There's no need to declare ashes, as they are not considered dangerous goods. No documentation is required. The ashes must be properly stored in a sealed container to prevent spillage. The urn may need to be stored in the overhead compartment, so be sure to transport your loved one's ashes in a sturdy container.
Crematory remains in carry-on must pass through the X-ray machine to be screened. If the X-ray operator cannot clear the remains, TSA may apply other, non-intrusive means of resolving the alarm. If the officer cannot determine that the container does not contain a prohibited item, the remains will not be permitted.
Human Ashes
No import permit, death certificate or cremation certificate is required. If however the ashes are mixed with a biosecurity risk material, such as soil, then requirements may apply and we recommend you contact the department prior to arrival.
You will need to present TSA agents at security with the death certificate and certificate of cremation. It's also beneficial to attach additional copies of the certificates to the container carrying the ashes—especially if you plan to transport the urn in checked luggage.
Well, the answer is yes. There are no legislative requirements in relation to taking cremated remains across Australia or overseas. Cremated remains can be stored either in your carry-on or check-in luggage.
For domestic travel, the TSA allows you to bring cremated remains onto the plane either in your carry on or in your checked luggage. You should carry a copy of the death certificate and a copy of the Disposition Permit, which will be given to you when you receive the cremated remains from our office.
Ashes (cremated remains) may be carried as checked or carry-on baggage. Ensure that the container used to hold the ashes is free from contaminants such as soil. The container and packaging for the ashes may be inspected or examined.
How Much Does it Cost to Take Ashes Abroad? Other than the extra hand luggage when travelling by plane, there are practically no additional charges when taking ashes abroad. However, you should always check with the airline you are flying with if they have any additional fees when flying with ashes.
2. Keep the urn in your carry-on bag. The TSA allows cremation urns to be checked or carried on, on (as long as you're using a TSA approved urn) so there's no strict rule that says that you have to carry the urn with you when traveling with cremated remains.
Cremated remains must be contained in a five-millimeter polyurethane bag within cardboard outer packaging. A metal container or urn is the preferred method of inner packaging. Minimum size requirements (12" x 12" x 12") apply. Cremation containers are not acceptable for the transportation of human remains.
Scattering in waterways or at sea
You must get permission from the master of a vessel or boat before scattering the ashes overboard. Vessels can be chartered specifically to scatter ashes.
The average cremated adult will produce about five pounds of pulverized bone fragments, a coarse powder that is sterile and safe to touch, even if the person died of a communicable disease. Try to scatter, not dump.
A common question that we find in the cremation diamond industry is do ashes have an expiration date? The short answer is they don't; at least not in our lifetime. It would take around one million years for ashes to dissolve since they are made solely of inorganic material.
If you want to transport the ashes abroad, you should obtain a special Overseas Certificate from the crematorium required for taking ashes abroad – formally called 'Certified Copy of an Entry of Cremation'. This shows all the details regarding the cremation and the entry number in the cremation register.
Certified lab testing evaluations using cremation ashes or cremains are possible and available. The decision to order any lab testing, including cremains, is your decision.
In case you were wondering if you need permission to scatter ashes at sea, the answer is yes. The US Environmental Protection Agency issued a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) to authorize the transportation and burial of human remains at sea.
The urn must be securely closed and sealed to avoid spillage. Always carry the ashes as hand luggage, never stored in a suitcase. Most airlines do not allow ashes to be transported in suitcases and this will also avoid any potential damage. Consider choosing a temporary urn for transportation.
The cremated ashes must be packed in a siftproof container. A siftproof container is one that will not allow loose material to sift or leak out during transport. The United States Postal Service (USPS) also recommends that the siftproof container then be placed in a sealed plastic bag.
Any and every cremation urn can always be taken on an airplane with no remains inside. Here's what that means. If you have an empty cremation urn - any urn, of any material - you can travel with it because it can be opened and inspected by TSA agents.
This cremation urn is made of x-rayable materials that will pass through airport x-ray machines and is permissible as a carry-on or can be checked with baggage (airline policies may differ so please check with your airline regarding traveling with ashes).
For both domestic and international shipping, cremated remains must be shipped by USPS Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail Express International Service utilizing either a USPS-produced or customer-supplied shipping package.
If you are travelling to New Zealand and bringing human ashes/remains or placenta accompanying you, you do NOT need a Customs clearance. You do NOT need to present any documents to Customs for ashes accompanying you through the arrivals process at airports.
UK & International – Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Volume per item must not exceed 50g. Ashes must be placed in a sift-proof container and securely closed. Items must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage.
Most states do not have any laws prohibiting this, but federal law does prohibit dropping any objects that might injure people or harm property. Cremains themselves are not considered hazardous material, but for obvious safety reasons you should remove the ashes from their container before scattering them by air.