The U.S. Postal Service requires publishers of newspapers and other publications, including foreign publications, which are qualified for Periodicals Mail, to file the annual Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation (PS Form 3526) no later than Oct. 1. Oct. 1 is a Saturday, so newspapers should file by this Friday, Sept. 30.
The publisher of each publication sending Periodicals Class Mail, including foreign publications accepted at Periodicals rates, must file Form 3526 each year at the original entry post office or file online via Business Customer Gateway.
CNPA also requests that all CNPA-Member newspapers send a copy of their statement of ownership to: CNPA, 1517 H St. #407, Sacramento 95814, or email news@cnpa.com. Circulation reports help determine the correct division in the California Journalism Awards, and they are beneficial in CNPA advertising placements.
The information provided on Form 3526 allows the U.S. Postal Service to determine whether the publication meets the standards of Periodicals mailing privileges. Newspapers with electronic subscriptions to claim will also use Form 3526x.
The required information also must appear in an issue of the publication whose primary mailed distribution is produced:
- Not later than Oct. 10 for publications issued more frequently than weekly.
- Not later than Oct. 31 for publications issued weekly or less frequently, but more frequently than monthly.
- For all other publications, in the first issue where primary mailed distribution is produced after Oct. 1.
