My husband died unexpectedly last week.I am English, with

My husband died unexpectedly last week.

I am English, with Italian citizenship, my husband is Italian. We have no children. He has no immediate living family other than myself.

I have declared that I would like to take his ashes back to the UK.

I see that the undertaker must complete a form, once done, can I just drive back to the UK with his ashes or do I have to make a further declaration in the UK upon my arrival?

Thank you for your assistance.

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See section 11.2 and 11.3 of this UK Governmemt website.......

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bereavement-information-for-…

Also, onother UK Gov website says ...

Bringing ashes home

When leaving a country with human ashes you will normally need to show:

  • the death certificate
  • the certificate of cremation

Each country has its own rules about departing with human ashes and there may be additional requirements. Read information about the country where the person died to find out what you need to do. You’ll need to fill in a standard customs form when you arrive home.

 

 

 

Hope it helps

Thank you. What I need to know is, if I drive to the UK, what do I do? What is the standard customs form? Where do I get it? Do I have to show the urn/container? Ill the UK require it to be sealed?

Am I obliged to stop and declare that I have the ashes or can I just go straight through if not stopped?

You will need the cremation certificate or a letter from the crematorium, the death certificate and a customs declaration slip.  The urn must be sealed - which it will be when the crematorium gives it to you.  You will have the paperwork from Italy allowing the export of ashes.   When I had to do it for a client, I also needed a nulla osta from the mayor, but the funeral directors will be able to help on that, Im sure.     To be on the safe side I would stop and declare it.