Compilation of Administrative Orders/Instructions - Department of Posts 2024 (RMFS, Post Office Regulations, Direct/Post & Related Services)

Vocabulary flashcards covering major terms and concepts from the 2024 Department of Posts compilation, including RMFS, licensing, BNPL/NAF, and related regulatory provisions.

Post Office Regulations, 2024

Comprehensive set of subordinate rules replacing the IPO Rules, governing stamps, post offices, money orders, post boxes, and all DoP operations.

Post Office Act, 2023

Act consolidating/amending Post Office law; came into force w.e.f. 18.06.2024, repealing the IPO Act, 1898.

Remotely Managed Franking System (RMFS)

System where Franking Machines are managed remotely via RMFS servers; enables remote crediting of funds, licensing data exchange, and secure franking with PSD.

Franking Machine (FM)

Device used to print postage impressions on mail; operates under RMFS; contains License Identifier and Postal Security Device (PSD).

License Identifier

Unique identifier assigned to each franking machine by the Licensing Authority; used in RMFS to track and manage machines.

Customer Reference Number (CRN)

Unique identifier issued by the Licensing Authority; in RMFS CRN and License Number are the same; binds machine, license and account.

Digifrank Plus

India Post’s RMFS-based system for issuing licenses and managing franking-machine credit and accounts.

Postal Security Device (PSD)

Tamper-proof security device integrated in a franking machine to secure funds; not repairable; central to RMFS control.

Department of Posts Central Resource (DCR)

Central RMFS server/centre that coordinates licensing, account management, and RMFS data exchanges.

Franking Machine User (FMU)

Individual or entity holding a valid postal license and using a franking machine to frank mail.

Franking Machine Vendor (FMV)

Vendor authorized by the OEM to supply, install and maintain franking machines.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

Company that designs and provides RMFS franking machines and RMFS services; maintains RMFS Center.

Bank Guarantee (Annexure IX)

Bank-issued security for BNPL/credit facilities; binds the borrower to fulfill payment obligations.

Remittance/BNPL: Bank Guarantee and Deposit

BNPL contracts require security deposits or bank guarantees; deposits may be refunded upon license/cancellation terms.

Book Now Pay Later (BNPL)

Credit facility for contractual customers to post Speed Post/Parcel items; involves credit terms, security deposits, and monthly billing.

National Account Facility (NAF)

BNPL variant allowing contractual customers to consolidate Speed Post revenue across multiple circles for centralized billing and payment.

Without Prepayment (WPP) in RMFS context

License/arrangement allowing posting without prepayment of postage for certain items (e.g., newspapers) under RMFS, with licensing and tracking requirements.

Registered Newspaper (RNI)

Newspaper posting under statutory Register of Newspapers; conditions include proper licensing, printing details, prepayment, and weight limits.

e-Post

Electronic messaging service under Post Office Regulations 2024; enables electronic messages with bulk and multi-language support.

Direct Post

Advertising/direct mail service; unaddressed/promotional items posted from designated posts; requires minimum volumes and specific handling.

Media Post

Advertising within postal premises or via postal channels; includes planning, consent, and commission arrangements.

Magazine Post

Posting magazines through the Post; involves registration, barcoding, BNPL/advance/deposit options, and published reporting.

Logistics Post

Parcel/logistics service with weight/volume-based tariffs; packaging, insurance, tracking, and delivery across stations.

Post Box Regulations (Regulation 46/47, 2024)

Regulations governing Post Box issuance, renewal, payments, deposits, and related conditions.

Regulation 9(2) (Post Office Regulations 2024)

Regulation detailing handling of previously used postage stamps (ignoring/charging) and related administrative norms.

Annexure A (Application for License)

Form used to apply for license to use a franking machine under RMFS; includes applicant details and license particulars.

Annexure B (BNPL/Other Agreements – Application format)

Forms for entering BNPL/Advance Deposit or other contractual agreements with the DoP.

Annexure C (Renewal/License)

Forms for licensing renewal procedures, including fitness certificates and renewal terms.

Annexure D (Bank Guarantee formats)

Standard bank guarantee formats to be used for BNPL/NAF/licensing arrangements.

Annexure G/H/I (FMU/FM Record Books)

Record-keeping annexures for Franking Machine User and designated offices, including transactions and recalls.