[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 19, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9843-9844]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02544]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Parts 111 and 211
Cremated Remains Packaging Requirements
AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending Publication 52, Hazardous,
Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52) by requiring mailers to solely
use the Cremated Remains shipping supplies provided by the Postal
Service when mailing human or animal cremated remains, also referred to
as cremains or ashes, domestically or internationally.
DATES: Effective March 1, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy, (202) 268-6592, or
Jennifer Cox, (202) 268-2108.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service hereby amends Publication
52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52 or Publication
52), with the provisions set forth herein. While not codified in title
39 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Publication 52 is a
regulation of the Postal Service, and changes to it may be published in
the Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a)(2). Moreover, Publication 52 is
incorporated by reference into Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.8.1, which is
incorporated by reference, in turn, into the Code of Federal
Regulations. Publication 52 is publicly available, in a read-only
format, via the Postal Explorer[supreg] website at https://pe.usps.com.
In addition, links to Postal Explorer are provided on the landing page
of USPS.com, the Postal Service's primary customer-facing website, and
on Postal Pro, an online informational source available to postal
customers.
Summary of New Measures
The Postal Service will require mailers shipping human or animal
cremated remains in any state (e.g., ashes, keepsakes and jewelry) to
be shipped in the Cremated Remains packaging supplied by the Postal
Service. Previously, mailers were permitted to use any box if it was
marked with Label 139--Cremated Remains.
The Postal Service understands the mailing of cremated remains is a
sensitive matter and believes this will improve visibility and enhance
handling methods throughout processing and transportation.
Response to Comments
In response to the proposed rule (89 FR 93238, November 26, 2024),
the Postal Service received one favorable formal response to the
changes to Pub 52.
Kevin Rayburn,
Attorney, Ethics & Legal Compliance.
The Postal Service adopts the following changes to Publication 52,
Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, incorporated by reference
into Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM), section 601.8.1, which is further incorporated by
reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. 39 CFR 111.1, 111.3.
Publication 52 is also a regulation of the Postal Service, changes to
which may be published in the Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a).
Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble, the Postal Service
amends Publication 52 as follows:
Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail
* * * * *
4 Restricted Matter
* * * * *
45 Other Restricted Materials
* * * * *
451.22 Cremated Remains
[Revise section as follows:]
Human or animal cremated remains in any state (e.g., ashes,
keepsakes and jewelry) are permitted for mailing as follows:
a. Domestic:
1. Must be sent via Priority Mail Express Service.
2. Must be packaged according to 451.3b and Packaging Instruction
10C.
3. Mailers must use one of the special Priority Mail Express
cremated remains branded boxes (BOX-CRE) available on usps.com.
4. Extra Services permitted with mailpieces containing cremated
remains are additional insurance and return receipt only.
5. Shipping labels may be printed and affixed through Click-N-Ship
or other USPS-approved methods or at a Post Office location. Mailer
generated labels must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb)
with the proper cremated remains Service Type Code (STC) and include
the proper Extra Services Code (ESC) in the Shipping Services File (see
Publication 199 on PostalPro at postalpro.usps.com).
b. International:
1. When permitted by the destination country, cremated remains must
be sent via Priority Mail Express International service. Mailers must
verify that the destination country accepts Priority Mail Express
International and cremated remains before mailing.
2. Mailers must use one of the special Priority Mail Express
cremated remains branded boxes (BOX-CRE) available on usps.com.
3. Must be packaged as required in 451.3b and Packaging Instruction
10C.
4. The contents ``cremated remains'' must be indicated on the
applicable customs declaration form.
* * * * *
451.3 Packaging and Marking
[Revise item b. and create new item c. as follows:]
b. Powders. Dry materials that could cause soiling, damage,
discomfort or destruction, upon escape (leakage) must be packaged in
sift proof or other sealed
[[Page 9844]]
primary containers and placed into sealed, durable, outer containers.
c. Cremated Remains. Must be shipped in USPS-branded BOX-CRE and
prepared according to Packaging Instruction 10C in Appendix C.
Appendix C
* * * * *
USPS Packaging Instructions 10C
[Revise opening paragraph as follows:]
Cremated Remains
Human or animal cremated remains in any state (e.g., ashes,
keepsakes and jewelry) are permitted for mailing with restrictions,
provided they are appropriately prepared according to section 451 and
the following instructions.
* * * * *
[Revise the following sections as follows:]
Mailability
[ssquf] International Mail: Permitted via Priority Mail Express
International Service when permitted by the destination country (see
the Individual Country Listings in the IMM).
[ssquf] Domestic Mail: Permitted via Priority Mail Express service
only.
Required Packaging
Primary Container
[ssquf] International: A funeral urn is required as the inner
container. It must be sealed and sift proof.
[ssquf] Domestic: The inner container must be strong and durable
and be constructed in such a manner as to protect and securely contain
the contents inside and it must be properly sealed so that it is sift
proof.
Note: A sift proof container is any vessel that does not allow
loose powder to leak or sift out during transit.
* * * * *
[Revise the following sections as follows:]
Outer Container
All cremated remains mailings must utilize the USPS-produced
Cremated Remains (BOX-CRE) outer packaging, found on usps.com.
Insert your inner container into a sealed plastic bag, then place
in the shipping box and add padding to the bottom, sides, and top to
ensure there is no movement of contents during transit.
Note: It is recommended that you attach a slip of paper to the
sealed plastic bag with the complete return and delivery addresses and
the words ``Cremated Remains'' in the event the mailing label becomes
detached from the outer container after acceptance.
Marking
Domestic: A complete return address and delivery address must be
used.
International: A complete return address and delivery address must
be used. The mailer must indicate the contents (Cremated Remains) on
the applicable customs declaration form.
Documentation
International: If available, and when required by the destination
post, the cremation certificate and any other certificates or permits
should be attached to the outer packaging or made easily accessible.
The sender is responsible for obtaining all the necessary documentation
and permissions required by the national laws in the country of origin
and the country of destination prior to dispatching these items. See
the Individual Country Listings in the IMM.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2025-02544 Filed 2-18-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P