The prepayment of all charges on insured articles, namely, postage, registration fees and insurance fees, shall be compulsory Postage stamps affixed to an insured article must be placed apart from one another so that they may not serve to conceal injuries to the cover of the letter or parcel.[76. (1) Every letter tendered for insurance shall be enclosed either-(i)in a strong cover securely fastened and sealed with fine wax bearing a private mark, in such a way that it cannot be opened without breaking the seal or leaving traces of violation; or(ii)in a fastened tear and water resistant envelop made up in one piece, and allowing the seals or adhesive tape to adhere completely, having tamper evident adhesive tape with a window on flap containing logo of the Department of Posts with words 'Void Open' and capable of leaving indelible impressions of tampering and die cut marks on seams,With the stipulation that-(a)Not more than one non-postal stamp or label of any kind not exceeding two and a half centimeter by two and a half centimeter in size (2.5cm x 2.5cm) shall be affixed by the sender to such a cover;(b)the envelope with black or coloured borders shall not be used: and(c)wherever a letter in a cover securely fastened andsealed with fine wax bearing a private mark is tendered, seals shall be placed over each flap or seam of the cover, and if the cover is tied round with string or tape, a seal shall be placed on the ends where they are tied.(1A)The specification and design of water tear resistant envelope referred to in item (ii) of sub-section (1) shall be approved by the Director General, Department of Posts and shall bear particulars of approval and details of manufacturer on the reverse of the envelop.] [Substituted by Notification No. G.S.R. 532 (E), dated 3.8.2007](2)Every parcel tendered for insurance must be packed carefully and substantially, with due regard to the nature of the contents and the length of the journey, and must be sealed with wax or lead, bearing a private mark, in such a way that it cannot be opened without either breaking the seal or leaving obvious traces of violation. Seals must be placed over each joint or loose flap of the covering of a parcel; and, if string be used in packing, a seal must be placed on the ends of the string where they are tied. If a parcel contains gold or silver bullion or coins, it must be placed in a strong case of wood or metal with an outer covering of cloth or stout paper.(3)All the seals affixed to an insured postal article shall be of the same kind of wax and shall bear distinct impressions of the same device. The device shall not be that of a current coin or merely a series of straight, curved, or crossed lines.
