FIAT-IFTA - New Global Code of Conduct for Funeral Professionals

By Emerson De Luca, FIAT-IFTA Executive Secretary  

The International Council of Direction (ICD) of FIAT-IFTA, approved the adoption of its new Code of Conduct during its June 2025 meeting in Yokohama, Japan. This significant milestone underscores FIAT-IFTA’s ongoing commitment to promoting ethical, professional, and compassionate funeral services across the globe.

This newly adopted Code of Conduct reaffirms FIAT-IFTA’s core values of respect, integrity, professionalism, and inclusion. It guides members in delivering services that honor the deceased, support grieving families, and uphold the trust placed in funeral professionals.

Notable highlights of the new Code are as follows:

• Respect and Dignity for the Deceased: All members are expected to treat the deceased with the utmost care and ensure their dignity is preserved throughout all stages of funeral care, in strict compliance with applicable laws and customs.
• Compassionate Care for the Bereaved: The Code emphasizes the importance of empathy, confidentiality, and respect for cultural and religious preferences when supporting grieving families and communities.
• Ethical Business Practices: Members must operate transparently and fairly, avoid misleading advertising, and refrain from unethical practices such as offering rewards for confidential information about potential clients.
• Legal Compliance: Strict adherence to all relevant local laws and regulations, including those related to health and safety, licensing, and environmental management, is mandatory.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion: The Code mandates non-discrimination and the respectful accommodation of diverse traditions and beliefs, ensuring that funeral services are accessible to all.
• Environmental and Social Responsibility: By promoting sustainable practices and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, the Code encourages eco-friendly innovations in funeral services, such as biodegradable materials and green burials.
• Confidentiality and Data Protection: Members are required to safeguard all personal and sensitive data in compliance with international data protection standards.
• Accountability and Enforcement: Violations of the Code will be investigated by impartial representatives. Sanctions, including potential removal from the organization, may be applied in cases of confirmed breaches.

The Code of Conduct serves not just as a rulebook, but as a shared promise to uphold the dignity of the deceased and provide meaningful, professional support to their families. All FIAT-IFTA members are encouraged to integrate the Code into daily operations, fostering trust within their communities and reinforcing the organization's reputation worldwide. Through this commitment, FIAT-IFTA continues its mission to elevate global funeral standards with professionalism, compassion, and respect.