NO PERMIT IS NEEDED TO IMPORT ASHES FOR A BODY THAT HAS BEEN CREMATED   However, the death certificate, cremation certificate and a copy of the deceased identification are to accompany the ashes at all times.   IMPORTATION OF MORTAL REMAINS   DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR IMPORTATION (NON-INFECTIOUS AND INFECTIOUS):   1. A death certificate clearly stating the cause of death. If the cause of death is unknown, a permit will not be issued. In the case of infectious disease, an autopsy report is also required. 2. ID / passport. A copy of the deceased SA passport or ID certified by the relevant mission. 3. Embalming Certificate clearly stating in the case of: Non-infectious – That the remains were embalmed, sealed in an airtight container and placed in a sturdy non-transparent coffin. Infectious – That the remains were embalmed, placed in a polythene bag, placed in a second polythene bag, sealed in an airtight container, and placed in a sturdy non-transparent coffin. 4. If embalming cannot be done due to religious reasons, please include a statement of the alternative that will be used to ensure the safe transportation of the remains. 5. A written statement from a medical practitioner that the remains will not constitute a danger to public health. 6. A non-infectious disease certificate. 7. Letter from the family member requesting importation. The letter should include: name of a family member ID nr relationship to the deceased physical address copy of ID/passport of a family member contact details of a family member. If the deceased died while on business for their employer and the employer will be handling the transportation of the remains, a letter from the employer must be attached explaining the situation. 8. If the documents are not in English, a certified translation must be attached. 9. A cover letter from the South African Representative that includes: name of deceased date of death cause of death country of death place of burial full contact numbers.  10. A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) from the South African undertaker.   Please note:   That the Department of Health does not deal with undertakers directly.  Only documents from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation or the South African Representative will be accepted. This includes transit through South Africa. No importation permit is needed if the remains are cremated. The death certificate, cremation certificate, and a copy of the deceased identification are to accompany the ashes at all times. Please note that the next of kin must complete an affidavit selecting the option to return mortal remains to South African signed by the commissioner of oaths with a certified copy of the ID/SA passport of the NOK who signed the affidavit.