Thanatopractor: conditions of access and exercise in France

Verified 01 October 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / (Prime Minister)

  • Regulated craft activity
  • APE Code current: 96.03Z / Code APE in 2027 : 96.30Y / NACE European Code : 96.03
  • Social contributions : to be paid to theUrssaf: titleContent
  • Social security scheme: Social security for the self-employed (SSI) or General Social Security Scheme, depending on the mode of practice
  • Social protection: CPAM: titleContent (illness), Carsat: titleContent (retirement)

Definition

General principles and objectives

The thanatopractor is a professional mandatory graduate who performs conservation care also called thanatopraxia care.

This care is a regulated funeral operation. These are invasive acts post mortem on the body of a dead person.

These care is not mandatory, except in certain cases (they may be required in case of international transport of the body, according to the legislation of the host country or according to the rules of the airline). They may be prohibited in certain cases (when death is related to a communicable infection or when it raises a medico-legal obstacle).

The thanatopractor intervenes at the express request from the family of the deceased.

Please note

The Ministry of Health determines each year a numerus clausus about 60 new entrants per year into the profession.

Technical and medical acts

The practice is to make the deceased look presentable to the family and loved ones during his exhibition in funeral home or at home.

Before any intervention, the thanatopractor must check the death certificate of the deceased.

The acts of care have the purpose of delay the process of decomposition of the body (thanatomorphosis) and its degradation at room temperature. These acts can allow burial from a few days after death up to a maximum of 2 weeks (3 weeks in certain derogatory cases provided by law).

The professional proceeds by draining liquids and gases from the body and by injecting a biocidal product (antiseptic and preservative, usually formalin) as a replacement.

He must then dress the deceased, style and make-up with suitable cosmetics. These acts are carried out in the respect for choices formulated either by the deceased during his lifetime or by the family of the deceased.

All of these operations require between 1 hour and a half and 2 hours from worksometimes more so if a molding of the deceased is requested by the family for personal reasons.

Most of the care takes place in a preparation room bodies that comply with health and safety regulations (mortuary or funeral chamber or home of the deceased). They can also take place at the deceased's home.

During each treatment, the thanatopractor must respect ethical principles towards the family (discretion, non-judgment) and towards the body of the deceased (medical confidentiality, human dignity).

Occupational risks

The main occupational risks are related to the use of toxic products and sharp, sharp instruments.

The risks of infectious contamination are also important. The thanatopractor is required to be vaccinated against hepatitis B (unless medically contraindicated).

Every professional must use the mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE).

It must also take care of the waste of care activities at risk of infection (DASRI) in accordance with the regulations (disposal and monitoring registration).

Access

Access to the profession of thanatopractor requires the detention of the national diploma of thanatopractor.

The conditions for exercising the profession in France depend in particular on the nationality of the professional and the place where the qualification was obtained: France, European State or third State.

French national

The conditions of access are different depending on the place of obtaining the professional qualification (diploma or experience):

Diploma obtained in France

Any person who holds the national diploma of thanatopractor has the right to practice in France.

To do so, they must pass the theoretical training exams before they can enroll in practical training.

Theoretical training

The candidate must be 18 years minimum and be holder of the bachelor's degree or a diploma equivalent level.

Theoretical training is composed of 190 hours of minimum education.

These courses must have been taken on minimum 3 consecutive months.

Practical training

The candidate must meet the following 2 conditions:

  • Have been declared eligible by the national jury at the end of the theoretical tests
  • Be vaccinated against hepatitis B (unless the person is or has been infected with this virus).

At the time of registration or at the latest before commencing practical training, the applicant shall transmit to the training organization a medical certificate who establishes his vaccination against hepatitis B.

The following is carried out verification of theimmunization of the candidate.

Without this immunization, he cannot do not access practical training, even if he had passed the theoretical training evaluations.

During the practical training, the candidate must have completed at least 75 treatments over a period of between 6 and 12 consecutive months.

The diploma is obtained if the candidate passes the practical evaluation.

Thanatopraxia courses are provided by thanatopractors who are qualified and have at least 5 years of experience.

Qualification or experience obtained in a UE or EEE State

A French national who has completed his training as a thanatopractor in a Member State of l'' (UE) or l' (EEE) may practice in France provided that he applies for recognition of his professional qualifications.

