be used in future years. This year, the Postal Service is using some of this remainder to increase the prices for Extra Services.

Highlights of Changes

Single-piece, 1-ounce First-Class Mail letters will increase $0.01, to $0.46 (additional ounces remain at $0.20). The price for mailing a First-Class Mail postcard will increase by $0.01 to $0.33 and the cost of a stamped postcard will increase by $0.02 to $0.37.

New mailing standards consisting of classification changes to support the price changes will be implemented. Prices for other mailing services will also change, with price increases in the following categories: