Section 2: Funeral and burial regulations

Before burial or cremation, the body of a deceased person is placed in a coffin. The impermeable cover that may be used to wrap the body before it is placed in the coffin is made from a biodegradable material. It must meet the compositional, resistance and waterproofing characteristics set by order of the minister responsible for health after receiving the opinion of the Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation,…

Only one body is admitted in each coffin. However, the interment in the same coffin of the bodies is authorised: 1° Of several stillborn children of the same mother or children born alive and then deceased after childbirth; 2° Of the mother and one or more of her stillborn children or children born alive and then deceased after childbirth. The 1° and 2° apply only if the first death occurs…

The closing of the coffin is authorised by the mayor of the place of death or, where the first paragraph of article R. 2213-7, by the mayor of the place where the body is deposited, in compliance with the provisions of article L. 2223-42. The authorisation, drawn up on plain paper and free of charge, is issued on presentation of the death certificate issued by the doctor who witnessed the…

Without prejudice to the provisions of article R. 2213-2-1, the mayor may, if there is an emergency, taking into account the health risk or in the event of rapid decomposition of the body, after obtaining the opinion of a doctor, decide on immediate burial and closure of the coffin.

When the death appears to be the result of a suspicious illness which must be verified in order to protect public health, the prefect may, on the written and reasoned assent of two doctors, prescribe any observations and samples necessary to investigate the cause of death.

The coffin lid is fitted with an engraved plaque showing the year of death and, if known, the year of birth, the first name, surname and, if applicable, the customary name of the deceased. After completion of the formalities prescribed in the articles 78,79 and 80 of the Civil Code and in article R. 2213-17 of this code, the coffin is finally closed.