Canada Post's changes to business reply card (BRC) paperweight specifications will be postponed until July of next year. Originally, the changes were to take effect in January.

Clear zone language on the back side of cards will also be addressed to provide flexibility and allow more time for industry discussion. Card redesigns will not be needed.

"We will look for options both internally and externally that will ensure optimal BRC production and postal handling," said Gerry Gervais, Canada Post's general manager of commercial mail, through a release.

Canada Post will also create a "technical committee" forum for the industry and any interested parties to discuss issues raised by the new specifications. November 8 is the proposed date for the forum's first meeting.

The offending changes to the way Canada Post measures BRCs, by basis weight instead of by paper thickness as usual, raised concerns in the publishing industry that costs for subscription cards and other items would raise.

Gervais said those who wish to attend the technical committee meeting should contact him by email.