Transport of Cremated Remains

Following the Rules...

Use of the term CREMATED REMAINS here refers to both human and pet cremated remains. Considerations listed also apply to either the entire collected remains or smaller, divided portions thereof.

There are a number of issues involved in transporting cremated human remains that require advance planning and informed decisions. You may need a variety of documents (death certificate, certificate of cremation, various authorization forms, etc.) and the assistance of a licensed funeral director to send and/or receive the cremated remains.

The following is intended only as an overview of the process and not as a comprehensive documentation of all requirements.

Shipping by U.S. Postal Service...

Effective March 1, 2025, the Postal Service has new requirements for shipping cremated remains to increase visibility and improve handling throughout processing and transportation. Anyone shipping cremated remains is now required to use the Cremated Remains shipping supplies (also known as BOX-CRE) provided by the Postal Service when mailing human or animal cremated remains both domestically or internationally. This requirement for BOX-CRE, available in two sizes, replaces the use of any box affixed with Label 139--Cremated Remains, which was previously acceptable in 2019.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Is shipping permitted to the intended country?
What paperwork is needed?
Are the costs and risks clear?

PREPARE THE PACKAGING

Domestic - Must be sent via Priority Mail Express Service using the special Priority Mail Express cremated remains branded boxes (BOX-CRE).
International - Must be sent via Priority Mail Express International service using one of the special Priority Mail Express cremated remains branded boxes (BOX-CRE). Mailers must verify that the destination country accepts Priority Mail Express International and cremated remains before mailing. The contents “cremated remains” must be indicated on the applicable customs declaration form.
Extra Services permitted with mail pieces containing cremated remains are additional insurance and return receipt only.

The Postal Service requires mailers shipping human or animal cremated remains in any state (e.g., ashes, keepsakes and jewelry) to be shipped in the Cremated Remains packaging supplied by the Postal Service. The Postal Service understands the mailing of cremated remains is a sensitive matter and believes this will improve visibility and enhance handling methods throughout processing and transportation.

Customers can order cremated remains mailing kits that contains a sturdy box preprinted with the Cremated Remains on all sides (including the top and bottom), bubble cushioning, a self-sealing plastic bag, reinforced Priority Mail Tape, and a copy of Publication 139, which has been updated to include the new requirements. These kits and labels are available in the USPS store here in two sizes: standard (left) and small (right).

At the Post Office

A benefit of the Priority Mail Express service requirement is the assurance that the package is tracked online via the USPS website. New process requirements increases visibility of cremated remains in the postal network, thereby improving customer satisfaction.

To read or download the USPS pamphlet on shipping cremated remains, click here.

If you have any questions, visit your local post office location, contact the USPS at 800-ASK-USPS® (800-275-8777) or [email protected] or CANA at 312-245-1077.

Transporting by Air...

Most airlines will allow you to transport cremated remains, either as air cargo, or as carry-on or checked luggage (traveling with you). Whether shipping as air cargo or as carry-on/checked luggage, consider all of the following steps:

Check with the airline to determine their exact policies on either shipping or handling as luggage. Some airlines will not accept cremated remains in checked luggage while others may only accept it as checked luggage. Some airlines require seven days notice before shipping if handled as air cargo. In all cases the contents should be identified as cremated human remains.
Review the Transportation Security Administration requirements and additional guidelines which require that the container must be scannable (a container returning an opaque image will not be permitted through security, either for checked luggage or for carry-on luggage). See their related blog post here.
Arrive early to ensure adequate time for security clearance.
Carry the Death certificate, Certificate of Cremation or other appropriate documentation with you (and consider attaching copies to the container), and
Make sure to check with a licensed funeral director both at your origin of travel and destination to determine if there are local laws to be considered.

Transporting Internationally...

There are even more issues involved in bringing cremated remains from...or taking them to...another country. For example, Germany requires that a licensed cemetery receive cremated remains sent to Germany...and that a licensed funeral director be involved in sending them to Germany. In addition to the steps outlined above, you should start by:

Contacting the Consulate(s) for the country you are taking cremated remains to or from; identify their specific rules and legal requirements. Note: you can often find this information on the website for the country... but it may also require a call.
Some countries will have additional authorizations that are required. Your contact with the Embassy should be able to provide you with the forms, although you may need to involve a licensed funeral director or even legal counsel in order to complete the information required.
Allow even more time for this process — two weeks at a minimum — as there can be a number of steps involved.

We hope this guide has been useful to you. It can be a frustrating process to try to transport the cremated remains of a loved one, but it is useful to understand that the rules and requirements often have a basis in ensuring proper care for your loved ones remains as well as abiding by local customs and traditions. Be patient, and your patience can be rewarded by a positive experience in getting your loved one to the proper destination.

Find a CANA Member

Your best resource may be a company devoted to shipping remains internationally. Find a CANA member who specializes in navigating the regulations and customs of transporting remains around the world in the CANA Directory under "Transportation Services."