Human Remains Customs Clearance

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:

1. 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.
    
2. Death certificate mentioning the cause of death or a true copy thereof with proper translation in English.
    
3. No objection certificate (NOC) for the transportation of Human Remains of the deceased issued by the Indian Embassies / High Commissions / Consulates.
    
4. Cancelled copy of passport.
    
5. Certificate of packaging of Human Remains as per WHO guidelines.
    
6. 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:

1. 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.
    
2. 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:

1. 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.
    
2. 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