The conditions are different depending on the professional qualification obtained:

Diploma issued by a European State that does not regulate the profession
Requirements

Where the diploma was obtained in a European State which does not regulate the profession, one of the following two conditions must be met:

  • Either have exercised full-time thanatopraxia activity during 1 year in a European State
  • Either have exercised part-time for a period equivalent to 1 year during the 10 years preceding the application for recognition of professional qualifications, in a European State.

The applicant must provide proof of one or more certificates of competency or evidence of formal qualifications.

Procedure for the recognition of professional qualifications

The application for recognition must be made to the prefect of the future place in France.

We have to send a file comprising all of the attestations or training qualifications proof of the exercise of the activity during 1 year the activity in a State of

The Prefect acknowledges receipt of the file within one month and informs the applicant of any missing documents.

The decision to recognize professional qualifications shall be notified within 4 months of receipt of the complete dossier.

In case of substantial differences between the professional qualifications of the applicant and those required to practice in France, the prefect may decide to subject the applicant to a compensation measure.

Who shall I contact
Compensation measures

Where a compensation measure is decided, the applicant may choose between:

  • one adaptation course : for a maximum period of 2 years, it must be carried out in a board, a company or an authorized funeral association. It will be evaluated by the person responsible for the internship and validated by the Minister responsible for health.
  • or a proficiency test : the verification of the national's knowledge during the aptitude test is validated by the minister in charge of health who then gives his opinion to the prefect.

The applicant shall have a period of1 month from the notification of the decision to choose. If he does not opt within that period, he shall be deemed to have waived his application for recognition of professional qualifications.

The prefect then informs the applicant of the results of these different phases of the application of the compensation measures, then of his decision to grant or not the recognition of professional qualification.

Diploma awarded by a European State that regulates the profession
Requirements

The diploma, certificate or title acquired in a State of the UE or EEE that regulates the activity must be of a level equivalent or immediately below to that of the French national diploma of thanatopractor.

Procedure for the recognition of professional qualifications

The application for recognition must be made to the prefect of the future place in France.

We have to send a file comprising all of the attestations or training qualifications proof of the exercise of the activity during 1 year the activity in a State of

The Prefect acknowledges receipt of the file within one month and informs the applicant of any missing documents.

The decision to recognize professional qualifications shall be notified within 4 months of receipt of the complete dossier.

In case of substantial differences between the professional qualifications of the applicant and those required to practice in France, the prefect may decide to subject the applicant to a compensation measure.

Who shall I contact
Compensation measures

Where a compensation measure is decided, the applicant may choose between:

  • one adaptation course : for a maximum period of 2 years, it must be carried out in a board, a company or an authorized funeral association. It will be evaluated by the person responsible for the internship and validated by the Minister responsible for health.
  • or a proficiency test : the verification of the national's knowledge during the aptitude test is validated by the minister in charge of health who then gives his opinion to the prefect.

The applicant shall have a period of1 month from the notification of the decision to choose. If he does not opt within that period, he shall be deemed to have waived his application for recognition of professional qualifications.

The prefect then informs the applicant of the results of these different phases of the application of the compensation measures, then of his decision to grant or not the recognition of professional qualification.

Professional experience in another European state
Requirements

A French national who has already practiced thanatopraxia in another UE or EEE may practice in France if he meets one of the following conditions:

  • Have exercised during 3 years consecutive the activity of a thanatopractor
  • Have exercised during 2 years and have completed prior training in thanatopraxia, attested by a certificate recognized by the State in which he practiced, or deemed to be fully valid by a competent professional body of that State
  • Have exercised during 2 years consecutive as a self-employed person and justify the exercise during 3 years as a thanatopractor employee
  • Have exercised during 3 years as an employee for one of the functions performed in a company or association of funeral homes or in a crematorium, and have completed prior training in thanatopraxia, as attested by a certificate recognized by the country where he has practiced, or deemed to be fully valid by a competent professional body of that country.
Procedure for the recognition of professional qualifications

The application for recognition must be made to the prefect of the future place in France.

We have to send a file comprising all of the attestations or training qualifications proof of the exercise of the activity during 1 year the activity in a State of

The Prefect acknowledges receipt of the file within one month and informs the applicant of any missing documents.

The decision to recognize professional qualifications shall be notified within 4 months of receipt of the complete dossier.

In case of substantial differences between the professional qualifications of the applicant and those required to practice in France, the prefect may decide to subject the applicant to a compensation measure.

