Transportation and cremation of human remains and scattering of ashes

Transporting human remains, cremation and scattering the ashes are sensitive operations that are regulated by rules designed to ensure dignity and respect for the deceased, as well as protecting public health.
These operations can only be carried out by licensed and duly registered funeral homes, which must employ appropriate vehicles and trained personnel, as required by law.


To avoid delays or irregularities, it is advisable to prepare all the necessary paperwork in advance. This includes: 

  • the death certificate and statistical form (ISTAT)
  • transport clearance and municipal authorisation
  • cremation paperwork (request, authorisation and ASL report), available at the local civil registry and the burial & cremation services office (Ufficio di Polizia Mortuaria), or on the local authority’s website
  • disposition of cremated remains and authorisation to scatter.
If you have any doubts, contact the civil registry office or the forensic medicine department (Servizio di Medicina Legale) of the local ASL where the death occurred, which will provide the information and support to help you respect the deceased’s last wishes, according to the law.

Transporting human remains

Human remains can only be transported after clearance has been obtained from the medical examiner and authorisation has been given by the local authority. Transport must be carried out by a licensed funeral home using dedicated vehicles, featuring a separate compartment for the coffin, washable interior surfaces, sanitation equipment and personal protective equipment for staff.

Transport may involve:

  • transfer from the place of death to the mortuary or cemetery;
  • transfer between municipalities or regions, subject to further health clearance;
  • transfer abroad, which requires consular paperwork and official translations.

Each stage of the process must ensure traceability, health and safety, and compliance with environmental regulations. Any anomalies or incidents must be reported promptly to the ASL and the local authority.

Cremation

Cremation is by choice only and can only be carried out if the deceased has expressed this wish, in writing, in their will or in a written statement, or by registering with a licensed cremation society. If no such wish has been expressed, the decision lies with their next of kin (Presidential Decree 285/1990).


The following paperwork is required:
●    death certificate;
●    clearance from the judicial authorities, in the event of violent, sudden or suspicious death;
●    authorisation by the local authority.
Cremation must take place in authorised facilities only, which are periodically inspected and adhere to environmental regulations.

After cremation, the ashes may be:

  • stored in specially designated areas of cemeteries;
  • collected by a family member authorised by the local authority;
  • transferred to another municipality or region, subject to notification and authorisation.

The urn containing the ashes must be sealed, labelled and safely and securely stored and must be traceable. The urn must not be opened and the ashes scattered without prior authorisation. Any movement of the ashes must be authorised by the local authority.

Scattering of the ashes is permitted only if expressly requested by the deceased and may take place:

  • in a natural setting (sea, mountains, countryside), far from inhabited areas
  • in specially designated areas of a cemetery, such as “memorial gardens”
  • in authorised private spaces that comply with specific health and environmental requirements.

The ashes must be scattered by a family member, or other designated person, subject to authorisation by the local authority and the scattering must be recorded in a report, which is then sent to and filed by the competent offices.
Furthermore, scattering is not permitted in unauthorised places, in urban areas or in settings that could pose a public health or environmental hazard.