Non-mailable Matter

1 What Is Non-mailable Matter?

Generally, non-mailable matter means, but is not limited to, any mail:

that is prohibited by law (e.g., illegal, obscene, fraudulent)

for which the importing or mailing contravenes an Act of Parliament

that fails to meet certain physical characteristics or marking requirements

that contains products or substances that could:

cause injury to those handling the mail

cause damage to postal equipment or other items, or

cause entrapment of other items

that contains sexually explicit material unless it is sent in an opaque envelope with the words “ADULT MATERIAL” or similar wording. Solicited Publications Mail items only require opaque wrapping.

NOTE: Sexually explicit material that is sent as Personalized Mail™, Postal Code Targeting or Neighbourhood Mail™ means images or representations of nudity that are suggestive of sexual activity; images or representations of sexual intercourse, with no context suggesting violence or degradation; or written text that describes sexual acts in a way that is more than purely technical, with no context suggesting violence or degradation.

Any item bearing a modified postage stamp in contravention of section 52, or bearing a word or mark in contravention of section 58, of the Canada Post Corporation Act and Regulations is also non-mailable matter.

The customer is solely responsible for ensuring that an item is acceptable for mailing. Without limiting that responsibility, by depositing an item with Canada Post the customer represents to Canada Post that the item has been properly prepared and paid for, does not constitute non-mailable matter, and that the mailing of that item is permitted by applicable law. The customer acknowledges that in accepting an item for deposit, Canada Post may expressly rely on that representation from the customer. Visit General Terms and Conditions at canadapost.ca/generalterms for information on how non-compliant items will be handled. For more information, refer to the Canada Post Corporation Act and Regulations. See in particular the Non-mailable Matter Regulations and the Solicitations by Mail Regulations.

NOTE: Prohibitions or restrictions on the acceptance of certain articles for transmission by post may apply (refer to International Destination Listing ).

2 Treatment of International Inbound Non-Mailable Matter

If an International inbound item is found to be non-mailable, it must be removed from the mail stream immediately. There is no option to return to sender. The item will be destroyed by the appropriate legislative authority in Canada.

3 Criminal Code and Other Offences

Any person using the mail for the delivery of any one of the following items commits an offence:

articles that are obscene, indecent, immoral or scurrilous

any information relating to bookmaking, pool-setting, betting or waging

articles relating to unlawful lottery schemes

any article relating to schemes to deceive or defraud the public

articles or special messages sent to any person with the intention to obtain money under false pretences.

NOTE: False representation on any customs document is considered an offence.

4 Solicitations by Mail

Solicitations that have the general appearance of a bill or statement of account must clearly indicate that there is no obligation to make a payment in relation to the offer unless it is accepted. Specific wording and format requirements are detailed in the Solicitations by Mail Regulations made under the Canada Post Corporation Act and Regulations.

Customers must ensure they are applying the most current requirements of the regulation found at http://laws.justice.gc.ca. For convenience, the following details those regulatory requirements.

Where a letter or other mailable matter that is not a bill, invoice or statement of account due is in such a form that it has the general appearance of a bill, invoice or statement of account due, it shall have endorsed on its face the following notice:

“THIS IS A SOLICITATION FOR THE ORDER OF GOODS AND/OR SERVICES AND NOT A BILL, INVOICE OR STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT DUE. YOU ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO MAKE ANY PAYMENTS ON ACCOUNT OF THIS OFFER UNLESS YOU ACCEPT THIS OFFER.”

The notice referred to above shall be printed in boldface capital letters in such a manner that:

the print of such notice is no less conspicuous than the print of any other word on the letter or other mailable matter; and

the size of the print of such notice is not smaller than the larger of the print of any other word on the letter or other mailable matter or 12 point type.

There must be a clear space of not less than 6 mm immediately surrounding the notice referred to above that is printed on a letter or other mailable matter.

The notice referred to above must be printed on a letter or other mailable matter in such a manner that the contrast between the background and the print of that notice is not less than the contrast between the background and the print of any other word on the face of the letter or other mailable matter.

No letter or other mailable matter referred to above shall state that it has been approved by the Canada Post Corporation or that it conforms to any federal statute or regulation.

NOTE: No letter or other mailable matter referred to above that does not comply with these Regulations shall be sent by post.

