How to Ship Cremated Remains: USPS Rules and Packaging

In the United States, cremated remains can be mailed only with the United States Postal Service (USPS), using Priority Mail Express and the USPS cremated remains box, known as BOX-CRE. The ashes must be in a strong, sealed, sift-proof container with cushioning around it, and the box is ordered online, so order it well before you need it.

This guide covers the USPS rules for domestic and international shipments, how to pack the ashes, and what to do if mailing is not the right fit. Rules change, so confirm the details with USPS on 1-800-275-8777 or at a Post Office before you ship.

Can you mail cremated remains?

Yes. USPS publishes a specific process for it, and both human and animal ashes are covered. Its Publication 139, "How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains" (January 2025), says you can mail cremated remains to any domestic address if you prepare the package as instructed, and to an international address if the destination country does not prohibit them and Priority Mail Express International is available there.

The publication says the rules apply whether you are sending the remains of a loved one or a pet to relatives, or to an artisan who will make a keepsake from them.

We could not verify the current policies of private carriers such as UPS, FedEx or DHL. If you want to use one, ask in writing whether they accept cremated remains before you hand over the package.

What does USPS require?

USPS Publication 52, section 451.22, sets out the main rules for domestic mail:

• Service: Priority Mail Express only. Other mail classes are not permitted.
• Outer packaging: the USPS-produced cremated remains box, BOX-CRE.
• Extra services: additional insurance and Return Receipt are the only extra services permitted.
• Labels: printed and attached at a Post Office, or a single-ply Priority Mail Express label made through Click-N-Ship.

The Domestic Mail Manual also says Adult Signature Required is not available for Priority Mail Express items containing cremated remains. Ask a Post Office clerk what tracking and delivery confirmation you can add.

How do you get the BOX-CRE box?

USPS says you can only order the Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box online at the Postal Store on USPS.com, and that it may also be available at select retail locations for immediate needs. Publication 139 describes the packaging as free. Order it ahead of time. Do not count on the local Post Office having one on the day you need it.

How should you pack the ashes?

Follow these steps, which come from USPS Publication 139 and Packaging Instruction 10C.

1. Use a sift-proof inner container. It must be strong, durable and properly sealed. USPS defines "sift-proof" as meaning loose powder cannot leak out. A screw-top urn or a sealed, rigid box works. A container with a loose lid does not.
2. Bag it. USPS recommends putting the sift-proof container in a sealed plastic bag. Write the complete return and delivery addresses and the words "Cremated Remains" on a label and attach it to the bag, in case the shipping label comes off the outer box.
3. Cushion it. Place enough cushioning all around the container so it cannot shift or break. The space between the container and the outer box must hold material that absorbs shock.
4. Add a paper with both addresses. USPS suggests putting a sheet inside the box with the sender's and recipient's addresses and contact details.
5. Seal the box and address it. Use a complete return address and delivery address, written clearly in ink that does not smear. Double-check the ZIP Code.

If the ashes are in a plastic bag from the crematory, put them into a sealed, sturdy urn or box first. A bag alone is not a strong, durable container. Scatter tubes and cardboard containers vary, so check that the seal and walls are strong enough before you rely on one. Our guide to scattering tubes explains how they close.

What are the rules for shipping ashes abroad?

International shipping is stricter. According to USPS:

• Only Priority Mail Express International can be used, in the same BOX-CRE packaging.
• The destination country must accept both cremated remains and Priority Mail Express International. The sender is responsible for any restrictions or observances the country sets. Check the country listing in the International Mail Manual.
• The inner container must be a sealed, sift-proof funeral urn.
• You must name the contents, "Cremated Remains," on the customs declaration form.
• If you have one, attach the cremation certificate to the outer box or keep it easy to reach.

Some countries want more paperwork, such as a death certificate, and some restrict who may receive the remains. Contact the destination country's embassy or consulate before you mail anything. If the person died abroad, see our overseas death guide.

Should you fly with the ashes instead?

If you are traveling anyway, you may prefer to carry the remains. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows cremated remains in carry-on and checked bags. The container has to show a clear image on the X-ray machine, and TSA recommends a lighter container such as wood or plastic. Officers will not open the container, even if you ask. Some airlines do not allow cremated remains in checked bags, so ask yours first. The Funeral Consumers Alliance notes you should carry documentation with you. See our guide to flying with ashes for the details.

Are there other ways to send ashes?

• Ask the funeral home or crematory. Some will ship for you, and they should know the packaging rules. Ask whether they offer it and what they charge.
• Hand-carry them. A relative who is traveling can take a portion in a travel-safe container.
• Send only a portion. If several relatives want ashes, ask the crematory to divide them, which is easier than splitting ashes yourself. See dividing ashes among family. Keepsake sizes are covered in our keepsake urns guide.

What to do next

1. Decide where the ashes are going and whether the destination country, if abroad, accepts them.
2. Order the USPS cremated remains box online several days ahead.
3. Put the ashes in a sealed, sift-proof container, then bag, cushion and label it as above.
4. Take the package to a Post Office, send it by Priority Mail Express, and ask about insurance and Return Receipt.
5. Tell the recipient when it is due so they can watch for it.