Who shall I contact
Compensation measures

Where a compensation measure is decided, the applicant may choose between:

  • one adaptation course : for a maximum period of 2 years, it must be carried out in a board, a company or an authorized funeral association. It will be evaluated by the person responsible for the internship and validated by the Minister responsible for health.
  • or a proficiency test : the verification of the national's knowledge during the aptitude test is validated by the minister in charge of health who then gives his opinion to the prefect.

The applicant shall have a period of1 month from the notification of the decision to choose. If he does not opt within that period, he shall be deemed to have waived his application for recognition of professional qualifications.

The prefect then informs the applicant of the results of these different phases of the application of the compensation measures, then of his decision to grant or not the recognition of professional qualification.

Qualification or experience obtained abroad (outside Europe)

Holders of a diploma or professional experience as a thanatopractor in a non-European country are not allowed to practice in France.

He must possess the French national diploma of thanatopraxia. To do so, they must pass the theoretical training exams before they can enroll in practical training.

Theoretical training

The candidate must be 18 years minimum and be holder of the bachelor's degree or a diploma equivalent level.

Theoretical training is composed of 190 hours of minimum education.

These courses must have been taken on minimum 3 consecutive months.

Practical training

The candidate must meet the following 2 conditions:

  • Have been declared eligible by the national jury at the end of the theoretical tests
  • Be vaccinated against hepatitis B (unless the person is or has been infected with this virus).

At the time of registration or at the latest before commencing practical training, the applicant shall transmit to the training organization a medical certificate who establishes his vaccination against hepatitis B.

The following is carried out verification of theimmunization of the candidate.

Without this immunization, he cannot do not access practical training, even if he had passed the theoretical training evaluations.

During the practical training, the candidate must have completed at least75 treatments over a period of between 6 and 12 consecutive months.

The diploma is obtained if the candidate passes the practical evaluation.

Thanatopraxia courses are provided by thanatopractors who are qualified and have at least 5 years of experience.

European national

A national of a Member State of l'' (UE) or l' (EEE) has the possibility of either in France for an exercise permanent (talking about free establishment), or to practice there temporarily his job (we are talking about freedom to provide services).

It must fulfill several conditions:

Establishment in France (permanent)

Qualification obtained in France

Any European national who has obtained the french national diploma in thanatopraxia, may practice in France.

To do this, they must pass the theoretical training exams before they can enroll in practical training.

Theoretical training

The candidate must be 18 years minimum and be holder of the bachelor's degree or a diploma equivalent level.

Theoretical training is composed of 190 hours of minimum education.

These courses must have been taken on minimum 3 consecutive months.

Practical training

The candidate must meet the following 2 conditions:

  • Have been declared eligible by the national jury at the end of the theoretical tests
  • Be vaccinated against hepatitis B (unless the person is or has been infected with this virus).

At the time of registration or at the latest before commencing practical training, the applicant shall transmit to the training organization a medical certificate who establishes his vaccination against hepatitis B.

The following is carried out verification of theimmunization of the candidate.

Without this immunization, he cannot do not access practical training, even if he had passed the theoretical training evaluations.

During the practical training, the candidate must have completed at least 75 treatments over a period of between 6 and 12 consecutive months.

The diploma is obtained if the candidate passes the practical evaluation.

Thanatopraxia courses are provided by thanatopractors who are qualified and have at least 5 years of experience.

Qualification obtained in a UE or EEE State
Conditions for the recognition of professional qualifications

A European national may also settle in France permanently if he holds a European diploma. He must then apply for recognition of his professional qualifications.

The conditions are different depending on the qualification obtained:

  • Diploma obtained in a European State that regulates the activity :
    This diploma, title or certificate must be of an equivalent level or immediately lower than that of the French national diploma of thanatopractor
  • Diploma obtained in a European State that does not regulate the activity :
    One of the following two conditions must be met:
    • Either have exercised on time full thanatopraxia activity during 1 year in a European State
    • Either have exercised on time partial for a period equivalent to 1 year during the 10 years preceding the application for recognition of professional qualifications, in a European State.

