Many of you want to scatter ashes aboard – a favourite holiday destination, where your beloved proposed or any number of heartwarming reasons.
Over the years I have tried to find out what is the law covering scattering ashes is in other countries, this has proved remarkably difficult. Mainly due to the fact I don’t speak any others languages, law is never plain sailing and funeral/burial/ashes law often tends to be archaic.
So, in a moment of inspiration, I turned to AI to drag this information for the ether, by and large it was pretty unhelpful coming up with lots of generic stuff, however each time I asked it did highlight the piece of legislation that covered this issue and broadly whether the country was content or not, so with those big caveats this is what I have discovered for the more popular destinations:
France
The laws and regulations concerning cremation ashes are outlined in the French Public Health Code (Code de la santé publique) and the Decree on Funerals and Burials (Décret relatif aux funérailles, aux sépultures et aux opérations funéraires).
The scattering of ashes in France is regulated. Ashes cannot be scattered freely in public spaces. They must be scattered in specifically designated areas, such as a cemetery’s scattering garden or a designated scattering area within a cemetery. Some cemeteries also provide specific sections for scattering ashes at sea or in natural environments.
Germany
laws and regulations concerning cremation ashes are primarily governed by the Funeral Act (Bestattungsgesetz) of each individual state (Bundesland). These state-specific laws outline what is required
Scattering of Ashes: Scattering ashes in Germany is generally not allowed, but the regulations and guidelines can vary between states. Some states may have designated areas within cemeteries or specific locations for scattering ashes. It is important to consult the specific laws and regulations of the respective state or local authorities to determine the requirements and conditions for scattering.
Italy
Laws and regulations regarding cremation ashes are primarily governed by the Legislative Decree No. 285/1992 (Italian Traffic Code), the Legislative Decree No. 285/1992 (Consolidated Text on Public Health Laws), and the Regional and Municipal Regulations.
Scattering of Ashes: Scattering ashes in Italy is generally not allowed in public spaces. However, there are some exceptions. For example, some municipalities may have designated areas within cemeteries or special locations for scattering ashes. It is important to consult the specific regional and municipal regulations to determine if scattering is permitted and under what conditions. Mainly waffle – it is the heart of Catholicism and as such frowns on the practice.
Greece
the laws and regulations regarding cremation ashes are governed by the Presidential Decree 85/2010 (Regulation on Funerals and Burials
Scattering of Ashes: Scattering ashes in Greece is generally not allowed in public spaces. It is typically permitted only in designated areas within cemeteries, such as scattering gardens or specifically designated sections. It is important to consult the specific regional and municipal regulations to determine if scattering is allowed and under what conditions. Again, a bit generic – but you get the picture.
The UK does have one of the most relaxed approaches to scattering ashes in the world. So, if you are thinking of scattering abroad then please don’t expect other countries to take a similar approach.