How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains The United States Postal Service® offers Priority Mail Express® and Priority Mail Express International® service for shipping human or animal cremated remains domestically and internationally. Whether you are shipping the remains of a loved one or a pet to or between family members or to an artisan to incorporate the remains into blown glass or other works of art, this publication is designed to provide the necessary preparation and packaging requirements that will aid in protecting this special mailing during transit. General Instructions Cremated remains are permitted to be mailed to any domestic address when the package is prepared as described below and in the referenced postal manuals. Cremated remains are permitted to be mailed to an international address when the designating country does not prohibit the contents and when Priority Mail Express International service is available to that country. You can verify this by checking the Individual Country Listing in the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) (see Postal Service References at the end of this article). Packaging You will need a primary inner siftproof container, cushioning material, and an outer shipping package. Note: A sift-proof container is any vessel that does not allow loose powder to leak or sift out. There are many options available to store cremated remains — from simple wooden boxes to decorative urns. USPS® recommends consulting with a licensed funeral director to help you select the best container. Inner Primary Container • Domestic Shipping: The inner primary container must be strong, durable, and constructed in such a manner as to protect and securely contain the contents inside. It must be properly sealed and sift-proof. • International Shipping: A funeral urn is required as the inner primary container. It must be properly sealed and sift-proof. Seal and Address the Inner Primary Container In the event the shipping label becomes detached from the outer container, the Postal Service™ recommends that you put the sift-proof container in a sealed plastic bag. Then, attach a label with the complete return address and delivery address on the sealed plastic bag and the wording “Cremated Remains.” Cushioning Material For both domestic and international shipping, place sufficient cushioning all around the inner primary sift-proof container to prevent it shifting inside the outer shipping package during transit and to absorb any shock to prevent breakage. 18 Montana Funeral Directors Association
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