Consumers making end of life choices for their family members can rest assured that there are laws in BC regulating funeral services, cemeteries and crematoria.

These services and professionals are governed in BC under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act and the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Regulation. This includes the licensing of Cemetery and Crematorium Operators, Funeral Providers, Funeral Directors and Funeral Embalmers.

An Overview of the Law:

Consumer Protection BC also actively inspects and enforces the laws and regulations in place which are specific to human funerals, interments, and cremations. A sample of the existing legal requirements includes:

• A clear schedule of rates must be displayed and provided;
• A set contract must be offered with specific information determined in law;
• Specific provisions for a preneed contract must be followed;
• Human remains must be handled with respect;
• A set manner for transferring remains must be followed;
• A set manner for carrying out the cremation and interment of human remains must be followed;
• Specific container requirements must be adhered to;
• Appropriate record-keeping must be kept;
• Specific facility requirements must be met; and
• Co-mingling of cremated human remains is prohibited.

General Consumer Tips:

We understand that this can be a very difficult and stressful time. This makes it even more important to know your rights.

• Deal with a licensed cemetery, cremation or funeral services provider. You can search for a list of our licensees on our website.
• Always read the fine print in a contract before you sign it and get a copy of the contract.
• Share details of your preneed contract with your next of kin and ensure the details are left in your Will.

There is a lot to know about cremation, interment and funeral services in BC.  We offer up a variety of consumer tips, we encourage you to also read the law in full or visit www.funeralrightsbc.ca.   If you still have questions, please call Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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