shipping human remains

1. special permission required 2. official documents 3. inspection of the shipment 4. consular fees and airline freight 5. zinc lined caskets and wooden outer boxes

5 specific concerns with international shipments

1. death certificate 2. burial and/or transit permit 3. letter of non-communicable disease 4. embalming report 5. embalmers non-contraband affidavit 6. apostile

6 documents needed for international shipping

1. notify and coordinate with consulate 2. comply with customs regulations 3. strict adherence to receiving country's rules 4. adherence of foreign custom/culture 5. translation of documents may be necessary 6. documents

6 requirements for international shipments

1. private 2. common

2 types of carriers

1. development of embalming during civil war 2. president lincoln 3. mobility of society

3 historical influences of shipping human remains

shipping human remains

returning of human remains to a place of origin for final ceremonies and final disposition

1. level and lower bed of casket to lowest point 2. place absorbent sheeting around neck to keep purge from soiling cloth 3. cover hands and face to prevent cosmetic stains on clothing and casket interior 4. place box between decedents feet and end of casket to prevent shifting during transportation 5. leave metal casket in an unsealed position or leave orifice for the crank key open 6. legal documents shall be in a transparent window/pocket on outside of shipping container

shipping procedures for casketed remains (6)

1. plastic undergarments should be used 2. remains should be covered 3. do not wrap remains in plastic 4. anchor body to bottom of combo with interior nylon straps 5. legal documents shall be in a transparent window/pocket on outside of shipping container

shipping procedures for uncasketed remains

private carrier

those who only transport only in particular instances and only for those they choose to contract with

a metal casket in an unsealed position or leave orifice for the crank key open

what type of casket must be used when shipping casketed remains?

compliance with the laws and customs of the host country

when a death of a US citizen occurs abroad, disposition must comply with what?

in a transparent window/pocket on outside of shipping container

where shall the disposition/transit permit be placed when shipping casketed remains?

NOK and receiving funeral director

who do you need approval from when arranging shipment of remains?

consular officer from nearest US embassy or consulate

who is responsible for reporting deaths to state department and NOK/legal representative of US citizen who is abroad

to impose significant barriers to terrorists seeking to use the air cargo transportation system for malicious purposes

why was the known shipper policy created?

1. preparation and return of embalmed returns 2. cremation and return of cremated remains to the US or disposition locally 3. burial in country where death occurred

3 options usually available for death of US citizens abroad

1. foreign laws 2. lengthy delays 3. lack of organized systems 4. airline regulations

4 points to consider for international shipments

known shipper

a funeral home must register as what with each airline they use to ship bodies?

ziegler case

a gasketed/sealed container that can be used as an insert or separate shipping container

combination case

a transfer container consisting of a particle board box with a cardboard tray and cover to satisfy air shipping regulations

air tray

a transfer container consisting of a wooden tray with a cardboard covering for the casket

common carrier

are required by law to convey passengers or freight without refusal if the approved fare or charge is paid

known shipper

beginning july 1, 2009, all human remains shipments originating in the US or one of its territories must be tendered by what?

2-15 years

disinterment can take how long in foreign countries?

no

do most foreign countries issue death certificates?

1. transit permit 2. carrier waybill or bill of lading 3. shipping (cosignor) 4. receiver (cosignee) 5. death certificate 6. embalming report

documents to be obtained by forwarding funeral director (6)

the family

in international shipping of human remains, who is responsible for all the costs?

receiving of remains

involves services of the funeral provider after initial services have been provided by another firm at the locale of death

forwarding of remains

involves services of the funeral provider in the locale where death occurs and preparation for transfer to another funeral provider as selected by the family