Check that funeral intermediaries are registered with county-level civil affairs authorities
In China, funeral agents, purchasing intermediaries, ceremony planners and hosts, and information consultants must register with county-level civil affairs authorities. Unregistered intermediaries are outside the funeral-service information system. Public lookup availability varies, so calling the county office is a dependable way to check. Fraudulent charges and trading in deceased persons' information can lead to enforcement action.
What it takes
Nothing. Ask whether the provider has filed the required registration.
What you may gain
Registered intermediaries are included in the system overseen by civil affairs authorities. Providers that use deception to impose unlawful fees, induce lavish spending, force services on families, or trade in information about the deceased are subject to action under law. Their misconduct must also be marked in the funeral-service information system and made public.
Context & considerations
The source identifies the resale of deceased persons' information as a common problem. A sudden flood of sales calls after completing formalities may indicate that information has been passed on. Online memorial platforms are also regulated: Article 45 prohibits inducing consumption and unlawful processing of information about the deceased.
Research & references
State Council (2026). Regulations on Funeral and Interment Administration, Order No. 824, revised November 14, 2025, effective March 30, 2026. Article 41 requires organizations and individuals outside funeral institutions that provide agency services, purchases, planning, hosting, or information consultation to register with county-level civil affairs authorities. It provides for action against deceptive charging, inducement of extravagance, forced services, and trading in deceased persons' information, with system records and public disclosure. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202601/content_7054169.htm