BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?

Subject: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: GUEST,Not sure how I feel about putting my name to
Date: 01 Aug 12 - 11:04 PM

If a relative has died overseas on holiday in USA,
when the Urn/Ashes are shipped back to family home address in UK
would there be import duty / VAT payable ?

Or any additional special admin charges regarding delivery of human ashes ?

Asking here, as google searching is not providing answers
and mudcat community knowledge covers just about every subject.

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: maeve
Date: 01 Aug 12 - 11:13 PM

Perhaps you will find someone to ask here:

http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-usa/repatriation-human-remains-to-uk/

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 03:59 AM

I would try ringing the Home Office.

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 04:08 AM

and maeve's answer came within 10 minutes!

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 04:54 AM

The HMRC notice on Burial, cremation and the commemoration of the dead: states at section 7.4:
7.4 Bringing human remains to the UK from overseas
There is no import VAT or acquisition tax due when a coffin containing a dead body or an urn containing ashes is brought into the UK from overseas. The same rules apply to flowers and wreaths accompanying the coffin or urn.

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 09:33 AM

Depending on what arrangements have already been made, it might be necessary to conform to, or arrange for exception to, local/state rules in the US. Unfortunately the rules can be exceedingly vague, variable, and arbitrary, even from one town to the next one down the road, and may not necessarily be what one would wish to have done.

Most people in the US rely almost entirely on Funeral/Mortuary services for the whole process, and providers of those services are generally as well informed as they need to be; but if unusual transportation of the remains is expected, or likely, it probably would be advisable to inform anyone from whom you intend to obtain any services of the full range of what you might want before agreeing to have them start anything.

From the way the original question was stated, it would appear that things have already passed the point where that's a consideration - but just in case ....

John

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 09:37 AM

Gift wrap the ashes and declare him/her as novelties.
Exactly how do you know that this person is going to die in the US? Should someone notify the police?
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: GUEST,Opening Poster
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 10:07 AM

Hi thanks for replies, I was very tired late at night and got bogged down
reading detailed misc googled links that were not providing the answers required.

The US state coroners office recommended their 'first call' local funeral home
which for convenience we entrusted to take care of all cremation arangements.
This funeral home has quoted a shipping price to UK, plus additional cost per Death Cert.

My Family is not well off, and just needs to make sure we budget
for any sneaky hidden charges that may be imposed
once the Urn passes through a UK airport
on route to our family home.

Unwell people with chronic illness really should think twice before they embark on the holiday of a lifetime.
Or at least make sure they take out adequate travel insurance.
Especially if they never had the sense and consideration to make their immediate family
aware of any existing provisions for Life insurance.

Our relative wasn't the most responsible and prepared traveller.
All we can find are expired policies.
But she was always very conscientious regarding cat insurance.

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 02:00 PM

Please, Sinsull, your flippant remark (considering that a death has actually taken place) isn't appropriate. I am very sorry, Guest, that your relative passed away in America, and that you have had the upsetting and distressing responsibility of repatriating her remains. I do hope you can sort things out satisfactorily without too much expense.

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 02:12 PM

Very sorry Guest. Your opening post said "If". I did not realize that you had a death on your hands.

Subject: RE: BS: Shipping human remains to UK ?
From: GUEST,Seayaker
Date: 03 Aug 12 - 11:27 AM

From the tone of the post at 10:07 they were perhaps ready for a bit of light relief.