    The applicant must provide proof of one or more certificates of competency or evidence of formal qualifications.
  • Professional experience
    A European national who has already practiced thanatopraxia in a UE or EEE country must meet one of the following conditions:
    • Have exercised during 3 years consecutive the activity of a thanatopractor
    • Have exercised during 2 years and have completed prior training in thanatopraxia, attested by a certificate recognized by the State in which he practiced, or deemed to be fully valid by a competent professional body of that State
    • Have exercised during 2 years consecutive as a self-employed person and justify the exercise during 3 years as a thanatopractor employee
    • Have exercised during 3 years consecutive as employee for one of the functions performed in a company or association of funeral homes or in a crematorium, and to justify a prior training in thanatopraxia sanctioned by a certificate recognized by the country where he has practiced, or deemed fully valid by a competent professional body of that country.
Procedure for the recognition of professional qualifications

The application for recognition must be made to the prefect of the future place in France.

We have to send a file to the Prefect, including the following documents:

  • Proof of the practice of thanatopraxia (self-employed or as an employee) during the required period of practice
  • Certificate recognizing the prior evidence of formal training by the State in which the person has practiced.

The Prefect acknowledges receipt of the file within one month and informs the applicant of any missing documents.

The decision to recognize professional qualifications shall be notified within 4 months of receipt of the complete dossier.

In case of substantial differences between the professional qualifications of the applicant and those required to practice in France, the prefect may decide to subject the applicant to a compensation measure.

Who shall I contact

Where a compensation measure is decided, the applicant may choose between:

  • one adaptation course : for a maximum period of 2 years, it must be carried out in a board, a company or an authorized funeral association. It will be evaluated by the person responsible for the internship and validated by the Minister responsible for health.
  • or a proficiency test : the verification of the national's knowledge during the aptitude test is validated by the minister in charge of health who then gives his opinion to the prefect.

The applicant shall have a period of1 month from the notification of the decision to choose. If he does not opt within that period, he shall be deemed to have waived his application for recognition of professional qualifications.

The prefect then informs the applicant of the results of these different phases of the application of the compensation measures, then of his decision to grant or not the recognition of professional qualification.

SOLVIT is particularly involved in the recognition of professional qualifications.

The use of SOLVIT is possible if the following two conditions are met:

  • The public administration of one UE has failed to respect its rights under EU law as a company of another UE.
  • A legal action has not yet been initiated (the administrative appeal is not considered as such).

Submit a complaint to Solvit

After a period of 10 weeks, SOLVIT presents a solution:

  • If this solution resolves the dispute concerning the application of European law, the solution is accepted and the case is closed.
  • If there is no solution, the case is closed as unresolved and referred to the European Commission.
Qualification obtained in a third country (out of UE or EEE)

A European national who has obtained a diploma or has professional experience in a Third State to the (UE) or the European Economic Area (EEE) is not entitled to practice in France.

Freedom to provide services (temporary exercise)

The European national may exercise temporarily and occasionally on French territory if he fulfills the following conditions:

  • He is legally established as a thanatopractor in a state of the UE or EEE.
  • When the activity or training is not regulated in the Member State in which he is established, he must have practiced in one or more Member UE of the State or EEE for at least one full-time year or for a total equivalent period of part-time, during the 10 years preceding the service
  • It must be holder of the funeral authorization without having to justify his vocational training.
Foreigners national (non-European)

Any national of a third country to the french national diploma in thanatopraxia.

To take this training, you must be 18 years minimum and be holder of the bachelor's degree or a diploma of equivalent level.

He must complete theoretical training and pass the exams in order to register for practical training.

FYI  

At the time of enrollment or at the latest before commencing practical training, the training organization must be provided with a medical certificate who establishes his vaccination against hepatitis B. Without this immunization, it is not possible to access practical training, even if he would have passed the assessments of theoretical training.

Theoretical training

Theoretical training is composed of 190 hours of minimum education.

Thanatopraxia courses are provided by thanatopractors who are qualified and have at least 5 years of experience.

They must have been tracked on 3 consecutive months at least.

Practical training

The candidate must meet the following 2 conditions:

  • Have been declared eligible by the national jury at the end of the theoretical tests
  • Be vaccinated against hepatitis B (unless the person is or has been infected with this virus).

During the practical training, the candidate must achieve at least75 treatments over a period of between 6 and 12 consecutive months.

The diploma is obtained if the candidate passes the practical evaluation.

Exercise

We are dealing here with the obligations imposed on the thanatopractor as an entrepreneur independent and not to the thanatopractor who practices as an employee.

