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What it is
Why a zinc coffin
- Sanitary safetyThe sealed zinc lining prevents fluid and odour escape during air transport.
- IATA requirementIATA requires a hermetic metal container for human remains cargo.
- Consular requirementMany consulates (Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Maghreb) specifically require zinc in the document set.
- Why not woodWood leaks and is not hermetic. Schengen-internal transport may allow wood; international does not.
- Cost and who makes itA zinc coffin with certificate costs €400–600. Included in our price.
By country
When mandatory
Russia, Ukraine, BelarusConsulate strictly requires it — no zinc, no permit
TurkeyRequired for most Istanbul-routed air transport
Islamic countriesSaudi Arabia, Iran, Morocco — required
EU — Schengen-internalSometimes allowed without zinc (road transport, short routes)
In brief
What to know
Always with certificate
Zinc without hermetic certificate will not be accepted by airlines.
Thickness and quality
Standard thickness 0.5–1 mm. Must be sealed by a specialist.
Wooden outer shell
Zinc always sits inside a wooden coffin. Outside is a standard transport coffin.
Included in our price
All our repatriations include zinc coffin and certificate from €2,400.