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News Releases

Mailing of inert or replica munitions now illegal in Canada

Oct. 23, 2006

Canada Post today announced amendments to the Non-Mailable Matter Regulations prohibiting the mailing of inert of replica munitions into Canada, out of Canada, or within Canada. The new regulations became law effective October 4, 2006.

In recent years several inert or replica grenades and artillery shells were found in the mail stream which resulted in numerous evacuations of postal facilities. These evacuations cause stress for employees and have a significant impact on mail processing and delivery standards.

As a responsible employer, Canada Post applied for and received approval for amendments to the Non-Mailable Matter Regulations, prohibiting the mailing of inert or replica explosives. The change was published in the Canada Gazette Part II on October 4, 2006.

Continued exposure to these replica or inert munitions poses a real danger and de-sensitizes Canada Post and Canada Border Services Agency employees to instances where there may be a genuine explosive device. It is hoped that the new Regulation amendments will serve as a deterrent to those who may consider sending these items through the mail.