A profession built on knowledge and experience

One of the first observations emerging from the survey is the considerable level of experience represented among participants.

Across many regions of the world, a large proportion of respondents fall within the 36–55 age range, while many professionals report more than twenty years of practical experience. In the United States, for example, 46% of participants indicated having more than 21 years of professional experience.

These findings illustrate the significant body of practical knowledge that currently supports the profession internationally. However, they should be interpreted as a reflection of the profile of the professionals who participated in the survey rather than as a complete representation of the embalming workforce in every country.
The survey also demonstrates increasing diversity within the profession. Although men continue to represent the majority of practitioners in many regions, female participation continues to grow, reflecting the ongoing evolution of embalming worldwide.

This combination of experience and diversity illustrates the dynamic nature of a profession that continues to adapt to changing social realities.

Professional pathways across the world

One of the most interesting findings of the survey is the diversity of professional pathways that coexist around the world. Across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania, embalming has developed within very different historical, cultural and regulatory environments.

In some regions, the profession is supported by extensive educational programmes, licensing systems and well-established professional associations. In others, access to the profession depends primarily on specialised vocational training, employer-based education or practical experience.

These differences should not be interpreted as inequalities, but rather as evidence of the profession's remarkable ability to adapt to local realities while maintaining high standards of care and service. Despite these diverse pathways, professionals around the world share common objectives: improving education, strengthening professional recognition and promoting safe, ethical and high-quality practice.

This combination of diversity and shared objectives highlights the richness of a profession that operates in very different contexts while maintaining the same commitment to service.

Professional associations: different structures, common objectives

The survey also highlighted significant differences in the role played by professional associations. In some countries, professional associations are central to continuing education, certification, ethical guidance and advocacy. In other regions, professional representation is still developing or remains limited. These differences should not be interpreted as weaknesses, but rather as opportunities for international collaboration.

Knowledge exchange between countries at different stages of professional development can help strengthen the profession while respecting local realities. In this context, FIAT-IFTA has a unique role to play by facilitating dialogue and creating opportunities for professionals from different regions to learn from one another.

Regulation: one profession, multiple legal frameworks

If there is one clear conclusion from the survey, it is that there is no single regulatory model for embalming. In some countries, embalming is governed by licensing requirements, formal education programmes, inspections and professional oversight. In others, regulation is minimal or applies only in specific circumstances, such as international repatriations.

The responses reveal substantial differences regarding who may perform embalming procedures, what qualifications are required and which legal standards must be met.

Rather than representing a weakness, this diversity reflects the profession's ability to adapt to different cultural traditions, healthcare systems and legal environments. Professional excellence can be achieved through different organisational models, provided that safety, competence and respect for the deceased remain central principles.

Professional judgement remains essential

The survey confirms that embalming practice continues to rely heavily on professional judgement. Professionals around the world adapt their protocols according to multiple factors, including:

the condition of the deceased;
the cause of death;
the anticipated time until final disposition;
environmental conditions;
transportation requirements;
ceremonial expectations.

Open-ended responses consistently showed that professionals tailor their protocols to the specific circumstances of each case.

This finding demonstrates that, beyond the products used or the regulatory frameworks in place, professional expertise remains one of the fundamental pillars of modern embalming practice. Professional judgement continues to be essential in providing safe, appropriate and dignified care.

International repatriation: the greatest area of consensus

Among all topics explored in the survey, one area demonstrated remarkable consistency across countries and regions: international repatriation. Professionals from virtually every region reported that international transportation requires enhanced preservation procedures, including higher concentrations of embalming fluids, additional treatments and preservation strategies designed to accommodate logistical delays, climate variations and extended periods before final disposition.

Whether in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America or Oceania, professionals share a common understanding: international transportation usually requires stronger preservation strategies than domestic funeral services. This may be considered the clearest example of global professional consensus within embalming practice.

Learning from a global profession

One of the most valuable aspects of this survey has been the participation of professionals from countries that are rarely represented in international studies. Although some countries were represented by only one or two respondents, their contributions help bring visibility to professional realities that seldom appear in international research. Their perspectives enrich our understanding of how embalming is practised under different social, cultural and regulatory conditions. These responses remind us that every professional perspective contributes to building a more complete understanding of embalming worldwide.

The diversity represented in this survey should be considered one of its greatest strengths.

Looking ahead

The Global Survey on Embalming Practices 2026 highlights three key conclusions.

First, there is no single international standard for embalming. Educational requirements, regulatory frameworks and preservation protocols continue to vary significantly between countries.

Second, international repatriation represents the area of greatest professional consensus, regardless of region or culture.

Third, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen international collaboration through the exchange of knowledge, research, education and professional experience.

For FIAT-IFTA, this represents a unique opportunity to continue building bridges between countries and regions while respecting the cultural and regulatory differences that make each community unique.

The Global Survey on Embalming Practices 2026 provides a valuable snapshot of the profession today. More importantly, it demonstrates that, although embalmers work within different systems, regulations and traditions, they share fundamental values: technical competence, respect for the deceased and commitment to the families they serve.

In an increasingly interconnected world, these shared principles provide the foundation upon which the future of the profession will continue to be built.

>> Read more in THANOS Magazine 3/2026 - pages 14-17

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