司法部、民政部负责人就《殡葬管理条例》修订答记者问

Core Viewpoint - The revised "Funeral Management Regulations" aim to strengthen the public welfare attributes of the funeral industry, enhance service management, and address emerging issues in the sector [2][3]. Summary by Sections Background of the Revision - The funeral sector is a significant livelihood issue for many families in China. The original regulations were enacted in 1997, and recent developments necessitated a revision to address new challenges and reinforce the public welfare aspect of funeral services [2]. Overall Approach to the Revision - The revision focuses on enhancing the public welfare nature of the funeral industry, improving service management across all stages of the funeral process, and providing legal support to resolve prominent issues in the sector [3]. Regulations on Service Management - The revised regulations emphasize public welfare, establish a funding mechanism for basic funeral services, enhance the supply of funeral facilities, reduce the financial burden on families, and improve convenience in service delivery [4]. Ensuring Basic Funeral Service Needs - The regulations categorize funeral services into basic and non-basic projects, with a national list of basic services including body transport, storage, farewell ceremonies, cremation, and ecological burial. Local governments can adjust the list based on regional needs [5]. Strengthening Facility Construction and Management - The regulations require local governments to incorporate funeral facility construction into relevant planning, ensure government responsibility for facility development, and prohibit the establishment of for-profit funeral service institutions [6]. Regulations on Funeral and Burial Services - The regulations set standards for body transport, storage, and cremation, and require burial services to provide necessary documentation for the allocation of burial spaces [8]. Regulations on Fee Management - The regulations mandate a clear management system for funeral service fees, prohibiting charges outside the established list and requiring strict oversight of pricing policies [9]. Promoting Cultural Change in Funeral Practices - The regulations advocate for civilized, frugal, and eco-friendly funeral practices, encouraging the use of green burial products and promoting low-carbon memorial activities [10]. Strengthening Comprehensive Supervision - The regulations establish a comprehensive supervision system covering all aspects of funeral activities, detailing departmental responsibilities and enhancing regulatory measures [11]. Implementation Measures - To ensure effective implementation of the regulations, authorities will focus on public education, developing supporting policies, and adapting practices to local conditions [12].