I have not had a problem in over a year with this tape regulation ... maybe over two years. The postal clerk told me that this was a directive from the postmaster and she had no discretion other than to follow the instructions issued from her superior. She also said that clear tape could not be used either. The only means of sealing the envelope was the self stick strip.

However, she did say that there was a slightly larger flat rate envelope (legal size) available that tape could be applied with no restriction for an additional .15 cents. ($5.30) Actually, I prefer the padded flat rate envelope but I didn't have any on hand. In fact, I just ordered 15 of them today from USPS.com which are free and are delivered right to your house.