What is Literature for the Blind?

Our Literature for the Blind service supports people who are visually impaired by allowing certain materials to be mailed free of charge.

What materials can be sent?

You can send the following items:

  • Documents printed in Braille or a similar raised format
  • Plates for printing Braille or similar raised text
  • Sound recordings, such as CDs
  • Sound recordings and special paper if mailed by or addressed to a recognized institution for the blind

Mail services

Free postage applies to:

  • Xpresspost™ (within Canada only)
  • Registered Mail (within Canada, the U.S. and internationally)

Label, size and weight requirements

To use this service, attach the correct label in the upper right-hand corner of the address side (where a stamp would usually go). There are different labels depending on whether you are mailing within Canada or abroad.

The complete program terms and requirements are set out in the Materials for the Use of the Blind Regulations.

Delivery in Canada

Label format

Domestic Literature for the Blind items must bear either a label on the address side of the item in a form approved by Canada Post or the words “LITERATURE FOR PERSONS WHO ARE BLIND” or (“DOCUMENTATION À L’USAGE DES AVEUGLES”) in the upper right-hand corner on the address side of the item. The words must be applied by means of marking, printing or labelling.

We must approve all other forms of labelling.

Size and weight requirements

Size and weight requirements
Size and weight requirements Requirement Minimum Maximum
Length 140 mm 600 mm
Width 90 mm 600 mm
Length + girth Not applicable 900 mm
Weight Not applicable 7 kg

U.S. and international delivery

Label format

International Literature for the Blind items must bear either a label on the address side of the item in a form approved by Canada Post or the words “CÉCOGRAMMES” or (“CÉCOGRAMMES [LITERATURE FOR PERSONS WHO ARE BLIND]”) in the upper right-hand corner on the address side of the item. The words must be applied by means of marking, printing, or labelling.

We must approve all other forms of labelling.

International Literature for the Blind items must meet all applicable customs documentation requirements as described in the International Letter-post Items Regulations.

Size and weight requirements

Size and weight requirements
Size and weight requirements Requirement Minimum Maximum
Length 140 mm 600 mm
Width 90 mm 600 mm
height 1 mm 600 mm
Length + width + height Not applicable 900 mm
Weight Not applicable 7 kg