Body Repatriation

Body Repatriation in New Jersey

Is your heart is calling you to return the body of a loved one to India? Whether it's the desire to hold a traditional Antyesti cremation ceremony, or you feel compelled to take the necessary steps to ship their ashes for immersion in the waters of the sacred Ganga; Christine Cuoco, manager of Ruby Memorial can assist you in making all the necessary arrangements. For immediate help with the transportation of human remains to India, you can speak with her by calling (609)448-4717, (862)368-2626. If it is more convenient, you may also reach her by email using the form on our Contact Us page. 

Transporting Human Remains

The body repatriation process is one of obtaining, completing and presenting the correct set of documents to the proper authorities to obtain permission to transport human remains to India for traditional religious care. The necessary documents for shipping human remains include: 
  1. A Certified Copy of the Death Certificate
  2. A Burial/Transit Permit
  3. The Passport of the Decedent
  4. An Embalmer's Affidavit
  5. A Letter of Non-Contagious Disease from the New Jersey State Department of Health
  6. A notarized letter from the funeral home responsible for the care of the deceased, stating three things: 
    1. The casket solely contains the identified remains
    2. The casket has been hermetically-sealed within the designated zinc-lined shipping container
    3. The intended airline itinerary of the shipment
    4. The receiver's name, address and telephone number
  7. If the death was a result of a homicide, there must also be a letter of permission to ship from the Police Department involved in the investigation and the District Attorney's Office. 
The regional Consulate General of India, located in New York, provides a number of services essential to Indian citizens who are living in the United States, as well as those who have become naturalized U.S. citizens. These services include one related to body repatriation: the completion of the Registration of Death and the preparation of the "NOC for Carrying Mortal Remains to India" document. There is no required Consular inspection of the casketed remains; however, the agency does require the payment of fees ($1.00 for Indian citizens, $60 for citizens of the United States).

Transporting Cremated Remains

When your intention is to return your loved one's cremated remains to India; again, there is a set of required documents, two of which are the same as when transporting a body: the certified copy of the death certificate and the current passport of the decedent. In addition to those basic documents, when shipping cremated remains, you'll also need to provide the Certificate of Cremation, properly signed by the crematory where the cremation took place. 

Turn to Someone with Experience

Let's be honest; most people don't know how to ship a body. After all it's not a common necessity. And while you may apply to the consulate for permission to transport human remains either in person, or by mail; either way, it can be a challenging process for anyone, made especially more difficult by the emotional burden of grief. In times like these, it makes sense to get the assistance of a funeral professional who is both familiar with, and experienced in, body repatriation. Christine Cuoco, manager of Ruby Memorial, would be the perfect choice as ally to you in preparing to transport human remains to India. If you're situation requires you to begin the repatriation process on behalf of a loved one or you have questions about the transportation of human remains, call Christine at (609)448-4717, (862)368-2626, or connect with her by email using the form on our Contact Us page.
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