How to send in Ashes
November 13, 2024: Canada Post unions have issued strike notice, until this labour dispute has been resolved we advise shipping ashes to us via UPS or another courier of your choice, please request a signature to ensure the parcel is not left at our door.
Once you have placed your order you may drop your ashes off to us in person, or you may put a minimum of 1 teaspoon per piece in a doubled ziplock bag and mail in a bubble envelope or other tear-resistant envelope or package to:
Fireweed Glass Studio, #8-111 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore AB, T1W 2W8, 403-609-9333.
Please include your full name and contact information. We advise using a pre-paid Canada Post Expresspost bubble envelope as this includes a tracking number and guaranteed delivery time and is kept out of the big sorting machines. Or else send the ashes via a courier like UPS or FedEx with a tracking number. We do not advise sending ashes via regular mail. Please double-check that our address is entered correctly and that you have the tracking number. We will notify you as soon as we have received the ashes. Once received, please allow 6-10 weeks from the time we receive the ashes for order completion of orders. We will return any unused ashes with your completed order. Once we have started work on your order we are unable to provide a refund if you choose to cancel. If you have any questions at all please phone or email us.
Send ashes from USA:
There are no restrictions sending cremated ashes across the Canada/US border. You do have to declare cremated ashes on the customs form, include clear labeling inside the parcel or envelope, and ensure it can be seen in x-ray. "Importation of Cremated Human Remains Into Canada 9. Cremated human remains, because they do not pose a quarantine risk, do not require a death certificate. However, it is recommended that when transporting the cremated remains that the importer should carry a copy of the death and cremation certificate and ensure that the remains are in a container that can easily be scanned (e.g., cardboard, wood or plastic)." http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-9-3-eng.pdf If you are sending ashes to other countries we advise that you contact that country's consulate to find out what their policies and regulations are.
USPS requires ashes to be mailed via Priority Express International Service.
“451.22 Cremated Remains
The following applies when mailing cremated remains (ashes):
Domestic: Permitted for cremated human or animal remains only when sent via Priority Mail Express service. The identity of the contents should be marked “cremated remains” (Label 139 preferred) on the address side of the mailpiece. The item must be packaged as required in 451.3b and Packaging Instruction 10C.
International: When permitted by the destination country, cremated remains may only be sent via Priority Mail Express International service. Mailers must verify that the destination country accepts Priority Mail Express International and cremated remains prior to mailing. The contents must be indicated on the applicable customs declaration form. Label 139, Cremated Remains, may optionally be applied to the address side of the mailpiece. The item must be packaged as required in 451.3b and Packaging Instruction 10C.”
Important: If you ship the ashes to us via a carrier other than USPS there may be brokerage charges and we will be billing these fees back to you. Brokerage for UPS is around $40.
If you choose to send ashes via a courier other than USPS please be advised that any brokerage and duty charges will be billed back to you.