USPS 2026 Tactile, Sensory, Interactive Promotion: A Quick Guide for Publishers

Written By Brooke Schumann

Print stands apart because it can be touched, felt, and experienced. In 2026, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is rewarding mailers who lean into those strengths through the Tactile, Sensory, Interactive (TSI) Promotion, which offers a 5% postage discount on qualifying mail.

For publishers producing catalogs, donor mail, and promotional campaigns, this promotion is a smart way to elevate engagement while reducing mailing costs.

What Is the TSI Promotion?

The Tactile, Sensory, Interactive Promotion encourages mailers to enhance their print with elements that engage the senses or invite interaction. Mailpieces that include a qualifying feature and are mailed during the promotion period receive a 5% postage discount on eligible USPS mail.

The goal is simple: create mail people want to open, touch, and spend time with.

Key Dates

  • Registration opens: October 15, 2025

  • Promotion period: January 1 – June 30, 2026

Mail must be sent during the promotion window, and registration must be completed before mailing.

Eligible Mail Types

Eligible

  • USPS Marketing Mail® letters and flats

  • Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® letters and flats

  • First-Class Mail® letters, cards, and flats

Not Eligible

  • Periodicals

  • Bound Printed Matter

  • Media Mail

While magazines mailed as Periodicals do not qualify, many publishers already use USPS Marketing Mail for catalogs, appeals, and special campaigns that may be eligible.

What Makes a Mailpiece Qualify?

A mailpiece must include at least one qualifying tactile, sensory, or interactive element that is:

  • Visible or clearly noticeable

  • Integrated into the design

  • Relevant to the message

Using multiple features is allowed, but the discount remains 5% total.

Examples of Qualifying Features

Tactile & Sensory Treatments

  • Soft-touch or velvet coatings

  • Embossing or raised textures

  • Spot gloss or specialty coatings

  • Textured papers (leather or grit finishes)

  • Scented varnishes or scratch-and-sniff elements

  • Holographic or lenticular effects

Specialty Inks

  • Metallic or optically variable inks

  • Thermochromic inks (change with temperature)

  • Photochromic inks (change with UV exposure)

  • Conductive or scented inks

Interactive Elements

  • Pop-ups or dimensional pieces

  • Infinite folds

  • Scratch-off panels

  • Peel-and-reveal features

  • Pull tabs, zip strips, or trailing edge die-cuts

Simple folds alone do not qualify.

What Does Not Qualify?

Common exclusions include:

  • Blow-in cards or loose inserts

  • Reply envelopes or order forms

  • Buckslips or snap packs

  • Laminated postcards

  • Gloss stock by itself

  • Simple folds without interaction

Treatments must be part of the main mailpiece and cannot interfere with USPS barcode or indicia areas.

How the Discount Works

  • The 5% discount is applied automatically when claimed correctly

  • Standard USPS rates still apply; the promotion reduces final postage

  • Only one promotion discount may be applied per mailpiece

Mailers can increase savings by pairing the promotion with USPS Add-Ons.

Learn how to sign up for the TSI Promotion here:

Learn more

Source: USPS 2026 Tactile, Sensory, Interactive Promotion Guide: https://postalpro.usps.com/promotions/26-tsi

Brooke Schumann
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