The choice of a legal form (or legal status) of the company is a decisive step.

It determines the company’s operating rules, but it also has implications for the tax system and social protection.

There are two main legal forms:

  • Individual business (EI) : allows you to carry out your activity alone and in your own name. The Head of company and the individual business shall form a one and the same person. Micro-company (or self-company) is an individual business with a simplified tax and social system.
  • Business : allows you to work in a legal entity distinct from the head of company. It has the legal personality, i.e. it has its own legal existence (share capital, company name, registered office, etc.).

These two modes of exercise each have their own specific rules:

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Individual business (including micro-entrepreneur)

The creation of an individual business (EI) involves few formalities (no drafting of statutes, no constitution of share capital and partner, etc.) and allows to launch its activity quickly. The assets of the individual entrepreneur (IC), including the micro-entrepreneur, are automatically separated into professional and personal assets.

For more information, please refer to the fact sheet on the separation of professional and personal assets.

The tax and social system of traditional individual business

The individual entrepreneur is subject to income tax (IR), in the category corresponding to his activity (BIC: titleContent, BNC: titleContent , BA: titleContent..).

However, it is possible for him to opt for actual tax regime or even for thebusiness tax (IS).

The individual contractor is subject to the Social security for the self-employed regime. He has the status of self-employed person (TNS). It does not pay social contributions during at least 90 days which follow the start of its activity.

For more information, our factsheet on the social protection for traders and craftsmen details of the contributions due and the arrangements for reporting and payment.

Our sheet on theindividual business (EI) specifies all operating rules.

Simplified micro-company regime

The scheme of micro-entrepreneur is a very simplified social and tax system. It is applicable when the turnover HT: titleContent did not exceed certain thresholds in each of the previous 2 years.

Warning  

Since 1er in january 2026, these thresholds were reassessed: €203,100 in the case of an activity of selling goods (instead of €188,700 in 2025), and €83,600 for the provision of services (instead of €77,700 in 2025).

The simplified scheme shall apply automatically for the year of establishment (N) and the following year (N+1) provided that these thresholds are respected.

Furthermore, the micro-company is subjected to the TVA-based franchise : that is, the contractor does not declare the TVA on the services or sales he performs and cannot deduct it either.

Regarding the taxation of his income, the micro company is imposed on theIR: titleContent, in the category corresponding to its activity: micro BIC: titleContent, microphone BNC: titleContent , microphone BA: titleContent..). The tax due is calculated taking into account a flat-rate abatement turnover for professional expenses which varies according to the activity carried out (for an activity of selling goods: the reduction corresponds for example to 71% turnover).

For more details on tax rebates, you can consult the sheet on the micro-entrepreneur tax system.

Finally, the entrepreneur pays social security contributions only if he generates turnover.

Business

The business is a legal entity that has a legal personality, i.e. it has its own legal existence (share capital, company name, registered office, etc.). It can sign a commercial lease, hire employees and has a separate estate from that of its partners. It is represented by an officer (a manager or a president) who carries out the activity.

The interest of create a business is to limit the liability of the professional and his associates to the contributions made when the business was established. It thus makes it possible to protect the personal assets of each individual.

The trader may engage in a commercial and/or craft activity alone (creating a EURL or a SASU) or byassociating with other persons (SARL, SAS, SAetc). The creation of a business requires the completion of various formalities such as the drafting of statutes, the deposit of a share capital which can be expensive. In addition, the business must comply with various accounting obligations (keeping and filing of annual accounts, convening of shareholders at general meetings (AGMs), holding of AGMs for any change in the statutes of the business, etc.).

Tax system

The profits made by the business are in principle subject tobusiness tax (IS). For certain types of businesses, partners can opt for income tax (IR). In this case, the benefits carried out shall be reported as BIC: titleContent in the income tax return.

Social protection

The social protection of the business manager varies according to the type of business chosen. The head of an EURL or SARL (if in the majority) is considered a self-employed person and must contribute to the Urssaf on income from self-employment or on a minimum annual basis.

The head of an SAS, SASU, SARL (minority or egalitarian) is considered to be a salaried assimilated worker. It is part of the general social security system. He enjoys a social protection very close to that of an employee. If he does not pay himself wages, he does not have to pay social security contributions.

To make the right choice, it is therefore essential to take into account many factors:

  • Exercise of the activity alone or with several partners (in business )
  • Tax regime for the taxation of profits
  • Social protection scheme according to the envisaged legal form.

