Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in China and bringing ashes home

For some families, arranging cremation locally and carrying ashes home is the right choice, and it can be quicker than full repatriation. This page sets out what China requires, and what to check before you decide.

WhatsApp us 24/7 Full repatriation guide for China

Cremation in China

What applies in China

Cremation arrangements in China depend on local facilities and on whether an investigation is open. Contact us and we will confirm the current position before you make any decision.

Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.

Who must release the body

Local Civil Affairs Bureau (Minzheng Ju); Local Civil Affairs Bureau exit permit; Chinese Customs clearance; Forensic department of the Public Security Bureau (PSB); Public Security Bureau (for unnatural deaths)

Treaty position

Not a signatory to the Strasbourg Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses

Airline guidance

Carrying ashes on the flight home

Departure airports: PEK/PKX (Beijing Capital / Daxing International); PVG (Shanghai Pudong); CAN (Guangzhou Baiyun); CTU (Chengdu Tianfu)

Carriers serving the UK: Air China; China Eastern; British Airways; Virgin Atlantic

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from China

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For China the things that move it are:

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Local Civil Affairs Bureau (Minzheng Ju); Local Civil Affairs Bureau exit permit; Chinese Customs clearance; Forensic department of the Public Security Bureau (PSB); Public Security Bureau (for unnatural deaths) has to release the case first
Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped

Considering full repatriation instead?

Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full China guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for China

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in China

The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in China.

Talk to us about cremation in China

We deal with Local Civil Affairs Bureau (Minzheng Ju); Local Civil Affairs Bureau exit permit; Chinese Customs clearance; Forensic department of the Public Security Bureau (PSB); Public Security Bureau (for unnatural deaths) and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.