The embalming certificate: who issues it and when

The document confirming that the deceased was embalmed and the conditions under which this was done. A sanitary document required for an open-coffin chapel laying and for transport or repatriation.

The doctor or tanatopraxist who performed the embalming. It states the location, technique, substances used, date, and details of the person who carried out the procedure.

When laying the deceased in a chapel with the coffin open, when transporting to another locality over a distance, for international transport, and for repatriation.

The location where embalming was carried out, the method and technique, the type of substances used, the date, and details of the person who performed the procedure.

The family or persons designated by law, through a written request, with clearance from the Public Health Directorate (DSP). The family decides whether it is carried out.

For international transport and an extended open-coffin wake, generally yes. In other cases it remains the family's choice.

Yes. For international transport and repatriation, the embalming certificate is generally mandatory, alongside the mortuary passport and the zinc coffin.

Tanatopraxy (tanatopraxie) is modern embalming — the procedure for preserving and preparing the deceased, carried out by a qualified tanatopraxist.

It is issued at the same time as the embalming, by the tanatopraxist. It is not a document to be collected separately; it accompanies the procedure.

Yes. Embalming carried out by a tanatopraxist requires clearance from the Public Health Directorate (DSP), at the written request of the family.

For a short wake without long-distance transport, generally not. It becomes required for an open coffin in public spaces over an extended period.

No. Embalming preserves the body; funeral cosmetics restore appearance. They are different but complementary stages in the preparation of the deceased.

The certificate accompanies the deceased to the chapel and during transport. For international transport it forms part of the file accompanying the coffin.

Yes, when it is not mandatory. If there is no international transport and no extended open-coffin wake, embalming remains the family's choice.

We coordinate embalming with a tanatopraxist and the issue of the certificate, alongside the rest of the formalities, so the family does not have to deal with technical details.

The procedure itself takes one to two hours. The entire preparation of the deceased — washing, embalming, cosmetics, dressing — generally falls within 4–6 hours.

Yes, for the duration of the wake and transport. For long distances and repatriation, preservation is essential and embalming therefore becomes mandatory.

A tanatopraxist is a qualified specialist in the preparation and preservation of the deceased. Embalming may also be carried out by a doctor, depending on the case.

Yes. Embalming, together with funeral cosmetics, gives a peaceful appearance for a dignified open-coffin wake.

Special preservation substances, stated in the embalming certificate. The tanatopraxist uses appropriate products in accordance with sanitary standards.

It depends on the procedure and complexity. It is generally part of the preparation of the deceased. We provide a clear breakdown alongside the rest of the services.

Yes, generally. For international transport, the embalming certificate is translated along with the other documents accompanying the coffin.

In some cases, the health authority may impose special measures, including embalming. Our staff comply with the conditions set out in the clearance.

In specially equipped spaces at the funeral home or at the mortuary — not at home. The certificate states the location where the procedure was carried out.

The aim is a natural appearance, as if at peaceful rest. Together with funeral cosmetics, embalming helps maintain a dignified image.

For transport to another locality over a distance, generally yes. For a short journey within the same locality, it is usually not required.

If an open-coffin wake is held before cremation, it may be required. For cremation without extended viewing, generally not.

Any deceased person, at the family's request, with clearance from the Public Health Directorate (DSP). If an autopsy was required, embalming takes place after the body is released.

The doctor or tanatopraxist who performed the procedure. Their signature and details confirm that the embalming was carried out correctly in accordance with the standards.

The certificate attests to a procedure carried out on a specific date. It accompanies the deceased to the chapel and during transport, for the period up to burial.

For an open coffin in spaces where people gather, generally yes. The certificate confirms that the preparation was carried out under sanitary safety conditions.

For burial, the burial permit (adeverința de înhumare) is what matters. The embalming certificate is required mainly for an open-coffin chapel laying and for transport.

Embalming takes place after an autopsy if one was required. The body is first released after examination; embalming can then be carried out.

It is sometimes called the adeverință de îmbălsămare — another term used for the same document issued by the tanatopraxist, attesting to the procedure and its conditions.