Literature for the Blind

1 What Is Literature for the Blind?

Literature for the Blind is a service offered by Canada Post allowing specific items used by blind persons to be mailed free of postage.

Every item of material for the use of the blind shall be accepted for registered mail or, in Canada, Xpresspost™ mail at no charge.

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 matter impressed in Braille or similar raised type

tapes, records, CDs and other sound recordings posted by the blind in Canada

tapes, records, CDs and other sound recordings and special paper intended solely for the use of the blind if mailed by, or addressed to a recognized institution for the blind.

2 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 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.

3 Size and Weight

Each Literature for the Blind item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Literature for the Blind size and weight

Category Length Width Weight Domestic max.

Length: 1 m Length + width + thickness: 2 mLength: 1 m 7 kg min. 100 mm 70 mm – U.S.A. and International max.

Length: 600 mm Length + width + thickness: 900 mmLength: 600 mm 7 kg min. 140 mm 90 mm –

4 Delivery Standards at a Glance

Delivery standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered from the point of deposit to the destination points. Delivery standards are governed by the service used. These delivery standards are not guaranteed.

5 Options

Options are governed by the service to which Literature for the Blind is applied and are available for an additional fee.

6 Format

Literature for the Blind items 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.

6.1 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). All other forms of labelling must be approved by Canada Post.

6.2 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). All other forms of labelling must be approved by Canada Post.

7 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. See Addressing Guidelines for more information.

8 Deposit of Literature for the Blind

As per service used.

9 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.