Customs Non-Objection Document (Zollfreigabe) for Repatriating Human Remains from Germany: When Is It Required and How Is It Issued?

When a deceased person is repatriated from Germany to another country by air, the procedures are not limited to health and diplomatic permits. They also include customs clearance (Zollfreigabe). This is a document issued by the German customs authorities confirming that the human remains and the contents of the coffin are free of customs restrictions or violations and can therefore be shipped internationally.

In this article, we explain when a Zollfreigabe is required, which authority issues it, what documents are needed, and what the family and the funeral home should know.

What is a Zollfreigabe (Customs Clearance for Human Remains)?

The Zollfreigabe, also referred to as “Customs Clearance for Human Remains,”
is an official document issued by the competent German customs office (Zollamt) at the airport. It is a basic prerequisite before a body can be transported by air, especially when exporting to a country outside the European Union.

When is a Zollfreigabe required?

It is required in the following situations:

• When the deceased is transported to a country outside the European Union (for example Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, etc.).

• When the body is placed in a sealed metal coffin (Zinksarg).

• When the airline or the receiving country requires an official document confirming that the shipment is safe and unobjectionable.

• When the coffin contains additional items (such as documents, personal belongings, jewellery, or religious objects).

Who issues the document?

The document is issued by the customs office at the airport (Zollstelle am Flughafen), for example:

Frankfurt Airport – Main Customs Office, Cargo Area (Hauptzollamt Frachtbereich)
Berlin Airport (BER) – Customs Cargo Center (Zoll Cargo Center)

It cannot be issued by a general customs office in the city; it must be issued solely by the customs authority responsible for air cargo at the airport.

Who applies for the Zollfreigabe?

The application is usually submitted by the funeral home or the freight forwarder (Spedition) on behalf of the family.

Private individuals are not allowed to deal directly with customs in cases involving the shipment of human remains.

Which documents are required to obtain a Zollfreigabe?

• Leichenpass (mortuary passport / permit for the transport of the body)

• Sterbeurkunde (death certificate)

• List of the coffin contents (Inhaltsverzeichnis, if available)

• Statement from the funeral home or the air waybill (Air Waybill)

• Identification of the responsible person or the freight company

The customs officer may request that the coffin be opened or inspected from the outside to verify that all details are correct. This is done with the utmost respect and only in the presence of the funeral home.

Is the Zollfreigabe always mandatory?

It is not mandatory for transfers within the European Union (EU),
but it is strongly required for transfers to non-EU countries, especially if there is any suspicion that prohibited items or documents might be inside the coffin.

How long does it take to issue the Zollfreigabe?

The issuance usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours, provided that all documents are complete.
However, it is strongly recommended to appear at the customs cargo center at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure to ensure that the document can be processed in time.

Are there any fees?

Yes. A small fee is usually charged, typically between 25 and 50 euros, depending on the airport and the type of shipment. These costs are paid by the freight company or added to the overall repatriation invoice.

Conclusion

The Zollfreigabe is not just a formal step; it is an official guarantee that the body and its contents are free of customs violations and that the remains can be transported safely and lawfully out of Germany.
Choosing a professional funeral home that is familiar with transport routes and customs procedures helps the family avoid delays and complications and eases this sensitive final stage of the journey.

* The editorial and writing team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may not be fully verified. The information in these articles should therefore be regarded as an initial point of reference only. For binding and definitive information, please always consult the relevant authorities and competent offices.