Families sometimes hear that embalming is “required by law” and are unsure whether to believe it. The accurate answer is more nuanced, and it matters for both cost and planning.

What the law generally says

According to the Federal Trade Commission, no state law requires routine embalming for every death. Some states require embalming or refrigeration if the body is not buried or cremated within a certain time, and funeral homes often require embalming for public viewing, though this is not required by law in most states.

Why shipping may still call for it

Even where the law does not require embalming, shipping can change the picture. Airlines, destination countries and consulates may require it, or may accept alternatives such as refrigeration or sealing under certain conditions. Requirements depend on the carrier, the route, the destination and the time that will pass before final disposition.

A note on the United States as a destination

For remains entering the United States, the CDC says that no CDC permit is required for remains that are fully cremated or embalmed, while remains of a person who died from an infectious disease generally require a permit unless embalmed. All non-cremated remains must be in a leak-proof container.

What embalming involves

Embalming is a preparation carried out by a licensed funeral professional to temporarily preserve the body. It is the funeral home that performs it and that provides any related certificate that a carrier or consulate requests.

Your rights as a consumer

Under the FTC’s Funeral Rule, a funeral home must give you a General Price List. Ask for the list and ask the funeral home to explain which charges are required for your situation.

What we do

We confirm what the airline and the destination require, and tell the funeral home so that preparation matches. If embalming or an alternative is needed, you will know before it is done. See also Airline-Acceptable Containers and Cremation and Shipping.

Embalming and shipping: what is required by whom

Source of requirement	What it may say	How to confirm
State law	No state law requires routine embalming for every death, but some require embalming or refrigeration if disposition is delayed beyond a set time (FTC).	Funeral home or state board.
Airline	May require embalming or accept alternatives depending on policy and route.	Airline cargo desk or coordinator.
Destination country	May require embalming, sealing or a certificate.	Consulate or receiving funeral home.
Funeral home policy	Often requires embalming for public viewing, which the FTC says is not required by law in most states.	Ask the funeral home.
CDC (entering the U.S.)	Embalmed remains do not need a CDC permit; non-cremated remains need a leak-proof container.	CDC website.

Questions to ask the funeral home

Is embalming required for this shipment, and by whom?
What alternatives exist, and are they acceptable to the airline and destination?
What does it cost on your General Price List?
Will you provide a certificate that the airline or consulate may request?

Religious considerations

Some faiths discourage or prohibit embalming, and families may have strong feelings about it. If this applies to your family, tell the funeral home and the coordinator at the start. We will find out whether an alternative is acceptable to the airline and the destination, and whether the timeline permits it.

How to decide with confidence

Put the questions to everyone involved: what does the airline require, what does the destination require and what does the funeral home recommend? If the answers differ, ask for the source of each requirement in writing. Often, once you ask for the source, a recommendation turns out to be a preference and not a rule, or the opposite. Either way, you will understand the choice you are making.

Viewing and services

If the family wants a viewing before shipment or after arrival, tell the funeral homes at both ends. Preparation requirements may differ with the viewing plans, and the receiving funeral home may have its own practices.

What to ask the airline and the consulate

Does the airline require embalming for this route, or accept alternatives?
Does the destination require embalming, and is a certificate needed?
Is there a time limit between death and shipment that affects the choice?
Will the airline accept refrigeration or sealing in place of embalming?

Ask for the answer in writing, or have your coordinator confirm it and tell the funeral home before preparation begins.

Frequently asked questions

Is embalming required by law?

According to the FTC, no state law requires routine embalming for every death, though some states require embalming or refrigeration if disposition is delayed.

Can I refuse embalming for a shipment?

You can ask. The answer depends on the airline, the destination and the timeline.

Is embalming needed for cremated remains?

No. Cremated remains are not embalmed, though other documents are needed.

Does the CDC require embalming?

No. The CDC says no permit is required for embalmed remains, and requires a leak-proof container for non-cremated remains.

What does embalming cost?

Funeral homes list prices on their General Price Lists. Ask for it.

Does refrigeration replace embalming?

In some cases it can be an alternative, if the airline and the destination accept it and the timeline allows.

Who decides if embalming is needed?

The airline and destination set requirements, and the funeral home advises. The family makes the choice within those limits.

Keep reading

Sources

Need help?

Funeral Shipping coordinates domestic and international funeral shipping, including the supporting documents, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more about our international repatriation services, request a quote, or call 786-565-9525.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by destination, carrier and circumstances and can change. Always confirm current rules with the relevant authority, and note that no timing or outcome is guaranteed.

Embalming and Shipping: Why It May Be Required