How to Ship Cremated Remains

Updated January 9, 2026.

There are different reasons why you might need to ship cremated remains. You could be a relative entrusted with transporting the ashes of a loved one. You may need to send a pet cremation urn safely back home. Or you’re in the death care business and your funeral home needs to transport cremated remains regularly. Whatever the reason, Stamps.com can help make the process as simple as possible.

The first thing to know is that USPS is the only carrier authorized to ship cremated remains in the United States. Courier services like FedEx and UPS do not allow this. That means your Stamps.com platform is the ideal tool for handling these sensitive shipments.

What you need to know about the 2025 rule changes

As of March 1, 2025, USPS updated its requirements for shipping cremated remains. The most significant change is that you must now use the official USPS Cremated Remains Kit (BOX-CRE) for all shipments. You can no longer use your own box with Label 139 attached.

Here’s what else changed:

• Mandatory USPS packaging: All cremated remains must ship in the USPS-branded BOX-CRE box, available in two sizes
• Expanded definition: The rules now apply to cremated remains “in any state,” including ashes, keepsakes, and jewelry containing cremated remains
• Free kits from USPS.com: You must order the Cremated Remains Kits online from the USPS Postal Store—they are not available at local post offices
• No more Label 139 requirement: The new BOX-CRE boxes have pre-printed markings, so you no longer need to affix Label 139 to all six sides

How to order your free cremated remains kit

Before you can ship, you’ll need to order the free Cremated Remains Kit from USPS. Visit the USPS Postal Store and search for “cremated remains kit.”

The kit includes:

• One Priority Mail Express cremated remains box (BOX-CRE)
• Priority Mail Express tape
• Bubble cushioning
• A self-sealing plastic bag
• Publication 139 (How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains)

Pro tip for funeral homes and frequent shippers: Order several kits in advance so you have them on hand when needed.

Preparing your package

USPS allows shipping cremated remains only via Priority Mail Express service (for domestic shipments) or Priority Mail Express International (for international shipments).

Here’s how to prepare your package:

1. Use a proper inner container: The inner container must be strong, durable, and sift-proof (sealed to prevent any leakage). For domestic shipments, this can be any secure container that meets these requirements. For international shipments, you must use a sealed funeral urn.
2. Place the inner container in a sealed plastic bag: The USPS kit includes a self-sealing bag for this purpose.
3. Add cushioning: Place padding on the bottom, sides, and top of the box to prevent any movement during transit.
4. Include identification inside: USPS recommends attaching a slip of paper to the sealed plastic bag with the complete return and delivery addresses and the words “Cremated Remains.” This helps identify the package if the shipping label becomes detached.
5. Seal with Priority Mail Express tape: Use the tape included in your kit to seal the box securely.

Creating your shipping label with Stamps.com

Once your package is prepared, use Stamps.com to create your shipping label:

1. Go to the Shipping Label section in your Stamps.com account
2. Select Priority Mail Express as your mail class
3. Enter the complete return and delivery addresses
4. Under Additional Options, click Special Contents and select Cremated Remains
5. Print your label on plain paper or self-adhesive labels (such as the 4¼” × 6¾” SDC-1200 labels)

Your label will include tracking, so you can monitor your shipment’s progress.

Shipping cremated remains internationally

For international shipments, you must use Priority Mail Express International. Before shipping, verify two things:

1. The destination country allows cremated remains: Some countries prohibit the import of cremated remains entirely, while others have specific requirements. Check the USPS Individual Country Listings to confirm.
2. Priority Mail Express International is available: Not all countries support this service.

Countries that prohibit cremated remains

Some countries do not allow entry of cremated remains, including Belgium, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Always verify current restrictions before shipping, as regulations can change.

International packaging requirements

For international shipments, the inner container must be a funeral urn that is sealed and sift-proof. This is different from domestic shipments, where any secure container is acceptable.

Customs declaration

When shipping internationally through Stamps.com, you’ll complete customs documentation as part of the label creation process:

1. In the Customs Information window, select Other under Type of Contents
2. Enter a detailed description (including “Cremated Remains”) under More Info
3. Include itemized package content details

If required by the destination country, attach the cremation certificate and any other permits to the outer packaging.

Extra services and pickup options

When shipping cremated remains, USPS permits only two extra services:

• Additional insurance: For added protection beyond the included coverage
• Return receipt: For confirmation of delivery

Since you’re using Priority Mail Express, you can schedule a free USPS pickup instead of going to the post office. This is especially helpful for funeral homes handling multiple shipments. Learn more about scheduling USPS pickups.

Quick reference: How to ship cremated remains

Step 1: Order your free Cremated Remains Kit from USPS.com

Step 2: Prepare a compliant inner container that is strong, durable, and sift-proof (international shipments require a funeral urn)

Step 3: Place the inner container in the sealed plastic bag with identification information

Step 4: Add cushioning and seal the BOX-CRE with Priority Mail Express tape

Step 5: Create your label in Stamps.com, selecting Priority Mail Express and marking Special Contents as “Cremated Remains”

Step 6: For international shipments, complete customs forms with clear content declaration and verify the destination country permits cremated remains

Step 7: Schedule a free USPS pickup or drop off your package at the post office

Stamps.com makes shipping cremated remains as straightforward as possible, with easy label creation, free tracking, and the convenience of printing from your office. Start your free trial today.

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Paul Morris

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