Can you Send Ashes in the Post in Australia?

Losing someone is difficult and it's even harder to know what all the rules and regulations can be in regards to handling their funeral and cremation. If the ashes need to be transported past state borders can you legally do so? In this article we will be discussing whether you are able to send your cremated ashes through the post in Australia, as well as what other options you may have available. 

Can you send ashes in Australia?

The short answer to the question is that yes, you can indeed. You will want to double check with the postal service you are using to make sure that it is possible however. Ashes must always be secured in an urn or otherwise sealed and safe receptacle that can be transported. This will be a requirement for any postal service that you wish to send your ashes through. Auspost allows the transportation and sending of ashes but they do prefer you to use registered post. Other carriers may have different restrictions, so it is important to check with them before you commit to sending through their services.

Can you send ashes overseas?

Sending ashes overseas can also be done. The same principles apply to overseas sending as they do for interstate posting, which is to make sure that it is transported in a suitable vessel such as an urn. You will also want to check with your postal service to make sure that they will accept your item to post overseas. Finally you will want to talk to a consulate or check the legislation of the receiving country to make sure that your urn will pass through customs with no problems. There may be some countries that deem ashes as a prohibited item and will not allow you to post your loved ones ashes there. 

Can you travel with your loved ones ashes?

Travelling by plane, boat or a long road trip may affect the legality of carrying your loved ones ashes. Most airlines will let you bring your ashes through baggage or even carry on luggage provided it is sealed in an urn or otherwise suitable receptacle. You will want to make sure that the destination you are taking the urns to will allow you to import ashes into their country. This will be very similar for travel by boat, the only difference being to check with the boat and port authorities for permission. If you are planning a big road trip through multiple countries, you will need to check and make sure that each country will allow you to transport the ashes. While Australia does allow the import of ashes into the country, the receptacle it comes in can have some restrictions that need to be declared. There cannot be any outside particles on the urn such as mud or grime, and it cannot be made from a foreign wood that could introduce harmful flora into the Australian ecosystem. Other countries may have similar restrictions so it is always a good idea to check and make sure. 

Posting your loved ones ashes is definitely possible in Australia and the most popular postal service, Australia Post, will allow you to do so through registered post. We hope this article has helped to inform you of what you can and cannot do with your loved ones ashes. As Australia's largest urn store, Eternal Urns has an extensive range of the best quality urns available, so check out our range today.