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Review and Reform of Funeral Parlour Regulations

South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) Investigation

11 December 2025

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Introduction and Background

The SALRC initiated an investigation to review and reform the laws regulating funeral parlours and related services.

The investigation was prompted by concerns about the lack of comprehensive legislation, high costs of funerals, non-compliance with health and safety regulations, and unethical practices in the funeral industry.

Objectives of the Investigation

Strengthen consumer protection regarding transparent pricing and adherence to health and safety regulations.
Explore the need for mandatory educational or training requirements for funeral industry employees.
Bring about uniformity in legislation regulating funeral parlours and crematoria across different provinces and municipalities.
Provide for a professional code of conduct for funeral industry employees.

Comparative Analysis

The document includes a comparative study of the regulation of funeral practitioners in other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada.
It highlights best practices and regulatory frameworks that could be adapted to the South African context.

Key Issues Identified

Lack of a single comprehensive statute regulating all aspects of the funeral industry.
High costs of funerals and misleading advertising practices.
Non-compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
Unethical practices such as overcharging and substandard services.
The proliferation of unregistered funeral parlours.

Pre-paid Funeral Contracts

The document discusses the issues related to pre-paid funeral contracts, including the lack of regulation and consumer complaints about the quality of services provided under such contracts.

Recommendations

Funeral directors must provide an accurate, itemized, and up-to-date price list to clients.
Consumers should be allowed to source coffins from other providers without incurring handling fees.
Establishment of an industry code of conduct and an ombud scheme to oversee its enforcement.

Proposed Code of Conduct

Objectives of the Code: The Code seeks to enhance the funeral profession's credibility, guide service delivery, inform clients about expected standards, and guarantee respectful funerals across South Africa
Scope and Application: Funeral directors must adhere to good care standards and transparency in services, complying with all relevant laws. The Code applies nationwide regardless of business location and will be submitted for official accreditation

Proposed Code of Conduct