After the coffin has been closed, in accordance with the provisions of article R. 2213-20, it may be temporarily deposited in a religious building, a burial chamber, at the crematorium, in a depository, at the residence of the deceased or that of a member of his or her family, under the conditions provided for in articles R. 2213-33and R. 2213-35.
The coffin may also be placed in a temporary vault, where appropriate with the agreement of the owner of the vault, pending final interment.
Authorisation for the deposit is given by the mayor of the commune of the place of deposit, after verification that the formalities prescribed by article R. 2213-17 and by the articles 78 et seq. of the Civil Code have been fulfilled.
The deposit provided for in the second paragraph may not exceed six months.On expiry of this period, the body shall be buried or cremated under the conditions provided for in articles R. 2213-31, R. 2213-34, R. 2213-36, R. 2213-38 and R. 2213-39.
The deposit of a sealed coffin in a depository may not exceed six months. At the end of this period, the body is buried.