Mailing human ashes is legal in the United States, but only if you use the U.S. Postal Service. USPS requires Priority Mail Express for domestic shipments, Priority Mail Express International for international ones, and a specific USPS-branded box called BOX-CRE. Every other carrier refuses to handle cremated remains.
USPS Is the Only Carrier That Will Take Them
UPS lists human remains among its prohibited items, grouped with hazardous materials that cannot enter its network.1UPS. List of Prohibited and Restricted Items for Shipping FedEx and DHL apply the same prohibition to domestic U.S. shipments. That leaves USPS.
USPS Publication 52 sets the rules. Domestic shipments must go by Priority Mail Express. International shipments must go by Priority Mail Express International, and only to countries that accept cremated remains.2United States Postal Service. Publication 52 – 45 Other Restricted Materials No other USPS service level is permitted.
How to Package the Ashes
USPS layers its packaging requirements so nothing can escape in transit. If your package doesn’t meet them, the counter clerk can refuse it.
The Inner Container
The container holding the ashes has to be strong, durable, and sift-proof, meaning no powder can leak out. For domestic shipments, any sturdy container that meets that standard will do. For international shipments, the inner container must be a sealed, sift-proof funeral urn.3Federal Register. Cremated Remains Packaging Requirements Place the sealed container inside a plastic bag as a second barrier.
The Outer Box (BOX-CRE)
Since March 1, 2025, all cremated remains shipments have to use the USPS-produced Cremated Remains branded box, known as BOX-CRE. This replaced the older system that allowed any box with a Label 139 attached.4Justia Regulations. Cremated Remains Packaging Requirements, 9843-9844 The branded box is required for both domestic and international shipments, and it covers human or animal remains in any form, including keepsake portions and cremation jewelry.
Put the bagged container inside the BOX-CRE with cushioning on every side, including top and bottom, so nothing shifts. Slipping a piece of paper inside with the sender’s address, recipient’s address, and the words “Cremated Remains” gives you a backup if the outside label is ever damaged.
Shipping Domestically
Once packaged, the shipment goes by Priority Mail Express. You can create the label at a Post Office or print one through Click-N-Ship or another USPS-approved platform. A self-printed label must be single-ply and carry an Intelligent Mail package barcode with the correct cremated remains service type code.2United States Postal Service. Publication 52 – 45 Other Restricted Materials
Priority Mail Express comes with USPS Tracking, so you can watch the package from acceptance to delivery. The only extra services allowed on cremated remains shipments are additional insurance, return receipt, and signature options (either signature required or signature waived).5United States Postal Service. New Shipping Process for Cremated Remains Add-ons like Hold for Pickup or Sunday delivery aren’t available for these packages.
Cost is based on weight and shipping zone, so a package traveling across town costs less than one crossing the country. USPS put an 8 percent price increase on Priority Mail Express rates in effect on April 26, 2026 as a temporary transportation-related adjustment.6U.S. Postal Service. U.S. Postal Service Announces Transportation-Related, Time-Limited Price Change Check current rates on Postal Explorer or at your Post Office before you ship.
Shipping Internationally
International shipments use Priority Mail Express International in the same BOX-CRE packaging. First, confirm the destination country accepts cremated remains by mail. Not all do, and USPS will not accept a package bound for a country that prohibits them.2United States Postal Service. Publication 52 – 45 Other Restricted Materials
List the contents as “Cremated Remains” on the customs declaration. If the destination country requires it, attach the cremation certificate to the outside of the package or keep it easily accessible. The sender is responsible for getting all documentation and permissions required by both countries before mailing.3Federal Register. Cremated Remains Packaging Requirements In practice that usually means contacting the destination country’s embassy or consulate first. Common paperwork includes a death certificate, a cremation certificate, and sometimes documentation from the crematorium.
Insurance and Claims
Priority Mail Express includes up to $100 of insurance automatically. Ashes are irreplaceable, so that base coverage is largely symbolic. You can buy additional indemnity coverage up to $5,000 at a Post Office or online, and most people shipping cremated remains do.7USPS. Shipping Insurance and Delivery Services
If the package arrives damaged or with contents missing, either the sender or the recipient can file an indemnity claim. Claims must be filed within 60 days of the mailing date, and you’ll need the original mailing receipt.8USPS.com. File a Claim Save every piece of packaging and every part of the contents until the claim is resolved. USPS may ask you to bring the whole package to a Post Office for inspection, and photographs of any damage will strengthen your case.
Flying With Ashes Instead
If you’d rather carry ashes yourself, TSA allows cremated remains in both carry-on and checked bags. The container has to be screenable. If it produces an opaque image on the X-ray, the officer will not clear it, and officers will not open a cremation container even if you ask.9Transportation Security Administration. Cremated Remains
Skip metal urns for air travel and use a temporary container of wood, plastic, or another lightweight material X-rays can penetrate. Some airlines restrict cremated remains in checked luggage, so ask your carrier before you fly. The final decision at the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer on duty.