Repatriation of the deceased, transporting the body or cremated remains of a person overseas can be a very complicated process. You have to notify the relevant UK authorities and cope with the regulations of the country of destination. There are funeral directors that specialise in repatriation:- www.rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk Funeral Industry trade associations will also be able to help you find one in your area. The associations are: Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) 3, Bullfields, Sawbridgewirth Hertfordshire CM21 9DB 01279 726777 www.saif.org.uk National Association of Funeral directors (NAFD) 618 Warwick Road Solihull West Midlands B91 1AA www.nafd,org,uk Funeral Standards Council (FSC) 30 North Road Cardiff CF1 3DY 029 2038 2046 There are no legal restrictions about taking ashes out of the UK but the country that you are taking them to may have regulations eg. Greece treats ashes like an exhumed body and wont let them in until a year after the death. Regulations vary a great deal and you should check with the relevant Consulate or Embassy. To remove a body from the UK permission has to be obtained from the Coroner four days before the journey is due to be made. No official permission is needed to take a body out of Scotland. Almost always the body has to be embalmed and sealed in a metal lined coffin. The regulations for the country of destination have to be obtained from the Embassy and complied with. Arrangements for the reception and disposal of the body in the country of destination need to be made prior to departure.
