Starting a cremation facility in Mexico takes time, money, and planning. You also need to follow the rules. This article explains the steps you must take. It also shares the story of someone who did it.
Step 1: Know the Rules
In Mexico, the gov’t sets laws for crematories. You must check both local and federal rules. SEMARNAT (the enviro. agency) needs to approve your plan. They make sure you do not harm the land or air.
You also need a licens from COFEPRIS. This is the agency that checks health and safety. They look at your building plans, furnaces, and how you handle ashes.
Step 2: Find the Right Land
The land must be far from schools and homes. Some states say the land must be at least 500 meters away from homes. You also need to check with the city officals. They will say if the land is ok for this use.
Land near cemeteries is often used. It makes it easy for families to visit. It also keeps other people from complaning.
Step 3: Build the Facility
You need to hire a builder. The building must have a strong chimney, good ventalation, and a safe ash room. You also need a waiting room for families. Many crematories add gardens or quiet areas.
The furnaces must be approved by SEMARNAT. They must burn at high temps to keep the air clean. This is called “clean combustion.”
Step 4: Train Your Staff
You must train your workers. They need to know how to run the machines and treat people with care. The IMSS (health system) may offer safety training.
In 2021, a man named Luis built a crematory in Guadalajara. He trained all 5 staff with a funeral group in Monterrey. They learned to use PPE, check death docs, and give ashes to families with respect.
Step 5: Handle Legal Docs
You must keep a copy of the death certifcate for each case. You also need a permit to cremate the body. These are given by the Civil Registry.
If you lose a doc, you must report it. Not doing so can cause a fine or even jail time.
Step 6: Respect Families
Running a crematory is not just a biz. You work with sad people. Give them time. Speak kindly. Offer a place to sit or cry.
Luis says, “It’s not about the fire. It’s about helping people say goodbye.”
He offers free tea, soft music, and gives the urn in a cloth bag with the loved one’s name.
Costs and Facts
-
The avg. cost to build a crematory is $250,000 USD.
-
Cremation is legal in all 32 Mexican states.
-
Over 40% of funerals in Mexico used cremation by 2023.
-
A crematory can serve 2–6 cremations per day.
-
Monthly gas bills may go over $2,000 MXN.
-
PPE like gloves, aprons, and masks are needed each day.