Human Remains Customs Clearance
When faced with the sensitive and emotional task of repatriating human remains, it is essential to understand the customs clearance procedure to ensure a respectful and smooth transition. This page provides a comprehensive guide on the steps and requirements involved in the customs clearance process for human remains.
Effortlessly plan a dignified farewell with our 3-step process - Quick, Reliable, and Hassle-Free.
GIVE US A CALL
SHARE YOUR REQUIREMENTS
GET THE SERVICES
Despite the COVID situation in Delhi, your team organized for a dignified and graceful farewell of my mother.
Ruchi Sharma
Funeral Services
The services provided were exceptional. They took care of everything and made sure our loved one was laid to rest with dignity.
Monika Sharma
Funeral Services
Thank you for fulfilling my mother’s last wish. Your team successfully managed to cremate my mother at her birthplace.
Anukool Sachdeva
Funeral Services
The procedure of Human Remains Customs Clearance:
- Documents required for clearing a dead body:
The following documents for public health clearance shall accompany all human remains arriving at Indian airports:
- Embalming certificate issued by an authorized agency stating that the dead body or human remains have been embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed (airtight and waterproof) casket.
- Death certificate mentioning the cause of death or a true copy thereof with proper translation in English.
- No objection certificate (NOC) for the transportation of Human Remains of the deceased issued by the Indian Embassies / High Commissions / Consulates.
- Cancelled copy of passport.
- Certificate of packaging of Human Remains as per WHO guidelines.
- Certificate or endorsement by the consignee that the casket contains the dead body or human remains of the person whose documents are presented for clearance to the airport health officer and nothing else.
In case death has occurred due to chemical, radiation hazard, nuclear, or food-related event, the necessary documentation to this effect shall also be obtained.
Cremated and Un-Cremated Remains:
- If the dead body or human remains have been properly cremated, the cremated ashes shall be placed in a hermetically sealed urn or a similar container.
- In the case of un-cremated remains it should be placed in hermetically sealed zinc or tin-lined wooden packing case.
Dead Body/Ashes Package Opening:
- The package containing dead bodies human remains or ashes of cremated bodies shall not be opened during its transit and shall be in sound-sealed condition at the time of arrival. It shall not be removed from the airport until the airport health official has permitted in writing its removal.
- In case death has occurred due to chemical, radiation hazards, nuclear, food food-related events, the package containing dead bodies or human remains or ashes of cremated bodies shall not be opened during its transit and shall be in sound-sealed condition at the time of arrival. It shall not be removed from the airport until the airport health officer gives permission in writing for such removal.
Guidelines for Importation of Human Remains Related to COVID-19:
1. Documents to be inspected /examined:
Airlines are to submit the following documents in at least 48 hours. prior to the importation of any human remains for verification by APHO(Airport Health Officer)
a) Death certificate mentioning the cause of death as confirmed COVID-19/suspected COVID-19.
b) No objection certificate (NOC) for the dead body transportation by air of the deceased issued by the Indian Embassies / High Commissions / Consulates.
c) Embalming certificate issued by an authorized agency.
d) Cancelled copy of passport e) Certificate of packaging of Human Remains as per WHO guidelines
2. Examination of Packaging of Human Remains as per Indian Aircraft Rules 1954
a. Human Remains should be packed as per WHO guidelines and a certificate to this effect may be given to APHO during clearance of the human remains.
b. The concerned airline shall ensure that the external packing of human remains (Coffin) is undamaged.
c.The personnel handling the human remains should follow the laid down procedures for donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment to ensure that they remain protected during the procedure.
d. The packaging (coffin) shall be buried/incinerated following the norms for burial/incineration of human remains. The handlers shall be monitored for 14 days and the designated vehicle shall be disinfected as per the norms.
3. The transportation of the ASHES of the cremated person who died of a Confirmed/Suspected COVID-19 case:
The ashes remaining after cremation pose no risk to the relatives who handle such mortal remains and will be cleared in accordance with the provisions under the Indian Aircraft (Public Health) Rules, 1954.
4. Role of DSO (District Surveillance Officer)
The counseling of the family members, collecting a list of all possible contacts & keeping them under surveillance for a period of 14 days.
Submit your concern and we will get back to you within 5 minutes**