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Chapter 7Bar Codes
POSTNET
The POSTNET bar code structure is illustrated in Figure 19 and described on
the following pages. The POSTNET code can be a part of the address block
and appear anywhere within a vertical 4-inch area across the length of the
mail piece.
Figure 19. POSTNET Structure
NOTE: Additional information regarding POSTNET bar code requirements
can be obtained from the U.S. Postal Service's Publication 25:

A

Guideto Business Mail Preparation.

Quiet Zone
The bar code structure requires a completely blank quiet zone which extends
4.75 inches from the right edge of the mail piece. In addition, a minimum quiet
zone of 0.040-inch above and below the bar code data must also be provided .
You must provide sufficient space for this zone.
Start/Stop Code
The start and stop codes are referred to as “framing bars” in POSTNET. The
start and stop codes are each one tall bar, one identifying the leading and
trailing end of the bar code. The start/stop code is automatically produce d
ReturnAddress Area PostageArea
1/2"1/2"
BARCODE DATA FIELD
START STOP
QUIETZONE
CODE CODE
SR,SC
POSITION
QUIETZONE
CHECKDIGIT
QUIET
ZONE QUIET
ZONE
ADDRESSBLOCK BAR CODE READ AR EA
4"