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All Articles & Guides / Ashes  / Shipping Cremated Remains

Shipping Cremated Remains in Canada

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There are times when mailing cremated remains of a loved one will be essential. Shipping human ashes to another location, sometimes even internationally, can be a fast and affordable way to respect the deceased’s last wishes. Since immediate family members usually assume possession of their loved one’s cremains, it’s useful to know what the options are for mailing them elsewhere.

Rules and regulations for flying with cremated ashes can be an added stress during this difficult time. Shipping cremated remains via the Canada Post can be a safe, affordable, and stress-free way to send the ashes of a loved one to other family members. If your loved one chose a final resting place away from where they have passed, it may be necessary to choose cremation over shipping a body, especially since casket transport and flight costs for deceased can be very costly. Other times, mailing cremated remains is necessary for the ashes to be incorporated intojewelry or works of art.

Can You Mail Human Ashes?

When it is not convenient or possible to deliver your loved one’s ashes in person, finding an alternative method of transportation may become a challenge you face. Can you send cremated remains in the mail? Yes, you can. Many families choose to ship a small portion, or all, of their loved one’s ashes to their final resting place when it is not nearby or if they can’t travel to the destination.

Is It Illegal To Send Cremated Ashes In The Mail?

No, it is not illegal to mail a loved one’s cremated ashes to a domestic or international address. As long as you follow the rules and regulations for shipping cremains with an eligible carrier, it is perfectly legal to send cremated ashes in the mail. 

Can You Ship Cremated Remains Internationally?

Yes, however, there may be extra rules and regulations for sending cremated ashes overseas. Some countries, like Belgium, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, do not allow entry of cremated remains. Always check the rules and regulations for each country when sending human ashes abroad.

How To Ship Cremated Remains

If you choose to mail human or animal cremated remains within Canada, there are specific requirements for packaging and shipment including:

  • Mailing them using a trackable parcel service
  • Making sure the address and return address are correct
  • Packing them in a sealed container inside a sift-proof outer container
  • Protecting breakable inner containers with sufficient packing material
  • Keeping a certificate of cremation issued by the crematorium or funeral director inside a plastic envelope attached to the top of the parcel
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How To Package Ashes For Shipping 

Whether you are sending the cremated remains of a loved one or a pet, there are specific instructions for preparing a package that contains ashes. These rules and regulations are designed to keep your precious package protected in transit. There are 3 essential components when packaging cremated remains for shipment. They include an inner sift-proof container, cushioning material, and an outer shipping package. For complete instructions on how to package and ship cremated remains, please read The ABCs of Mailing.

Inner Primary Container  

The ashes must be safe and contained in transit. Therefore, the innermost container must be kept within a sift-proof outer container; to prevent any loose power from leaking out. The inner packaging may be decorative or plain, from a simple wooden box to an ornate funeral urn, as long as it is strong, durable, sift-proof, properly sealed, and designed to protect its contents.  

For international shipments, it is recommended that you put the sift-proof container in a sealed and labeled plastic bag for added peace of mind. This way, your loved one’s cremated ashes can be identified if the shipping label were to become detached from the outer container.  

Cushioning Material  

Once the cremated ashes are sealed, placed in a sift-proof container, and labeled, you will want to make sure it is protected from any shock or impact in transit. Prevent the inner container from shifting inside the package by wrapping it with bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or an air pillow. It’s important to be sure that there is enough room to secure the top, bottom, and sides for maximum protection.  

Outer Shipping Package  

For both domestic and international shipping, the outer package can be customer-supplied if it is strong and durable enough to withstand handling in transport. It’s a good idea to include a slip of paper with the sender’s and recipient’s address and contact information on it for extra peace of mind.  

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Cremated Remains?

The price to ship cremated remains depends on the weight of the package along with the service used to mail them. Acceptable shipping services within Canada include:

  • Priority™
  • Xpresspost™
  • Expedited Parcel™
  • Regular Parcel™

    Shipping services in the US and internationally include: 

    • Xpresspost™ - USA
    • Xpresspost™ - International
    • Expedited Parcel™ - USA
    • Tracked Packet™ - USA
    • Tracked Packet™ - International

    Why Choose Shipping Cremated Remains Over Flying?

    One of the benefits of shipping cremated remains instead of flying with ashes is that you can use whatever type of urn you want. When flying with ashes, there are often strict guidelines to be followed and some airlines may not even permit ashes on board.

    The cremation urn that you choose for shipping should be sealed and it would be wise to use a relatively durable container. It’s also a good idea to keep the ashes in an urn bag. The urn will need to be carefully padded and placed inside a shipping box. Always include your name, address, and other contact information on a sheet of paper inside the shipping box.

    Shipping cremated remains internationally can often be more affordable than purchasing a last-minute international flight. For those without passports or visas, shipping may be the only way to deliver ashes to their final destination. You should also contact the embassy or consulate of the country where the package is to be delivered to find out if the cremains can be legally sent and what regulations you must follow.

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