5 Controlled Items

These can be mailed, but must be properly prepared, abide by government regulations and meet applicable requirements for mailing. For additional information, please see Section 1.2 Ensure the item is acceptable for mailing of ABCs of Mailing.

5.1 Tobacco and Vaping Products

5.1.1 Tobacco Products

Tobacco products are non-mailable from one province or territory to another unless:

the shipment is between manufacturers or retailers, or

no payment of any kind is provided for the product by its recipient, or

the person is otherwise exempted by the regulations (at the time of writing no exemptions exist).

For additional information, refer to the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and its regulations on the Department of Justice website.

NOTE 1: Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and regulations. The originator of the shipment is solely accountable to ensure all tobacco shipments meet the requirements of theand regulations.

2: Proof of Age is required for all tobacco product shipments, unless:

the shipment is between manufacturers or retailers; or

no payment of any kind is provided for the product by its recipient (i.e. a gift).

5.1.2 Vaping products

Vaping products, as defined by the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, are non-mailable unless they meet the following requirements:

the lithium battery in the device must meet the requirements in Section 2.2.10 of ABCs of Mailing for domestic ground/surface mailing of lithium batteries

must be shipped using a ground service (e.g. Expedited Parcel or Regular Parcel)

must not be shipped to air stage office locations in Canada (see Air Stage Office List in Prices)

to properly prepare liquids for mailing, refer to the information on packaging and wrapping materials, found in Section 2.1 of ABCs of Mailing. If liquid cartridges are categorized as Dangerous Goods, a limited quantity or excepted quantity acceptance program is available to commercial customers. Please refer to Section 7 Dangerous Goods for more information.

For additional information, refer to the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and its regulations on the Department of Justice website.

NOTE 1: Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and regulations, as well as any other applicable legislation, including the Cannabis Act. The originator of the shipment is solely accountable to ensure all shipments containing vaping products meet the requirements of theand regulations, as well as any other applicable legislation, including the

2: Proof of Age is required for all vaping product shipments, unless:

the shipment is between manufacturers or retailers; or

no payment of any kind is provided for the product by its recipient (i.e. a gift), or

the shipment is a prescription as per the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act.

3: Food and Drugs Act governs vaping products that make a health claim. These products require approval by Health Canada before they can be sold, advertised or imported commercially. To date none have been granted FDA approval. Thegoverns vaping products that make a health claim. These products require approval by Health Canada before they can be sold, advertised or imported commercially. To date none have been granted FDA approval.

5.2 Firearms (including imitation and replica firearms)

International destinations:

Under no circumstances can Firearms be mailed as defined by the Firearms Act:

Section 16 - non-contract http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-98-209/FullText.html Section 15 - contract http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-210/FullText.html

Canada:

Please contact the Canadian Firearms Program at https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms or by calling 1-800-731-4000 to determine whether it is permissible to ship your firearms.

When it is determined permissible to ship firearms, they must be shipped as follows:

Customers who wish to ship firearms must:

unload the firearms - there cannot be any ammunition in the firearm or in the package (bullets, cartridges and other ammunition are dangerous goods)

attach a secure locking device to the firearms

lock the firearms in a sturdy, non-transparent container, and

remove the bolt or bolt carrier from any automatic firearms (if removable).

Firearms cannot be shipped via air and cannot have any markings on the outside of the packaging. The customer is solely responsible for meeting all Canadian Firearms Centre regulations.

5.3 Intoxicating beverages

For information regarding the importing or mailing of intoxicating beverages, refer to the federal Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act and contact the provincial liquor board. The Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act can be found on the Department of Justice website.

Intoxicating beverages can only be shipped within Canada by Parcel Services contract customers and Solutions for Small Business cardholders that meet each of the following requirements:

the customer uses Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) and selects the "PROOF OF AGE" (18 or 19) option (which includes a signature at delivery); and

NOTE: As the legal age for certain goods may differ from age of majority by province or territory, it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that the appropriate age is selected under the Proof of Age option.

the customer and the customer's shipment of intoxicating beverages falls within one of the following categories:

a Provincial Liquor Board or Commission is mailing to a manufacturer, distributor or individual within the same province

a manufacturer of such beverages is mailing to a Provincial Liquor Board or Commission, to a distributor of such beverages in Canada, or to an individual within the same province

a distributor of such beverages is mailing to a Provincial Liquor Board or Commission, to a manufacturer or distributor of such beverages in Canada, or to an individual within the same province

such beverages are mailed between a peace officer and a test laboratory for the purpose of carrying out a lawful investigation; or

a permitted party* mails wine** from one province*** to an individual in another province in accordance with the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act and the respective laws of the origin and destination provinces. Laws applicable to the shipment of wine vary by province. It is the customer's sole responsibility to ensure:

the customer is legally permitted to mail wine;

wine shipments comply with applicable provincial legislation; and

recipient individuals are receiving the wine for their own personal consumption and not for resale or other commercial use.

