Use an authorized funeral home for transport, storage, and cremation; ordinary storage is generally limited to three days
Under China's regulations, funeral homes are specifically responsible for transporting, storing, embalming, preparing, and cremating bodies. A hospital mortuary can temporarily hold a body but cannot provide funeral services. Funeral-home storage is generally limited to three days unless an extension is arranged. Cremation requires both a death certificate and a cremation confirmation document. Keep the cremation certificate issued afterward for later inheritance and insurance procedures.
What it takes
No cost to check the rules; the services themselves have applicable charges.
What you may gain
Article 25 assigns transport, storage, preservation, preparation, and cremation to funeral homes. Article 24 prohibits outsourcing healthcare institutions' mortuaries or using them for funeral services, while allowing temporary holding. Article 27 generally limits funeral-home storage to three days; relatives or the party transferring the body must arrange an extension if needed. Article 28 requires a death certificate and cremation confirmation document before cremation and requires the funeral home to issue a cremation certificate afterward. Article 29 requires local, nearby cremation at a funeral home in areas where cremation is mandated.
Context & considerations
People offering a “complete package” immediately after a hospital death are often intermediaries rather than funeral-home staff. Transport is a basic service with regulated pricing; see entry 6. Retain the cremation certificate for inheritance, insurance, and relocation of ashes. Provincial governments designate cremation and burial areas. Article 9 protects ethnic minority funeral customs. Where burial is used in an area requiring cremation, or a grave is made outside a cemetery or ecological burial area, civil affairs authorities can order correction within a specified period.
Research & references
State Council (2026). Regulations on Funeral and Interment Administration, State Council Order No. 824, effective March 30, 2026, Articles 8, 9, 24, 25, 27, 28, and 29. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202601/content_7054169.htm