The FTC Funeral Rule is the federal Funeral Industry Practices Rule, 16 CFR Part 453, shown in the current rule text at Cornell LII. It covers providers selling both funeral goods and services, requiring itemized prices and banning deceptive tactics, per Federal Trade Commission compliance guidance. It became fully effective April 30, 1984, with amended provisions effective July 19, 1994. For families, it means you can ask for prices early, decline unwanted items, and compare providers.
Official resources:
- Read the official notice from FTC — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
- Read the official guidance from FTC — Use this primary source to verify the official guidance.
Table of Contents
- Who Has to Follow the Rule?
- What Price Information Must You Get?
- Which Purchases Can You Decline or Bring Yourself?
- How Do You Compare Providers Before You Decide?
Who Has to Follow the Rule?
A funeral home that sells both goods, like caskets, and services, like preparation and ceremony, must follow the Rule. A cremation provider that offers both goods and services to the public must also follow it.
The test is what the business sells, not its size or name. The Federal Trade Commission explains in its FTC Funeral Rule explainer that cemeteries without an on-site funeral home are not covered. Third-party casket and monument dealers are also outside the Rule.
- Covered: funeral home selling goods and services
- Covered: cremation provider offering both goods and services
- Not covered: cemetery without an on-site funeral home
- Not covered: third-party casket or monument dealer
What Price Information Must You Get?
Staff must hand you a written, itemized General Price List to keep when in-person talks start. You get it before you discuss options in detail. Take it home and use it to compare.
Before you look at caskets, staff must show you a casket price list. Before you look at vaults or grave liners, staff must show an outer burial container list. On the phone, staff must give accurate price answers without demanding your name or a visit.
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Which Purchases Can You Decline or Bring Yourself?
You may buy only the goods and services you want. No provider can force a package to get burial or cremation. Ask for the itemized charge for each choice.
You may use a casket or urn bought elsewhere. The provider cannot refuse it or add a handling fee. Staff also cannot tell you embalming is legally required when it is not.
How Do You Compare Providers Before You Decide?
Collect a General Price List from each provider you consider. Compare the same lines, such as transfer, preparation, facility use, and casket. A lower package price can hide higher charges for items you need.
After you choose, you must receive an itemized statement of the goods and services you selected. Check the math before you sign and keep the statement with the contract. Bring the lists home before you sign anything.
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