* Parties permitted to mail wine will vary by province in accordance with applicable provincial legislation.

** Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act. Note that certain provinces have further restrictions on what is classified as “wine”. As defined in the. Note that certain provinces have further restrictions on what is classified as “wine”.

*** Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act. This definition is only applicable to the mailing of wine as set out above. As defined in the. This definition is only applicable to the mailing of wine as set out above.

Regardless of who is shipping, special restrictions apply as follows:

If the intoxicating beverage contains less than 24% alcohol by volume* (e.g. 48 proof), the item can be shipped by air or ground in a net quantity of five litres or less. If the intoxicating beverage contains:

more than 24% alcohol by volume (e.g. 48 proof); and

less than 70% alcohol by volume (e.g. 140 proof); and

is shipped in a container of less than five litres,

the item can be shipped by ground only as a limited quantity dangerous goods displaying a Limited Quantity mark on the package (refer to Section 7 Dangerous Goods for more information).

* When shipping via Priority™, intoxicating beverages are only acceptable if they contain less than 24% alcohol by volume and shipped in a net quantity of five litres or less.

Intoxicating beverages can only be imported into Canada by mail when:

they are imported by or mailed to a licensed distiller or body authorized by the board, commission, officer or other governmental agency in the province of destination, and

the alcohol content is no greater than 24% alcohol by volume (e.g. 48 proof).

Intoxicating beverages can only be exported from Canada by mail if:

the applicable requirements for export have been met and the international destination postal administration permits such mailings (see canadapost.ca/internationallistings for more information).

5.4 Drugs and other controlled substances

Drugs, including narcotics and other controlled substances are governed by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Food and Drugs Act and can only be mailed in certain circumstances and subject to various restrictions.

For information on cannabis for medical or other purposes, see the Cannabis Act and Regulations at the Department of Justice website at http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-24.5/.

5.5 Medical/Biological materials

The material must not be infectious, poisonous, or otherwise prohibited under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, Food and Drugs Act or any other applicable law. If permitted for mailing, the material (e.g., blood specimens [human and animal], spinal fluid, pathological specimens and culture specimens [e.g. urine, sputum, and swabs]) must meet the packaging and labelling requirements. For requirements on biological specimens, see Section 2.2.5 Liquid and dry patient specimens (human or animal) of ABCs of Mailing.

NOTE: All items are mailed at the customer’s risk and no coverage for loss or damages is available for this type of mail.

5.6 Perishable items

Fish, game, meat, fruit, vegetables or other perishable items must be properly prepared and meet applicable requirements for mailing (see Section 2.1 Suggestions for how to package and wrap items of ABCs of Mailing).

NOTE: All items are mailed at the customer’s risk and no coverage for loss or damages is available for this type of mail.

In addition, it should be noted that these commodities Canada Border Services Agency might require special import permits in order for these products to enter Canada. For additional information contact:

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at: 1-613-759-1000

Canada Border Services Agency at: 1-800-461-9999.

5.7 Liquids, liquefiable substances and powders

Liquids, liquefiable substances, fatty substances and powders, provided they are otherwise mailable substances, must be properly prepared and meet applicable requirements for mailing. For information on packaging and wrapping materials, see Section 2.1 Suggestions for how to package and wrap items of the ABC’s of Mailing.

5.8 Animals

Live animals cannot be mailed unless the mailer has entered a related Agreement with Canada Post prior to mailing. Bees, day-old chicks and hatching eggs, parasites, leeches and some other small cold blooded animals can be mailed under certain conditions (see Section 2.2 Requirements for how to package and wrap specific items of the ABC’s of Mailing).

NOTE: All items are mailed at the customer’s risk and no coverage for loss or damages is available for this type of mail.

