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Postal Guide

This is your place to access anything and everything Canada Post has to offer. Whether you need information about domestic, U.S. or international products and services, the Postal Guide is your one-stop shop.

What you'll find in the Postal Guide

The Postal Guide is a great reference when you need to know the specifics: what you can send, where you can send it, and when it will get there. It's a complete and detailed online handbook with the full report on:

Every rule has some exceptions

Even if you are a frequent Post Office user, there are certain exceptions to some postal rules that you may not be aware of. Here's a look at the finer points of a few common postal issues (read about these issues in full in the Postal Guide).

For Your Information

If you’re sending merchandise to an international destination you must fill in and attach a Customs declaration. Without it, your postal item could be delayed while Customs officials verify the parcel’s contents and value.

Three Customs requirements you should know about

Whenever you send a letter or parcel, you should be aware that there are:

Make sure it's mailable

Sending prohibited items through the mail is an offence that can lead to a fine or in extreme cases, a prison sentence. Prohibited and Controlled items include products that:

  • Are prohibited by law (e.g., illegal, obscene, fraudulent)
  • Contravene an Act of Parliament
  • Fail to meet certain physical characteristics or marking requirements
  • Could cause injury to those handling the mail
  • Could cause damage to postal equipment or other items
  • Could cause entrapment of others

For Your Information

Ever wonder what happens to undeliverable mail? What happens if a package containing a gift or money never arrives at its destination? Find out the answers to these questions and more in the undeliverable mail section.

Delivery Standards

When we at Canada Post say it will be delivered on time, we mean it. That's because we have developed service standards to ensure the timely delivery of all products and services. View our delivery standards to find out the maximum number of business days it will take for your parcel to arrive at its destination.

What else is in the Postal Guide


And that's not all! You can also find information regarding other products and services such as:

If you still can't find what you're looking for, contact our Customer Service.