Materials for the use of the blind may be sent free of postage* by Regular Parcel, Xpresspost, Lettermail or Letter-post. Registered Mail is also available free of postage, where available.
The following items, subject to the conditions and restrictions as set out in the Material for the Use of the Blind Regulations, can be mailed free of postage as Literature for the Blind:
matter impressed in Braille or similar raised type
plates for manufacturing mater impressed in Braille or similar raised type
tapes, records, CDs and other sound recordings posted by the blind in Canada to anyone
tapes, records, CDs and other sound recordings and special paper intended solely for the use of the blind if mailed to anyone by, or addressed to, a recognized institution for the blind.
*Subject to certain conditions and restrictions such as size and weight restrictions, as defined by the Canada Post Corporation Act and the Regulations. SeeSize and Weight.
Unacceptable Items
Materials for the use of the blind that do not meet the conditions and restrictions specified in the Canada Post Corporation Act and the Regulations, will not qualify as materials for the use of the blind and therefore, cannot be sent free of postage.
For mailings outside of Canada, please consult the International Destination Listing for information on prohibited items. Go to Section H, International Destination Listing.
Size and Weight
CATEGORY
LENGTH
WIDTH
WEIGHT
Domestic
max.
2 m (length plus width plus thickness) 1 m (greatest dimension)
7 kg
min.
100 mm
70 mm
–
U.S.A. and International
max.
900 mm (length plus width plus thickness) 600 mm (greatest dimension)
7 kg
min.
140 mm
90 mm
–
Service Standards
Service standards are governed by the service used.
These service standards are not guaranteed. Service standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered.
Options
An option is a service enhancement which is not provided automatically as part of the basic service. The Customer must select the option by checking a box or affixing an additional label or sticker.
Signature Copy (Domestic Only): If the Signature option was selected at the time of shipping and if a signature was captured at the time of delivery, a secured signature image will be available, at no charge, on Canada Post’s website. A hard copy of the signature is also available, for a fee, by calling the Customer Relationship Support group at 1 888 550-6333. The Signature Copy will be sent to the sender via Lettermail or by facsimile within three business days of the sender’s request.
Registered Mail: Registered Mail provides Customers with a mailing receipt and offers Signature Copy, Delivery Confirmation and Coverage for loss or damage. For detailed information, Go to Section C – Chapter 15, Registered Mail, orGo to Section D – Chapter 10, Registered Mail – U.S.A. and International.
Format
Every item of material for the use of the blind must be prepared for posting in a manner that will prevent damage to or loss of contents, while permitting quick and easy examination of the contents by postal employees.
Domestic Literature for the Blind
Literature for the Blind items must bear a label or the words “Literature for the Blind” or “Documentation à l’usage des aveugles” in the upper right-hand corner on the address side of the item (by means of marking, printing or labelling). Labels must be approved by Canada Post.
International Literature for the Blind
International Literature for the Blind items must bear a label or the words « Cécogrammes » or « Cécogrammes (Literature for the Blind) » in the upper right-hand corner on the address side of the item (by means of marking, printing or labelling). Labels must be approved by Canada Post.
Addressing
Addresses must be legible, complete and should include the correct postal code, ZIP code for U.S.A. destinations and the name of the country for international destinations, in English or French. Go to Section B – Chapter 3, Addressing.
Deposit of Literature for the Blind
As per service used.
Delivery of Literature for the Blind
As per service used domestically. For U.S.A. and international destinations, as per the service in the country of destination.
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