Dead animals or their parts, including, for example, the whole carcass of a beaver or a mallard duck, the antlers of a deer, hides, pelts, nests or eggs, may be acceptable for mailing, provided all applicable requirements are met. For information, please contact the:

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

351 BOUL ST JOSEPH

GATINEAU QC K1A 0H3

1-819-997-2800

Additional information may also be required from the relevant provincial government authority. If permitted to be mailed, the package must meet the following requirements:

the contents must not leak or emit offensive odours

the cover of the package must bear a full, accurate description of the contents

the name and address of the shipper must be identified

the number of any permit under which the contents were taken must be specified.

5.9 Plants

The Plant Protection Act and the Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species regulate the movement of certain plants, seeds, fruits, bark, plant parts and soil. For further information, please contact:

CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY

PLANT HEALTH DIVISION

PERMIT OFFICE

59 CAMELOT DR

OTTAWA ON K1A 0Y9 CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

351 BOUL ST JOSEPH

GATINEAU QC K1A 0H3

www.ec.gc.ca/cites/default.asp?lang=En&n=72272E7E-1

6 Prohibited Items

These include packages whose contents are explosive, highly flammable, radioactive or otherwise dangerous. Prohibited items can never be sent through the mail under any circumstances. For additional information, please see Section 6.2 Other Miscellaneous Prohibited Items.

6.1 Replica or inert munitions

Replica or inert munitions are non-mailable, as well as other devices that simulate explosive devices or munitions, including replica or inert grenades or other simulated military munitions, whether or not such items are for display purposes. These products are not permitted in the mail under any circumstances.

6.2 Other Miscellaneous Prohibited Items

Other prohibited items and conditions include:

unsealed envelopes and unsealed self-mailers, when deposited as Letter-post (see Letter-post (U.S.A. and International) for more information)

with the exception of special handling, envelopes with windows are unacceptable for mailing unless the window has a transparent cover parallel to the length of the envelope, the address of the addressee is easily read and it does not interfere with the date-stamping process

only one auxiliary window is permitted on the front or the back of an envelope when mailed at the Incentive Lettermail price

items that have on their outside cover anything written, printed or attached other than the name and address of the addressee and the sender or endorsements or attachments which are authorized by or under applicable regulations or by Canada Post

items with covers that bear words, devices, etc. which may adversely affect the commercial or social standing of the addressee

items with covers that bear rings or similar advertising devices appearing around the postage stamps (hand-stamped or printed facsimiles of postal cancelling or franking stamps)

items with covers that bear non-postal (i.e. private manufacture) stamps or stickers that are affixed in such a manner that they may be mistaken for postage stamps or postal franking impressions, or otherwise indicating value

mail bearing successive addresses

items in wholly transparent envelopes unless such envelopes can be easily handled by post and the outside label is securely attached and is large enough for the name, address, postage and any applicable service instructions

pre-printed labels must adhere to the following:

pre-printed terminology and/or graphics on the mail piece should in no way imply special handling or service for which postage has not been paid

the label and endorsement should not duplicate trade-marks of, or used under licence by Canada Post

it should be clear that pre-printed labels and endorsements used by mailers are directed to the addressee as an instruction related to the enclosure

it is the mailer’s obligation to clear an endorsement with Canada Post prior to printing, in order to ensure the “mailability” of an item

any item emitting an offensive odour

gold bullion, gold dust and non-manufactured precious metals unless mailed under an Agreement between Canada Post and the mailer

any other item that contravenes the Universal Postal Convention, an Act or a Law

visit http://www.upu.int/nc/en/activities/customs/prohibited-and-restricted-articles/cds-list-of-prohibited-and-restricted-articles.html for information on dangerous products as defined by the International Air-Transport Association as accepted by the Universal Postal Union.

7 Dangerous Goods

Dangerous Goods, as defined by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDGR), are non-mailable matter. Canada Post will not accept packages that contain dangerous goods or that display dangerous goods symbols, except for lithium batteries described in Section 2.2.10 Batteries of ABCs of Mailing. Canada Post must assume that all markings and labels on a package identify the actual contents. If any evidence of former hazardous material contents is visible, the package cannot be accepted.

