A standing order is a philatelic order that is processed automatically and without handling fees. Standing orders comprise stamp combinations/configurations that have been pre-selected by collectors from potentially available combinations. Note that configurations vary from release to release. The combinations selected will be sent only if and when they become available.

To create or modify your standing order, please contact the National Philatelic Centre at
1-800-565-4362

Product Configuration Descriptions and Codes

Booklets/Packs
Some stamps are issued in booklets/packs of various sizes and are either sealed (S) or unsealed (US).

Full pane
A full sheet or pane of mint stamps. Canadian philatelic-quality panes usually include inscriptions (printing information) in their margins (selvedge).

Souvenir sheets
A special arrangement of stamps from a particular issue, presented within a framework of graphics and images in the selvedge. Available in regular (RG) and occasionally in overprinted versions (OP).

Official first day covers
Special collectible envelopes issued as part of a stamp issue. The envelope bears the stamp cancelled at date and place of issue, with background information and pictures about the issue.

Note the following abbreviations:
Single (SN) / Upper Left Corner (UL) / Upper Right Corner (UR) Lower Left Corner (LL) / Lower Right Corner (LR)

In some cases a combination (CM) of different stamp designs from the same issue is offered on one OFDC (e.g. all three denominations of Christmas stamps). Or, if a souvenir sheet (see below) is available for a particular stamp issue, a souvenir sheet OFDC may also be available.

Annual official first day cover collection
An entire year’s collection of first day covers shipped together in one package annually in November. Free products included with the pack include an illustrated one-page guide that shows all the first day cancels, an attractive keepsake box to store the collection, and a metal commemorative plaque engraved with the year.

Collection Canada
A hardcover book featuring stories and photos of the entire year’s stamp program. The collection includes every stamp design issued for the year, along with customized protective mounts.

Corner blocks
The four attached stamps from the corners of a stamp pane. Collectors can specify which corner they would like: Upper Left (UL) / Upper Right (UR) / Lower Left (LL) / Lower Right (LR)

Corner sets
Sets of all four corner blocks taken from the same pane.

Strip of 4 or strip of 10
A strip of 4 stamps or a strip of 10 stamps from a coil of domestic, U.S., international or oversize rate stamps. Strips are also available from large coils of domestic stamps.

Commemorative Envelopes
An envelope issued to commemorate an institution, milestone or event and printed in limited quantities; similar to an Official First Day Cover, a commemorative envelope bears a postage stamp or a themed, pre-printed stamp image.

Uncut press sheets
Full uncut press sheets are occasionally available with stamp issues. They come in either signed (SI) and/or unsigned (US) versions.

Quarterly Collector Packs
Each pack contains a set of all the stamps issued in a three month period, in all the various formats including souvenir sheets.

Gutter products
A product created from two stamp issues that were printed together, comprising elements such as rows of stamps or booklet covers from each, and including selvedge.

Prepaid Postcard
Postcards available with some stamp issues showing the stamp image on the front and a non-denominated pre-printed stamp image on the address-side. The postcards are available for mailing in Canada and delivery worldwide.