Poland’s Ministry of Development and Technology is preparing an extensive amendment to the law on cemeteries and burials. The current rules come from a 1959 act. Today ashes can only be placed in a cemetery, in places designated for that purpose. The news was reported on Monday by RMF FM radio, followed by “Rzeczpospolita”.
According to these reports, the draft provides for, among other things:
- keeping an urn with ashes at home,
- scattering ashes in so-called memorial gardens within cemeteries,
- scattering ashes in a place that mattered to the deceased – with restrictions, including a ban in national parks,
- placing part of the ashes in keepsakes, such as jewellery,
- rules for eco-friendly burial, including biodegradable urns and “memorial trees”.
The draft is at an early stage. It is to be discussed by the government’s work-planning team and then added to the Council of Ministers’ list of legislative work. Only then will the timetable be known. Unofficially, the ministry argues that similar rules work in many European countries and in the US. “Rzeczpospolita” notes that some details, especially on scattering ashes outside cemeteries, are not yet clear.
What it means for Poles in the UK
In the UK cremation is common, and families can keep the urn or scatter the ashes. Many Poles bring their loved ones’ urns back to Poland and currently have to bury them in a cemetery. The new rules could change that, but for now the existing rules apply – including when transporting an urn from the UK.
Our assessment
The change is needed, as the rules are almost 70 years old. But the subject stirs emotions, so the details of the draft may still change. At least several months of government and parliamentary work remain before it takes effect.
What to do
- If you are planning a loved one’s burial in Poland, follow the current rules and contact the cemetery administrator.
- For documents needed to transport an urn, ask the Polish consulate in the UK.
- Follow the draft on the government’s list of legislative work.
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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