USPS IBI is being retired. To maintain compliance in 2025, you will need to upgrade to USPS IMI - the Intelligent Mail Indicia.
Businesses printing postage have relied on USPS IBI machines for over 2 decades. But times are changing. The USPS IBI program is being replaced by the USPS IMI system, an upgraded new version with more security and a lot more features. Businesses have a lot to gain from the upgrade, but the choice to upgrade is expiring.
As of June 30, 2024, all IBI meters will be decertified. On December 31, 2024, IBI postage will no longer be accepted.
Now is the time to upgrade to USPS IMI meters to maintain compliance and the postage convenience you have enjoyed with your IBI meter. The good news is that the new features are pretty great.
Why USPS is Mandating IMI Compliance
USPS IMI stands for the Intelligent Mail Indicia. This is the innovative new version of the original Information Based Indicia released in the early 2000s. IBI meters made it possible to enter postage details and receive unique printed mailing labels including pre-paid postage. The IBI system was introduced to increase postage security and provide convenience for frequently shipping businesses. It achieved that, but standards in both security and business software have changed.
The USPS IMI system meets both sets of new requirements, offering both FIP compliant security standards and cost-saving back office automation features for businesses.
Businesses making the upgrade can save time, always calculate exact postage, and ensure compliance with USPS' comprehensive system upgrade.
Key Dates and Deadlines
June 30, 2024: IBI meters are deregistered
December 31, 2024: IBI postage is no longer accepted
The USPS IMI upgrade was introduced in 2013, but businesses have had the option to choose
between IBI and IMI meters. As of 2025, postage generated by IBI meters will no longer be accepted. The consequences of noncompliance are simple: you will no longer be able to generate postage with your meter until you upgrade to a USPS IMI meter device.
Benefits of IMI Compliance
IMI compliance is not just an upgrade requirement. The new machines and integral IMI system come with a lot of new and beneficial features.
- Precision Postage: IMI machines calculate your postage exactly with the latest rates
- Save money on overpaying postage
- Save time and cost on returns due to lack of postage
- Security enhancement with built-in FIPS 140-2 Security Level 3+
- Efficiency Improvements: IMI includes automation for costly and time-consuming back office tasks
- Tracking: IMI includes more advanced real-time tracking features that communicate both to USPS and the client.
- Always Up to Date: IMI machines self-update every 72 hours
Steps to Transition to IMI Compliance
The primary way to transition to USPS IMI and achieve compliance is to upgrade your device. IBI postage meters are being retired this year, and your business will need new IMI postage meters with their new functions, connectivity, and security protocols in order to print compliant postage in 2025 and beyond.
USPS offers a webinar and virtual demo to help you learn more and plan for the upgrade.