To obtain certification of the machine-readability of your mail, contact a Canada Post representative to arrange for this service.
Samples Certification
Provide a sample of 200 completed mail items in which:
•
Each item has a different address, representing a cross-section of valid addresses from an actual mailing list.
•
The addresses used should include at least once:
•
every letter of the alphabet.
•
every number from 0 to 9.
Required Information
Provide your Canada Post representative with the following information:
•
Type of mail being tested
•
Size = Short and Long, or Oversize
•
Service = Lettermail
•
Description of samples
•
Do they have a window?
•
Colour of envelopes
•
Size of envelopes
•
Name of the font used in printing the addresses
•
Handling for completed samples:
•
Return to Canada Post representative
Or
•
Destroy.
Testing
Mail Standards and Testing processes the samples through postal machinery to determine the percentage of the mail that can be processed by the machines (read rate) and also troubleshoots as required.
Requirements
To be certified as machineable, samples must have the following read rates:
•
Short and Long 95 percent
•
Oversize 85 percent.
Reporting
Mail Standards and Testing prepares a report that:
•
indicates if the sample meets certification requirements
•
suggest improvements, if necessary
and sends it to the Canada Post representative who informs the customer.
7.2 Testing of Materials and Designs
New Design or Materials
Canada Post is pleased to assist customers by evaluating any new materials or designs used in their mailings.
Arrange for Testing
To obtain testing of any change in mail items, contact your Canada Post representative or send the samples and required information to:
MAIL STANDARDS AND TESTING
CANADA POST CORPORATION
C0080 2701 RIVERSIDE DR
OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1
Samples Physical Properties
For testing of physical properties of mail items, such as paper quality or window material, provide a sample of 50 items.
Required Information
Provide the following information:
•
Customer name and address
•
Agreement number
•
Type of mailing
•
Service name
•
Service option.
Comments or questions?
Send any comments or questions you have regarding the information in this manual to: