What is required for a mailpiece to be classified as media mail?

For a mailpiece to be classified as media mail, it is essential that it contains educational materials. Media mail is a subclass of the Standard Mail, and it is specifically designed for sending certain types of educational content, such as books, films, and other media that serve an informational or educational purpose. This classification is intended to provide a more affordable shipping option for educational materials, acknowledging their importance in learning and information dissemination.

Regarding the other options, weight limits and packaging rules do apply to Media Mail but are not defining criteria for classification. Media Mail can include items weighing over 10 ounces or under this limit, and the maximum weight for a Media Mail piece is 70 pounds, but these facts do not determine its classification as a media mail item. Similarly, while it's possible to send media mail in flat rate envelopes, doing so is not a requirement for classification. The inclusion of only educational materials is what distinctly qualifies a mailpiece as media mail.