Urgent emergency? We are available now.
24/7 · German, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, English · Response within 4 hours
What is a zinc coffin and why is it required?
A zinc coffin is a wooden coffin lined on the inside with zinc sheeting and hermetically soldered shut. The zinc lining prevents the escape of bodily fluids, gases and odours during transport. For international repatriations, the zinc coffin is required by law in the vast majority of cases.
The legal basis is the Berlin Agreement of 1937 (International Agreement on the Carriage of Corpses), which most European countries have signed. Additionally, IATA regulations require a zinc-lined coffin for every air transport of deceased persons.
How much does a zinc coffin cost?
The cost of a zinc coffin in Germany ranges from 800 to 1,500 euros. The price depends on the size, finish (quality of wood, type of zinc lining) and delivery location.
| Zinc coffin type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard zinc coffin (spruce/pine) | 800–1.000 € |
| Premium zinc coffin (oak) | 1.200–1.500 € |
| Oversized zinc coffin | 1.200–1.800 € |
| Zinc insert (insert only, without coffin) | 400–600 € |
With all our repatriation packages, the zinc coffin is included in the price.
IATA regulations for air transport
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has defined clear requirements in its Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for the transport of deceased persons by air. The coffin must:
Hermetically sealed
The zinc lining must be fully soldered — no leaks whatsoever are permissible.
Pressure valve
A pressure equalisation valve with filter is required to compensate for pressure differences during flight.
Absorbent material
Sufficient absorbent material (e.g. sawdust, activated charcoal) must be placed inside the coffin.
Outer wooden coffin
The zinc insert is placed in a sturdy wooden coffin suitable for cargo transport.
Without a properly prepared zinc coffin, airlines will refuse to accept the coffin. We take care of correct coffin procurement and certification. More on the air repatriation process.
Which countries require a zinc coffin?
Almost all countries require a zinc-lined coffin for the importation of a deceased person. In particular:
EU states
All EU countries require the zinc coffin for air transport. For short overland transports (e.g. Germany-Poland, Germany-Netherlands) there are exceptions under the Strasbourg Agreement.
Turkey
Zinc coffin is mandatory. Turkey only accepts repatriations in a soldered zinc coffin with complete documentation.
CIS states
Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and all CIS states require the zinc coffin plus an additional customs declaration.
North Africa & Middle East
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq — all require the zinc coffin. Consular clearance is often additionally required.
Are there alternatives to the zinc coffin?
For short overland transports within the EU (e.g. border regions), a hermetically sealed plastic insert in a wooden coffin may be accepted in exceptional cases. This applies primarily to repatriations under the Strasbourg Agreement (1973), which provides for simplified regulations within Europe.
For air transport and repatriations outside the EU there is no alternative to the zinc coffin. In the case of cremation abroad followed by urn transport, the zinc coffin requirement does not apply — the urn may be transported as hand luggage or by courier.
FAQ: Zinc Coffin Requirement
The zinc coffin prevents the escape of fluids and odours. It is required under the Berlin Agreement, IATA regulations and the laws of most countries.
Between 800 and 1,500 euros. With our all-inclusive packages, the zinc coffin is always included.
Almost all: EU, Turkey, Russia, CIS states, North Africa, Middle East, Asia. Exceptions only for short EU overland transports.
Only for short overland transports within the EU are plastic inserts possible. For air transport there is no alternative.
Further guides
Embalming explained
What is embalming, when is it required, what does it cost?
Repatriation by air
IATA regulations, process and costs of air repatriation.
Zinc coffin requirement by country
Detailed overview of the zinc coffin requirement by destination country.