Effective July 28, 2013, the U.S. Postal Service® will revise Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, section 452.2 to include Priority Mail Express International™ service (where available) as an authorized mail class to send cremated remains; currently, only First-Class Package International Service™ using Registered Mail™ service only is authorized.
We are adding this option to accommodate these types of items that exceed 4 pounds in weight (the current maximum weight for any First-Class Package International Service item).
Publication 52: Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail
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4 Restricted Matter
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45 Liquids, Powders, and Odor-Producing Material
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452 Mailability
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452.2 Cremated Remains
[Revise 452.2 in its entirety to read as follows:]
The following applies when mailing human ashes (cremated remains):
a. Domestic. Permitted only when sent via Priority Mail Express or when using Registered Mail service (see DMM 503.2). The identity of the contents should be marked on the address side, and the item must be packaged as required in 453b.
b. International. Permitted only when sent via Priority Mail Express International service (when available to the destination country), or First-Class Package International Service using Registered Mail service (when available to the destination country). The identity of the contents must be indicated on the applicable customs declaration form, and the item must be packaged as required in 453b.
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We will incorporate this revision into the next online update of Publication 52, which is available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Pricing, 7-11-13
