Protocols for cremation

For Italian law all mortuary police operations are always subject to prior authorization. Servizi Funebri Pozzoli delivers turnkey solutions handling all the necessary paperwork. In Italy, the statutory regulations of reference governing the practice of cremation are those set out in Article 343 of the Royal Decree of 27 July 1934, n.1265 “Approval of the Consolidated Health Laws” and in Arts.78 et seq. of the National Mortuary Police Regulations in DPR 285/90.
Today, authorization for cremation falls under the prerogative of the department head (Art.107 par.4 of Legislative Decree 18 August 2000, n. 267) identified within each Municipality. This official may also, but not necessarily, coincide with the Registrar, in that the same official may exercise the two functions, even though the two offices should remain distinct and separate. Moreover, the delegation of powers authorizing cremation is provided under Art.17 par.1(2) (and par.17(2)) of Legislative Decree 165/2001.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for cremation is to manifest this choice in a will or join an organization advocating cremation (eg. SOCREM). In the eyes of the law, this latter step is deemed equivalent to requesting for cremation in a will. If neither of these two cases apply, then it is up to the deceased’s next-of-kin to apply for permission for cremation from the Municipality where the death occurred. Servizi Funebri Pozzoli assists its clients throughout the entire process, from handling the paperwork to actually celebrating the rite.