It is acceptable to reuse boxes for mail shipments if all former package markings and labels have been removed or completely obliterated by the mailer. Merely crossing out a label and marking or writing the current contents on a box or package is insufficient to allow for mailing. The former markings and labels must be marked out even if the parcel is wrapped in paper because, if the wrapping becomes damaged during shipment, these markings will be visible and the package will not be delivered.

It is important to note that dangerous goods can be found in everyday items or commodities.

For contract customers and Solutions for Small Business cardholders, a limited quantity, excepted quantity and expanded lithium battery acceptance program is available. Please contact your sales representative or call Customer Service 1‑888‑550‑6333 for more details.

7.1 Transportation of dangerous goods classes/index

Customers who are uncertain whether the items they intend to mail are dangerous goods should verify with the manufacturer or supplier or contact CANUTEC by phone at 1‑613‑992‑4624. Customers can also consult www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tdg/safety-menu.htm for information.

Table 1: List of dangerous goods



- Explosives Class 1- Explosives ammunition / cartridge

black powder

blasting caps

detonators dynamite

explosive fuses and igniters

fireworks

flash powder grenades

rocket motors

signal flares

toy and starting pistol caps

- Compressed Gases Class 2- Compressed Gases aerosol products (hair sprays, inhalers)

bear / dog spray

camping stove and BBQ cylinders cigarette lighter

cryogenic liquids (nitrogen, helium, etc.)

cylinders of compressed gas (oxygen, air, acetylene, butane, propane, carbon dioxide, etc.) fire extinguishers

mustard gas

- Flammable liquids Class 3- Flammable liquids acetone (nail polish and remover)

adhesives (glues)

alcohols (butanols, methanol, ethanol, etc.)

camping fuel cigarette lighter fuel

essential oils (tea tree and eucalyptus oils)

furniture stripper

gasoline

gasoline additives paints, enamels, lacquers, etc

perfume and shaving lotion

petroleum - products / kerosene

thinners

- Flammable substances Class 4- Flammable substances charcoal

fire starters

flameless ration heaters (FRH) fuel tablets

matches

metals (calcium, magnesium, phosphurous and sodium) moth balls

oil impregnated fabrics

- Oxidizers and organic peroxides Class 5- Oxidizers and organic peroxides ammonium nitrate products (fertilizer)

bleaching powders

disinfectants fibreglass repair kits

hair and textile dyes

hydrogen peroxide

nitrates organic peroxides

oxygen pellets

pool - chlorine / bromine

- Toxic and infectious substances Class 6- Toxic and infectious substances arsenic

bacteria and viruses (hepatitis, HIV, etc.)

chloroform disinfectants

drugs / medicine

fungicides

herbicides infectious diagnostic specimen (blood samples)

used needles and swabs

- Radioactive materials Class 7- Radioactive materials measuring instruments medical isotopes smoke detectors

- Corrosives Class 8- Corrosives acids (hydrochloric, sulphuric, nitric, muriatic, etc.)

battery acid

caustic soda

cleaners

disinfectants

drain openers

dyes etching fluid

fire extinguishers

formaldehyde

household bleach

mercury

mercury thermometers and blood pressure gauges

oven cleaners paint or varnish remover

potassium hydroxide

rust remover

self heating beverages (SHB)

soda lime

sodium hydroxide

- Miscellaneous Class 9- Miscellaneous air bags

asbestos

caron dioxide solid

dry ice

gas filled shock absorbers lithium batteries (with / without device)

petrol powered devices - even without petrol (lawn mowers, chain saws, weed cutters, motor bikes, etc.) self inflating life preservers

strong magnets

Products that contain low concentrations of dangerous goods may not be regulated if the dangerous goods are diluted to such an extent that the product no longer poses a hazard. For example, a flammable liquid that is diluted so that it is no longer flammable is not a dangerous good, provided that it does not fall under any of the nine classes listed above.

NOTE: Canada Post’s Regulations Respecting Non-mailable Matter (for example, knives that have been improperly prepared for mailing). The Index of Dangerous Goods contains examples of common dangerous goods and should not be regarded as an exhaustive list. The Index does not necessarily include items designated as non-mailable matter under(for example, knives that have been improperly prepared for mailing).

7.2 Commodities that may contain dangerous goods

General descriptions on Customs Declarations or on the outer packaging of the commodities being offered for mailing can often help determine whether a consignment contains dangerous goods.

Table 2: List of commodities that may contain dangerous goods