Repatriation of human remains
The deceased must be prepared and transported according to legislation of the municipality of the deceased. For repatriation of human remains you must take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with relevant international agreements (e.g. requirements for coffins and urns, clothing, embalming, laissez-passer). Different agreements apply to different destination countries.
Legislation
Benelux
For transfer of human remains between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg the Regulation for intra-Benelux transport of human remains(opens in new window) applies.
Germany
For transfer of human remains to Germany the Berlin Agreement on the Transport of Human Remains (10 Februari 1937) applies.
Strasbourg Agreement
The Strasbourg Agreement of the Council of Europe on the Transfer of Corpses (26 Oktober 1973)(opens in new window) is applicable in:
- Belgium
- Austria
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Iceland
- Latvia
- Luxemburg
- Moldavia
- the Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Turkey
- Sweden
- Switzerland.
Other countries
For all other countries the Regent's Order of 20 juni 1947 for the transport of corpses(opens in new window) applies.
