Transporting a funeral urn
Sometimes it is necessary to transport the ashes of a loved one to the funeral site. Whether it is to meet the last wishes of the missing person or to bring him closer to his family, the transfer can be taken care of by a relative or by a qualified transport service. The latter can charge significant prices. The law does not impose any restrictions on the transport of ashes within the metropolitan territory or within the same overseas department. In any case, by law, handling must respect the dignity of the deceased in the same way as that of a coffin.
If the transport by a relative is made impossible, a sending by post is possible.
This option requires choosing a metal urn that must be placed in a hermetically sealed package. It is possible to write “fragile” on the package. However, do not enter the contents of the package. If you choose this method, you must notify the funeral agency of your action
For many reasons, which are unique to each, it may be necessary to transport the ashes of the deceased abroad. Whether by road, sea, rail or air, it is necessary to request a certificate from the prefect of the department of the place of cremation. Also, find out about the laws in force in the destination country before departure.
Certain documents are required for transport and the authorities may ask you to present them:
– the death certificate;
– the passport of the deceased;
– the medical certificate proving death unrelated to a contagious disease;
– the transport authorization certificate from the prefect.
If you must travel by plane, remember to notify the airline. Some airlines accept cremation urns in the cabin. Make sure that your package respects the dimensions imposed by the company and that the contents of your package are not identifiable. Find out about your airline’s policy before departure. Also, to prevent the ballot box from being opened during the security check, ask the crematorium to provide you with a transport certificate.