To help you choose the legal form that best suits your situation, the Urssaf offers the following simulator:

Finding the right legal status (form) for your company project

Declare activity

The trader must register the company. This procedure must be carried out online on the website of the companies' formalities office:

Window of company formalities

The trader must apply for registration within one month before the declared start date of the activity and, at the latest, 15 days after the start date of the activity. This formality has the effect of giving the company legal status.

This declaration informs all the organizations concerned by the launch of the activity (Insee, social organizations, Urssaf, public finance center, etc.).

As soon as the application for registration is accepted, the Insee shall award:

  • A number Siren : it is a unique identification number of the 9-digit company 
  • A number Siret : this is thegeographical identifier of each of the establishments from the company, it is therefore possible to have several. This number consists of the Siren and a NIC (Internal Ranking Number).

When registering the company, the Insee also assigns the professional its code APE: titleContent.

When the professional's spouse decides to work in the company, he/she must provide a sworn certificate stating his/her status in the company:

Declaration of non-conviction

When registering his activity, the trader must provide a declaration on honor of non-conviction.

By this declaration, he certifies that he has not been subject to any criminal, civil or administrative sanction prohibiting him from setting up and managing a company.

One template declaration of non-conviction and filiation is available:

Declaration of non-conviction and filiation for registration in the French trade and companies register (RCS) and the National Register of companies (RNE)

Contributions called by theUrssaf: titleContent depend on the structure of the business and the legal status of the manager.

To know all the rules concerning the social system of the manager, it is possible to consult the sheet relating to the Social protection of the business manager.

The professional who carries out his activity in his own name (individual business) or as majority manager of a business (such as an EURL or SARL), is affiliated to the Social security for the self-employed (SSI), the compulsory scheme for self-employed persons.

The professional must pay social contributions to the Urssaf from the beginning of his activity.

However, in practice, no contributions or social contributions are required during the first 90 days which follow the launch of its activity.

Since the income is not yet known at the start of the activity, the contributions are first calculated on a flat-rate basis for the first 2 years (at the same rates as those applicable during the course of business). They are then adjusted and regularized according to the real revenues of the fiscal year.

Contributions must be paid online in one of the following ways:

  • Either every month : payment is made on the 5th or 20th of each month, by direct debit.
  • Either every quarter : payment is made by direct debit, telepayment or credit card on 5 February, 5 May, 5 August and 5 November.

When he carries out his activity within the framework of a business and holds management functions that give him the status of employee equivalent (president or paid CEO of SAS for example), the professional reports to the general social security system.

His social security contributions are identical to those of an executive employee, and he enjoys equivalent social protection, with the exception of unemployment insurance (optional unemployment insurance is however possible).

Informing the family about their funeral rights

Warning  

Sincethe 1er October 2026, the funeral operator must give each family a notice informing him about his rights and essential information: free delivery of the funeral estimate, details of the mandatory services, etc.

The information to be included in this leaflet is described inannex to the order of 13 august 2026.

Family Information on Conservation Care

Each company or funeral home operator must provide an official information document to the person in charge of the funeral of the deceased.

This document presents the different possible options in the field of conservation care.

It is the following document:

Information for families on the conservation care of the deceased

Please note

Conservation care is not not required. Every family must be informed. On the other hand, the mortuary toilet is a care systematically carried out on each deceased.

Any professional holding the funeral authorization must make estimates for his services.

These quotes must be conforming to a model defined by the ministry responsible for local and regional authorities /

Quote template for funeral services

Each funeral operator must submit standard quotes in each department (prefecture) and with the commune where the company has its registered office or a secondary institution. They can also be deposited in each desired municipality.

Standard quotes must be updated every 3 years.

Please note

Municipalities of more than 5,000 inhabitants have the obligation to put these quotes on their website internet available to all.

The realization of conservation care can only take place if prior declaration has been filed with the mayor of the municipality where such care will be practiced.

The written declaration may be made by any means.

It shall indicate the following:

  • Place and time of conservation care
  • Deadline for their completion after death when they take place at home
  • Name and address of the thanatopractor or company (of the board or association and its authorized institutions), who will provide the care
  • Procedure and biocidal product that the thanatopractor proposes to use.

