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Returning Remains To Australia
When a body is to be returned to Australia for burial or cremation, Australian health regulations require the approval of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Prior approval must be sought in an attempt to ensure that AQIS is not placed in the position of having to refuse the entry of a body or to order its cremation under quarantine supervision.
Morticians should contact the Consular Office at the Embassy of Australia or one of five Consulates-General, whichever is closest. Embassy or Consulate officials will arrange for quarantine clearance at no charge. Given the time difference between the USA and Australia, this usually can be done overnight.
To arrange for the quarantine clearance, the Consular official will need:
- a copy of the death certificate,
- a certificate issued by the local health authorities stating that death was not caused by a communicable disease,
- full flight details for remains to their destination in Australia,
- the name and address of the consignee (who must be either a licensed funeral director, possess legal approval for disposal of the body or a scientific institution which will be undertaking work such as an autopsy),
- the number of the airway bill or bill of lading,
- the number of the Australian passport of the deceased, if known, and
- contact details for the next-of-kin, if known.
Human remains are to be arterially and cavity embalmed, according to recognised codes of practice. If embalming cannot be arranged, AQIS may grant approval taking into account the cause of death and subject to certain criteria being met regarding packing of the body and handling on arrival. If this is the case, make sure you bring this to the attention of the Consular official.
Embalmed human remains destined for Australia must be shipped in an inner container enclosed in an outer wooden coffin or crate suitably prepared for transportation. The inner container must be hermetically sealed and may be made from lead, bronze, zinc, steel or polythene plastic sheeting with a minimum thickness of 0.26 mm. In the latter case, the polythene container must have all excess air removed and both ends hermetically sealed with double welds. Unembalmed human remains must meet additional packing requirements complying with the relevant Dangerous Goods Regulations (ICAO Technical Instructions, Chapter 8, Note 602) and may be subject to additional quarantine controls, depending on the cause of death.
AQIS will only approve the importation of bodies when the consignee is either a licensed funeral director, possesses legal approval for disposal of the body or is a scientific institution which will be undertaking work such as autopsy.
The remains must be accompanied by:
- the death certificate or a copy certified by the local health authority,
- the quarantine certificate from the local health authority, and
- a certificate of embalment certified by the local health authority.
If the body is cremated, no quarantine approval is required for entry of the ashes into Australia. Ashes can be despatched directly to the next-of-kin in Australia, but some States of Australia have specific requirements. Check with the Consular official.
Most airlines flying to Australia will carry the remains. Call Qantas on 1-800-227-0290 or fax 1-310-665-2201 for details.