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    Tattoo inks and REACH in 2026: the checklist

    By Emmanuel (MedTattoo), professional tattoo artist and trainer · Reviewed by Maxime, MedMax SARL · Published

    Who it is for: tattoo and PMU artists in France and the European Union who buy, store and use inks.

    In brief. In the European Union, since 4 January 2022, entry 75 of Annex XVII to REACH, Regulation (EU) 2020/2081, has restricted more than 4,000 substances in tattoo and permanent makeup inks; Pigment Blue 15:3 and Pigment Green 7 have been covered since 4 January 2023. Outside the EU, consult local regulations. A compliant bottle bears a statement that it is a mixture for use in tattoos, its ingredients, batch number, durability date and manufacturer or importer. Use compliant inks, retain evidence and trace each batch by procedure.

    What REACH says, plainly

    The regulation does not define “approved inks”. It prohibits mixtures containing certain substances above thresholds and requires labelling. A reputable manufacturer reformulates inks and provides a safety data sheet and declaration of conformity.

    Bottle-by-bottle checklist

    1. Statement that the mixture is for use in tattoos or local equivalent.
    2. Ingredients, including pigment indexes.
    3. Readable batch number and minimum durability date.
    4. Name and EU address of the manufacturer or importer.
    5. Available safety data sheet.
    6. Sealed, unexpired bottle stored away from light and heat.
    7. Professional EU supplier; take care with non-EU imports lacking EU labels.

    Common questions

    Can I use old inks bought before 2022?

    The restriction concerns placing products on the market. Using old, non-compliant stock remains at your risk and traceability will be requested if a reaction occurs. The cautious approach is not to use it.

    Are vegan inks inherently compliant?

    No. “Vegan” describes the absence of animal-derived ingredients; REACH compliance is separate.

    What about PMU?

    Permanent makeup is tattooing under the regulation: the same restrictions and labelling apply.

    What are the risks?

    An inspection may remove non-compliant products. If a client has a reaction, missing traceability or use of a non-compliant product may engage your liability.

    Trace the batch: thirty seconds that matter

    In Tattoomorrow, enter traceability per procedure under “CLIENT” → “PROJETS” (PROJECTS) → project → traceability, with reference, batch, expiry and bottle photo. Do it before opening the ink. In a recall, you can identify clients; during an inspection, you can show compliance in minutes.

    Sources

    • Regulation (EU) 2020/2081 amending Annex XVII to REACH, entry 75, applicable since 4 January 2022; Pigment Blue 15:3 and Pigment Green 7 since 4 January 2023.
    • European Chemicals Agency pages on tattoo inks and permanent makeup.
    • ANSES and French health ministry information for tattoo professionals.

    Trace inks by project

    Further reading

    FAQ

    Does REACH apply outside the European Union?

    This article describes EU rules. Outside the EU, consult the applicable local regulations.