Shipping family member's ashes?

[Sylea 30]

***For the Canada to US threads specifically**

My dad passed away in the US back in 2012, and the cremains were shipped to me in Canada for safekeeping. (family has not decided what to do with them yet).

I am wondering if anyone has moved similar to the US when using a moving company?? I emailed US Customs about it but they haven't got back to me yet.(also backlogged like ALL of the US governmental sites!)

I am building my manifest of goods for the movers, and assume I will have to list the box of ashes. I just want to make sure there are no special documents I need to have - I have the original shipping and customs clearance documents from when they arrived in Canada last year.

Has anyone had any experience with this??

Thanks to all.

Peace.

[Ryan H 3,834]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Progress Reports to Canada regional forum.

[Lemonslice 4,967]

No restriction to move ashes across the border. Personally, I would not send the urn with the movers, but keep it with me.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/237/~/requirements-for-importing-bodies-in-coffins-%2F-ashes-in-urns

What is the process for bringing bodies in coffins and ashes in urns? What paperwork is required?

Human remains intended for interment or subsequent cremation after entry into the United States must be accompanied by a death certificate stating the cause of death. If the death certificate is in a language other than English, then it should be accompanied by an English language translation.

CBP Officers will examine the death certificate to determine the cause of death and ensure that the remains are shipped in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) requirements. If CDC requirements are not met, CBP will hold the casket and contact the appropriate quarantine station for instructions.

If the remains/bodies are embalmed and the casket is hermetically sealed, the remains may be released under any conditions. Also, if the remains have been cremated they may be admitted into the United States without restriction, regardless of the cause of death.

...

[Sylea 30]

Thanks Boston-Montreal - I had been unable to find that information on the CBP website, so appreciate the link. There's no urn, just a metal box with his cremains.

I will pack it in another box with other belongings and just list it accordingly. I have me and a cat to make my POE with, so no way for me to carry the ashes separately.

Really appreciate the help.

Peace.

[thatangela 134]

I have a box of ashes to carry with me, too (my dog, who was like a child). I plan on keeping it in the truck with me as opposed to in the U-Haul, because that's where he should be for the trip. Right beside me.

[Sylea 30]

Thanks thatangela - I would have kept Dad next to me as well, if I was using a U Haul.

Alas, the cost of a Uhaul for 3500 miles was the same as using a moving company, so we decided to do that to ease my overall stress.

I'm not worried about Dad, he will be fine.

Safe travels to you and yours.

[thatangela 134]

Best of luck with your move, Sylea.

[Sylea 30]

Best of luck with your move, Sylea.

Thanks very much!! After over 6 years long distance, we're SO close to being together I can taste it!!

Interview next!!

Peace.

[thatangela 134]

That's cool. It will be four years for us at Christmas. But I'm hoping this is all done by then and we're together.