EU Tattoo Ink ban

January 5, 2022

On January 4, 2022, a European Union ban on tattoo ink and permanent make-up went into effect.

Key Points

European Union has banned tattoo ink and permanent make-up comprising of chemicals which could cause cancers or other health risks.
The ban covers hazardous substances like certain azo dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carcinogenic aromatic amines, metals and methanol.
It also covers carcinogenic, chemicals prohibited in cosmetics, mutagenic & reprotoxic substances, skin sensitisers, metal impurities, skin & eye irritants, aromatic amines and some pigments.
EU has however given a grace period for two common colours- green and blue and have allowed time for alternatives to be found.

Which countries have applied the ban?

Seven EU countries have already applied the ban at national level.

When was this directive agreed upon?

The directive to ban tattoo ink was agreed by all EU member states in 2019. Now it is applicable across 27 countries of the European Union. The directive also include ban on imports coming from outside the European Union.

What are the health impacts of chemical mixes?

Tattoo inks and permanent make-up comprising of chemical mixes can be hazardous, can cause skin allergies and lead to serious health impacts like genetic mutations & cancer.

How this ink affects the body?

Ink pigments can penetrate deep down the body from the skin. Thus, it affects organs like lymph nodes and the liver. Furthermore, laser-treatment to erase tattoos can break those substances into smaller particles. Smaller particles then circulate in the body. These chemicals could stay for life in body. Thus, there is possibility for long-term exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Which substances are a cause of concern?

The two main substances used in tattoos are-: Pigment Blue 15:3 and Pigment Green 7. For both substances, no substitutes are currently unavailable. Both of these substances are feared to cause bladder cancer.

Views of Tattoo industry

The tattoo industry argues that, there is no confirm evidence of linking tattoos directly with cancer. They are of the view that, EU regulations could lead to black marketing of more tattoos.

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