Each stage  of the international repatriation of human remains is a complex subject that involves unique ethnical, cultural, legal challenges. For that reason, each stage deserves a focused, invidual study. In this instance, in courtesy of Compassionate Transportation Manual by IATA, we offer an introductory insight into the packing aspect of human remains transport.

There are two types of human remains transport; cremated remains and full body shipments i.e. using a coffin or casket. The packaging requirements will differ accordingly.

When preparing each item, the shipper must:

– Comply with the spesific set of packing requirements appropriate to the type of human remains shipment;

–  use only the packaging permitted by the applicable packing requirement;

– assemble and secure all components of the packaging exactly in the manner intended;

– ensure that external surfaces of the assembled package(s) are clean of contamination arising from the packing process itself or from the environment surrounding the filling/assemble area; and

– ensure that their responsibilities for packing are completely fulfilled when the package is presented to the operator for shipment.

Human remains must be packed in new (not previously used) good quality packaging which must be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered in transport, including removal from a pallet, unit load device or overpack for subsequent manual or mechanical handling.

Packages must be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of contents when prepared for transport which might be caused under normal conditions of transport, by vibration or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure (resulting from altitude, for example).

The nature of cargo transport dictates that many packages are likely to be moved between different modes of transport with attendant increases in handling, e.g. from vehicles into warehouses and then onto aircraft. Additionally, packages consigned on a pallet may be removed from that pallet to assist handling and loading which may be carried out manually. To avoid damage and leakage from packages during transport, shippers should take this into account in selecting an appropriate packaging or in making the decision about the suitability of an already packaged item.

Items such as flowers, funeral wreaths and personal items are forbidden for all human remain shipments.

Source: Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM) Edition 2 by IATA