FIM Barcode

The Facing Identification Mark (FIM) Barcode is a type of barcode system used by postal services, particularly in the United States, to facilitate the automated sorting and processing of mail. The FIM Barcode is typically printed in the upper right corner of envelopes and packages and consists of a series of bars that encode information about the mailpiece's class and processing requirements. Initially developed by the United States Postal Service (USPS), the FIM Barcode serves as a key component in the postal service's efforts to improve efficiency and accuracy in mail sorting operations.

One of the primary purposes of the FIM Barcode is to assist sorting machines in identifying the orientation and processing requirements of mailpieces. By scanning the FIM Barcode, automated sorting equipment can quickly determine whether a mailpiece should be sorted by hand or by machine, as well as its intended destination or class. This helps streamline the sorting process, reducing errors and ensuring that mail is routed correctly and expediently. Additionally, the FIM Barcode system allows postal services to track and monitor mail processing activities, providing valuable data for optimizing operational workflows and improving overall service quality.

The FIM’s primary function is to ensure that all mail is facing the proper way, to identify how the postage was paid (business reply, etc.) and whether or not the business reply mail has a POSTNET barcode. Should there be a POSTNET barcode, the mail can then be sent directly to the barcode sorter.

There are four different types of FIM barcodes, A, B, C and D.

• FIM A: Used for courtesy reply mail and metered reply mail with a preprinted POSTNET barcode.
• FIM B: Used for business reply mail without a preprinted ZIP+4 barcode.
• FIM C: Used for business reply mail with a preprinted ZIP+4 barcode.
• FIM D: Used only with IBI postage.

As far as standards are concerned, the FIM has to meet very specific guidelines:

• A FIM clear zone must not contain any printing other than the FIM pattern
• The rightmost bar of the FIM must be at least 2” (+/- 1/8”) from the right edge of each piece of mail
• Each FIM bar must be 5/8” high (+/- 1/8”) and 1/32” wide (+/- 0.008”)
• The tops of each FIM bar can’t be lower than 1/8” from the top edge of the mail
• The bottoms of each FIM bar can’t touch the bottom edge of the FIM clear zone, but can’t be more than 1/8” above or below the edge.