Please note

This declaration must be made either by the thanatopractor if he practices as self-employed, or by the funeral operator in charge of the funeral if the preservation care is carried out by an employed thanatopractor.

Death certificate

Before any intervention, the thanatopractor must check the death certificate of the deceased.

The verification of the death certificate allows the professional to determine whether the deceased was living with a communicable disease such as cholera, plague, rabies, active tuberculosis, etc. In which case, conservation funeral care is forbidden.

Please note

Since 2018, thanatopraxia care is no longer prohibited for the deceased who were carriers, during their lifetime, of the AIDS virus (HIV) or hepatitis B.

Forensic obstacle

The thanatopractor also has the obligation, in case of identification of possible lesions suspicious on the body (within the limits of the skills taught in the training of thanatopractor) to proceed to the reporting of these injuries to the public prosecutor.

He must then interrupt his intervention because of a meeting of a forensic obstacle.

Wishes of the deceased or family

The thanatopractor must also hold any written document that presents the wishes of the deceased in matters of burial. He must comply with these.

If this document does not exist, the thanatopractor must comply with the wishes of the family, formulated in writing either directly or through the funeral company (or the association or the board or establishment in charge of the funeral).

Molding

Some families or relatives of the deceased wish to have a part of the body of the deceased molded, in particular for personal reasons (e.g. molding of the hands of the deceased).

In the case of molding the body or a part of the body, a time limit minimum of 24 hours must be respected after the declaration of death in town hall. If the condition of the corpse requires it (rapid decomposition), this period can be reduced after obtaining a medical certificate.

Before the molding is carried out, a written declaration must be made with the mayor the municipality where the operation will be carried out.

Conservation care must take place in a preparation room bodies that comply with health and safety regulations.

It's either a mortuary chamber or a burial chamber, or home of the deceased.

In a mortuary chamber or funeral home

The health and safety obligations concerning the treatment room are numerous.

The thanatopractor must make sure that the nature of the premises and its organization fulfill the legal conditions for performing acts of thanatopraxia.

In particular, the room must meet the criteria of area, ventilation, cleaning, light, etc.

Equipment should not include cloth towels or electric hand dryers, but only disposable single-use hand towels. The room must allow the disinfection of tools, surfaces and hands before each treatment and after each treatment.

At the home of the deceased

Home care is only permitted if the death occurred at the home of the deceased.

Home care can only be done in a 36-hour delay after death, which may be added to 12 hours in some cases (depending on specific circumstances).

The funeral home or the undertaker must check that the premises comply with the regulations.

The requirements for the home care room are numerous. Care can only be provided in a room that meets the following criteria:

  • Usable floor area of the room with an area of at least 10 m²
  • Room isolated from the rest of the housing by a door and which is not accessible during the treatment
  • Part comprising at least one opening giving to the open air making it possible to ensure sufficient natural ventilation throughout the duration of the treatment. This ventilation is prolonged after the treatment has been performed.
  • Floor and wall covering of the room that can be washed and disinfected in full after carrying out the conservation care or be protected by any waterproof means guaranteeing the protection of the floor covering and walls. The waterproof means used is for single use only and is disposed of as a waste of care activity at infectious risk
  • Lighting adapted to the realization of conservation care.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the Thanatopractor

The main ones occupational risks are related to the use of products toxic and instruments sharp and spicy.

The risks of contamination infectious are also important.

The risk nosocomial is not negligible, in the case where the deceased on whom the thanatopractor operates has previously stayed in hospital.

The thanatopractor has an obligation to be vaccinated against thehepatitis B.

Each professional must use the equipment of protection individual (PPE) mandatory regulations.

For example, the port of mask is highly recommended (FFP2 mask, or cartridge mask or ventilator mask). The mask provides protection against chemical risks (in particular formaldehyde) and infectious risks. The washing of hands is essential before putting on the gloves of protection. A visor, glasses of protection, a charlotte for hair are also recommended.

A blouse or a combination and shoes Protective equipment is part of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The thanatopractor must perform the cleaning of instruments, equipment, and premises at each stage of the treatment that requires it and at the end of the treatment.

Occupational risk assessment and action plan

For more information on the occupational risks to which funeral service professionals are exposed, please visit the website of theINRS: titleContent  and the Health Insurance scheme:

List of occupational risks to which funeral service operators are exposed

National Research and Security Institute (INRS)

Pour en savoir plus

Funeral services: preventive measures to protect the mental and physical health of employees in this sector

Ameli.fr

Pour en savoir plus

The INRS and the Health Insurance, make available a risk assessment tool.

