A eusuchian possessing the unique derived features of an extensive ectopterygoid bordering extremely broad posterior maxillary teeth and contacting the palatine anteriorly, a flat surface on the occipital faces of the quadrate and pterygoid, an unusually prominent process on the occipital surface of the paroccipital process medial to the cranioquadrate passage, a vertical posterior wall to the supratemporal fossa, a relatively long skull table with a narrow, elongate supratemporal fenestra, a posterior process of the jugal that is twisted dorsomedially around its longitudinal axis, a short distal portion of the quadrate, and an extremely broad prefrontal pillar. Uniquely possesses the combination of a preorbital constriction, enlarged posterior maxillary teeth, and an apparently short rostrum. Derived characters shared with some Eusuchia (but not necessarily synapomorphic)-prominent boss on ventral surface of quadrate (also in primitive alligatorids), lower temporal bar strongly arched dorsally, posterior ectopterygoid process absent (also in some crocodylids), and palatines very narrow between suborbital fenestrae (also in crocodylids).

It has been suggested that Bernissartia is the same as Hylaeochampsa, but until more is known no comparison can be made.