The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has changed the regulations regarding the Importation of Human remains on January 8, 2021. The changes are as follows:

Importation of Human Remains Into Canada:
1. As a minimum requirement, human remains must be transported in an hermetically sealed container.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) revised the conditions under which cadavers, other human remains, organs and tissues may be imported into or exported from Canada. Revisions assist the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) in the administration of the Quarantine Act and the Quarantine Regulations.

COVID-19 has been added to and is listed as a communicable disease under the Quarantine Act. Exporters must obtain permission from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada to export human remains where the deceased had a communicable disease.

The Funeral Service Association of Canada has reached out to Canadian Border Services Agency regarding these unforeseen changes to discuss implications and challenges resulting from this.