ELECTRUM'S TATTOO CULTURE BLOG

Tattoo laws aren’t made by tattooers — but they should be understood by them.

Tattoo laws are tightening and evolving around the world. Governments are starting to treat tattooing like a regulated cosmetic or medical industry rather than a purely artistic one.   Why now:   Ink chemistry and pigment safety are under scrutiny. Rising global tattoo popularity = more visibility = more regulation. International ink shipping and cross-border tattooing (guest spots, conventions) have outpaced current laws.   Artists are now caught between outdated local licensing rules and new international health standards - and nobody’s giving clear answers.   Global Developments EU & UK:   The EU’s REACH regulations now restrict hundreds of pigments and preservatives, forcing reformulation or bans. Expect ongoing ingredient restrictions, new labeling standards, and required safety testing. UK post-Brexit is developing its own list - slightly looser, but still moving toward stricter oversight. If you import or use EU-compliant inks, make sure you know whether your bottles meet the latest formula version.   South Korea:   As of late 2025, South Korea officially legalized tattooing for non-medical professionals - after decades of gray-area operation. This will likely set off a wave of legalization and licensing updates across Asia (Japan, Thailand, Philippines). Expect increased tattoo tourism in Seoul and a rise in licensed training programs.   Australia:   Australia’s states are re-evaluating licensing laws to include infection-control certification and ingredient transparency. New studies have prompted the government to investigate pigment imports after revealing aluminum, copper, and unlisted chemicals in popular inks.   Canada :   Health Canada is quietly monitoring the EU REACH changes and could follow suit with mandatory pigment registration or reporting. Most tattoo safety standards are still provincial, not federal - so Ontario and Quebec may act first.   United States Developments Right now, there’s no federal regulation of tattoo inks by the FDA -  but that’s about to change. Here’s what’s happening:   The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) now includes “body art pigments” under FDA authority. Expect ink manufacturers to soon be required to register formulas and facilities. The FDA and CDC are conducting more safety testing on pigments, preservatives, and carrier fluids (like glycerin and alcohol). Pigment bans or recalls are possible if harmful heavy metals or allergens are confirmed. Certain states (California, New York, Florida) are already discussing stricter sanitation and ink labeling laws that could require artists to track ink lot numbers for each client. State-Level Actions: Michigan’s Numbing BanMichigan has become the first U.S. state to ban the use of all topical numbing agents during tattoo procedures, effective 2025.This includes both over-the-counter and compounded lidocaine creams when applied by artists. Only medical professionals may now legally apply numbing agents in Michigan studios.   What to worry about (and prepare for):   Keep all ink lot numbers and MSDS/SDS sheets recorded for each client session. Avoid unlabelled, off-brand, or non-compliant pigments - those may become illegal to use or sell. Stay aware of new cross-state certification reciprocity (coming soon to help artists travel more easily between states). Watch for updates on tattoo licensing boards expanding to include ongoing health and safety training.   What Should YOU Do Now Audit your ink shelf:Check labels, batch numbers, and expiration dates. Make sure every bottle you’re using has a listed manufacturer and full ingredient transparency. Download your SDS sheets:Keep digital and printed copies for all inks and chemicals. These may become legally required during inspections or travel. Register for updates:Follow FDA Tattoo Ink Regulation Page, EU REACH updates, and your state or provincial health department newsletters. Educate your clients:Turn regulation into reassurance — tell clients you use only fully documented, transparent, high-quality inks. Be convention-smart:If you travel internationally, know import restrictions on inks and single-use items. (Many artists have had gear confiscated at customs in Europe post-REACH.)