Customer owned barcode requirements

You may apply barcodes to the left of the address block or above it.

Acceptable barcodes

  • Codabar
  • DUN-14
  • Interleaved 2-of-5
  • ITF-14
  • MSI Plessey
  • Telepen
  • Tri-Optic
  • EAN Bookland
  • EAN-JAN-13
  • EAN-JAN-8
  • EAN-UCC 14
  • EAN-UCC 14 (ITF)
  • SCC-14
  • SCC-14 (ITF)
  • UPC-A
  • UPC-E
  • UCC 12
  • Plessey
  • UPC Shipping container
  • Code 39 (if tested by Canada Post first)
  • Code 93

If you position the barcode vertically

If positioned vertically, you must place the barcode at least 5 mm from the left edge of the address block.

If you position the barcode horizontally

If positioned horizontally, we recommend placing the barcode at least 5 mm above the addressing block, as part of the address block.

Certain barcodes may interfere with mail processing, so please refer to the acceptable barcodes. You must cover or place such barcodes inside the envelope.

If using other barcodes, please contact the Commercial Service Network team (See How to assess your Machineable Mail items before mailing).