The arrangement must be made in advance, and the shipper must provide the following documents:

International Cargo

• Death Certificate
• Embalming Certificate (if required by the origin/destination) or Cremation Certificate, as the case may be. The certificate should state that the human remains have been properly embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed (airtight and waterproof) wooden or metal casket.
• The casket must be enclosed in an outer packing of a case or crate made of wood, plastic, or paperboard (fiberboard) with sufficient rigidity and padding to suitably protect the coffin so that the nature of the contents is not apparent.
  • The outer packing should include six (6) lifting handles or fittings.
  • If paperboard or fiberboard is used as outer packing, it must be provided with a wooden base or tray where the lifting handles are attached.
  • If the destination involves a transfer to another carrier, the specific packing requirement of that carrier must be checked or complied with.
    Dimensions of the completed packing must fit the aircraft door and compartment or aircraft where it is to be loaded.
• Quarantine Certificate/Permit required by origin and destination. When transporting human remains out of the Philippines, please secure clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine. You may refer to this link for more details. Bureau of Quarantine
• Please secure a Consular Certificate if applicable. You may contact a local consulate at the origin or the destination country's embassy, as the rules vary.
• A Mortuary Certificate or an equivalent certificate stating that the remains have been properly placed in a prescribed container or casket.
  Transit Permit (if applicable)
• Cremated remains must be placed in a crematory or funeral urn sufficiently protected against breakage.
• Human remains cannot be consolidated with other goods.

Philippines Domestic Cargo

• Death Certificate
• Cremated remains must be shipped in a funeral urn that is efficiently protected against breakage by a cushion in the packaging.
• Quarantine Certificate/Permit required by origin and destination.
• For Human Bones, secure an Exhumation Permit from the City Health Office
• Transfer permit from the City or Municipal Health Office.
• Embalming Certificate (if required by the origin/destination) or Cremation Certificate, as the case may be. The certificate should state that the human remains have been properly embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed (airtight and waterproof) wooden or metal casket.
• The casket must be enclosed in an outer packing of a case or crate made of wood, plastic, or paperboard (fiberboard) with sufficient rigidity and padding to suitably protect the coffin so that the nature of the contents is not apparent.
  • The outer packing should include six (6) lifting handles or fittings.
  • If paperboard or fiberboard is used as outer packing, it must be provided with a wooden base or tray where the lifting handles are attached.
  • If the destination involves a transfer to another carrier, the specific packing requirement of that carrier must be checked or complied with.
  • Dimensions of the completed packing must fit the aircraft door and compartment or aircraft where it is to be loaded.
• Alternate packaging for human remains which are “not” embalmed shall be placed in a cadaver or body bag. The cadaver or body bag shall be:
  • Made from a material of superior strength
  • Shall have safety seals
  • Can hold a minimum of 250 lbs. (113 kgs) of weight
  • Leak resistant and provide full containment of Blood Borne Pathogen
  • Complies with Occupation Safety and Health Administration Standard (OSHA).
  • Must be placed inside a crate or any container with provision for strong lifting handles or fittings.
• Human remains cannot be consolidated with other goods.

For more details, you may reach out to us using the contact details at this link: 

• Cargo Offices Contact Details