Burial law to regulate body parts, ash disposal

Proposed amendments to Fiji's burial laws will explicitly regulate the disposal of body parts, organs and ashes for the first time since 1911.

The Burial and Cremation (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduces comprehensive definitions covering "any part of a human body, whether whole or in sections, including organs, tissues, limbs, bones, ashes or any other anatomical material."

The Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights said the amendments establish a statutory basis for regulating anatomical materials, strengthening biohazard controls.

"By explicitly including body parts and waste disposal, the Act establishes a statutory basis for regulating anatomical materials, thereby strengthening biohazard controls," the committee's December report stated.

The bill requires that disinterred remains "are dealt with in a manner that ensures that any waste products thereof are disposed of in a safe and proper manner."

Currently, the 1911 Act only references whole bodies and does not provide clear guidance on handling medical waste or cremated remains.

The amendments also clarify regulations around ash disposal, with the Ministry of Health confirming disposal is permitted provided it avoids water distribution areas, fishing zones and water catchments.

The report noted farmers cannot authorise ash disposal in rivers adjacent to their properties without official permission, as waterways belong to government.

The bill awaits parliamentary debate before becoming law, with penalties for improper disposal increasing from $200 to $1,000.

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