Importation or Exportation of Human Remains
Federal quarantine regulations (42 CFR 71) govern the importation of persons, animals, or things that may be infected with a communicable disease (1). These regulations prohibit the importation of the remains of humans known or suspected to have died from certain communicable diseases unless the remains are a) properly embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed casket, b) cremated, or c) accompanied by a permit issued by CDC. Communicable diseases subject to the prohibition include cholera; diphtheria; infectious tuberculosis; plague; smallpox; yellow fever; viral hemorrhagic fevers (Lassa, Marburg, Ebola, Congo-Crimean, or others not yet isolated or named); severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS); or influenza caused by novel or re-emergent influenza viruses that are causing, or have the potential to cause, a pandemic.
CDC may impose conditions upon importations of remains that require a permit. Conditions may require that the remains be handled according to specified standards, including that the remains be transported in a hermetically sealed casket, and that the remains will be interred in a below-ground grave by a facility licensed to perform these services in accordance with local burial standards. Permits must be obtained through CDC, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (CDC/DGMQ). Importers must obtain clearance of the remains for entry into the United States by the CDC Quarantine Officer assigned to the port of arrival (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/quarantine_stations.htm). The officer will review a copy of the signed permit from CDC/DGMQ and the death certificate. The death certificate must be translated into English and must state the cause of death. Copies of both documents must accompany the remains during shipment. The local mortician handling the remains following their importation will be subject to the regulations of state and local health authorities for interstate and intrastate shipment. The mortician is requested to submit a letter to CDC/DGMQ certifying the appropriate disposition of the remains according to the terms of the permission.
Federal regulations also provide CDC with the authority to restrict the importation of the remains of persons who died of other communicable diseases. While such restrictions are not generally imposed, CDC may make take such action when necessary to prevent the spread of communicable disease. CDC places no restrictions on the importation of the remains of persons who have died of noncommunicable diseases, although other federal, state, or local regulations may apply.
The U.S. Consulate will generally assist family members in making arrangements with local authorities for preparation and transportation of the remains (http://travel.state.gov/family/family_issues/death/death_595.html. The authority and responsibilities of a U.S. Consular Officer relating to the return of remains of a deceased U.S. citizen abroad are based on established U.S. laws, treaties, and international practice. Local law and protocols of the foreign country may affect the options available to the family of the deceased.
CDC places no restrictions on the exportation of human remains, although other federal, state, and local regulations may apply. Travelers should also be advised that the requirements of the country of destination must be met. Information regarding these requirements may be obtained from the appropriate foreign embassy or consulate.
Additional, detailed information on death overseas is available through the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/family/issues_death.html. Information on the return of the remains of a deceased U.S. citizen can also be obtained by calling the Office of American Citizens Services, Department of State, at (202) 647-5226. Information on procedures for obtaining permission for importation of the remains of persons who died of communicable disease may be obtained by contacting CDC/DGMQ at 866-694-4867. This summary of CDC regulatory requirements was current as of the time of this writing. For up-to-date requirements, see 42 CFR Part 71.
