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

• 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.

Global Developments

• 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.

• 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’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.

• 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

• 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 Ban
  Michigan 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.

• 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.)