This tool allows funeral service companies to conduct their risk assessment and edit an action plan.

Interactive tool for assessing occupational risks in the funeral sector

Treatment of healthcare waste at risk of infection (DASRI)

The thanatopractor must take care of the infectious risk healthcare activity waste (IHRSW) in accordance with the regulations.

It is responsible, as the producer of this waste, for its monitoring and disposal. The time limit to transmit this waste to the provider of its choice, differs according to the amount of waste produced per week or per month.

If the amount of waste is greater than 5 kg per month (without grouping), the thanatopractor must fill in the elimination tracking slip waste from infectious risk healthcare activities (DASRI). This is cerfa 11351. It also indicates the slip to be filled in in case of grouping.

Disposal of waste from infectious risk care activities (without grouping) - tracking slip

The thanatopractor must sign an agreement with the service provider to whom he entrusts the disposal and treatment of this waste.

Please note

Most thanatopractors produce a quantity of waste with infectious risks greater than 5 kg per month. A majority of them have to treat their waste within a period ranging from 72 hours to a week after the operation (care) having produced them.

It is also possible to use the Trackdéchets platform:

Managing the traceability of waste and asbestos (Trackwaste)

INRS provides a Guide for the Treatment and Disposal of Infectious Hazardous Wastes (DASRI).

Use of biocidal conservation products

Concerning the biocidal product of conservation used, the professional must ensure that it is authorized by ANSES.

The main chemical agent used is formaldehyde, commonly called formaldehyde. The thanatopractor must determine and use in a reasonable and legal manner the appropriate concentration of this biocidal product.

He has to take a sample of the biocidal product used for the care (50 ml), put it in a vial sealed to the body of the deceased, preferably at the ankle.

To do so, it must respect the rules ofpackaging andlabeling hazardous materials.

If it is required to transport biocidal products, it must adapt its vehicle accordingly.

Retention of statements prior to each treatment

The thanatopractor independent who owns theburial authorization must ensure the traceability of all the care it provides.

For this, it must keep for 5 years the trace (paper or digitized copy) of all prior declarations which he passed on to the town hall before each treatment.

This is the mandatory declaration made to the town hall of the place where the professional will carry out the conservation care.

Retention of other supporting documents

In addition, all supporting documents the following must also be kept for 5 years by the thanatopractor ability :

  • Written expression of the wishes of the deceased in the matter of funerals
  • Death certificate of the deceased recipient of custody care
  • In case of molding of the body of the deceased: declaration prior to molding and if this is the case, the medical certificate approving the need not to meet the regulatory deadline
  • Prior declaration of transport of the body before beer to a mortuary or to any other place (home of the family of the deceased, etc.)
  • All documents necessary for the transport of the body of a deceased person who has expressed the wish to donate his body to scientific or medical research
  • In the case of a death following an accident in an army aircraft, declaration of immediate transport for autopsy to the military hospital or air base infirmary, before the civilian autopsy.

Ethical and moral principles

The thanatopractor must perform his interventions discreetly. It is obliged to respect the secret on data medical of the deceased.

He must practice conservation care in accordance with the dignity human.

He must not wear judgment on practices confessional of the deceased and the family.

It must take into account the unique situation of each of the families.

Please note

For en learn more on these ethical aspects of thanatopraxia, it is possible to consult the competency framework required by the Ministry of Health.

Canvassing prohibited

Offering offers, promotions, promises of donations or donations to a professional who becomes aware of a death in the course of his activity, with a view to recommending a company of funeral services, is punishable by fine of €75,000 and 5 years imprisonment.

Similarly, it is a criminal offense for any person who becomes aware of death in the course of his professional activity to solicit or accept offers, promotions or any advantage:

  • or to inform funeral service companies of such deaths
  • or to recommend to the families of these deceased a company of funeral services.

The penalties incurred in these situations are a fine of €45,000 and 3 years imprisonment.

In addition, all natural person if convicted of any of these offenses, additional penalties following:

  • Prohibition of civil, family and civil rights
  • Prohibition, for a period of up to 5 years, of exercising a public function or of exercising a professional or social activity in the exercise or on the occasion of the exercise of which the offense was committed
  • Posting or dissemination of the pronounced decision.

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