packet, and the charge on samples cannot be less than 10 centimes per packet.
2.—In addition to the rates fixed by the preceding section, there may be levied:
- 1st. For every article subject to maritime-transit charges of 15 francs per kilogram of letters or post-cards and 1 franc per kilogram of other articles, and in all the relations to which these transit charges are applicable, a uniform surtax which may not exceed 25 centimes per single rate for letters, 5 centimes per post-card, and 5 centimes per 50 grams or fraction of 50 grams for other articles;
- 2d. For every article conveyed by services depending on Administrations foreign to the Union, or by extraordinary services in the Union giving rise to special expenses, a surtax in proportion to these expenses.
When the rate of prepayment of a single post-card comprises one or the other of the surtaxes authorized by the two preceding sections, the same rate is applicable to each of the halves of a post-card with paid reply.
3.—In case of insufficient prepayment, articles of correspondence of every kind are liable to a charge equal to double the amount of the deficiency, to be paid by the addressees, which charge however may not exceed that which is levied in the country of destination on correspondence not prepaid, of the same nature, weight and origin.
4.—Articles other than letters and post-cards must be prepaid at least in part.
5.—Packets of samples of merchandise may not contain any article having a salable value; they must not exceed 350 grams in weight, or measure more than 30 centimeters in length, 20 centimeters in breadth and 10 centimeters in depth, or if they are in the form of a roll, 30 centimeters in length and 15 centimeters in diameter.
6.—Packets of commercial papers and prints may not exceed 2 kilograms in weight or measure more in any direction than 45 centimeters. Packets in the form of a roll may, however, be admitted to the mails provided they do not exceed 10 centimeters in diameter, and 75 centimeters in length.
Article 6
1.—The articles specified in Article 5 may be registered.
2.—Every registered article is liable, at the charge of the sender:
- 1st. To the ordinary prepaid rate of postage upon the article, according to its nature;
- 2nd. To a fixed registration fee of 25 centimes at the maximum, including the issue of a receipt to the sender.
3.—The sender of a registered article may obtain an acknowledgment of
