United Kingdom has implemented a REACH restriction on certain substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up to ensure safer consumer products and reduce health and environmental risks
UK Bans Hazardous Substances in Tattoo Inks
New REACH restriction limits dangerous chemicals in body art products.
What changed
Hazardous substances restricted in tattoo inks and permanent make-up under UK REACH.
Product scope defined for tattoo inks and permanent make-up under HS code 321590.
Geographic coverage extends to United Kingdom and Ireland.
Safety focus to protect consumer health and reduce environmental risks.
Who it affects
Tattoo ink manufacturers must reformulate products to meet REACH restrictions.
Permanent make-up producers must ensure products comply with HS code 321590 requirements.
Importers into UK and Ireland must verify products meet the new substance restrictions.
Regulation Analysis: UK REACH Restriction on Substances in Tattoo Inks and Permanent Make-up
The United Kingdom has introduced a UK REACH restriction on hazardous substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up (PMU) to mitigate risks to human health and safety. The restriction imposes concentration limits, labelling requirements, and phased compliance deadlines for formulators, suppliers, and professionals1.
Key Requirements and Provisions
- Restricted Substances and Concentration Limits
The restriction applies to substances classified under the GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling (GB MCL) list as:
- Carcinogens (Category 1A, 1B, and 2)
- Germ cell mutagens (Category 1A, 1B, and 2)
- Reproductive toxicants (Category 1A, 1B, and 2)
- Skin sensitisers (Category 1, 1A, and 1B)
- Skin corrosives (Category 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C)
- Serious eye-damaging substances (Category 1)1.
Additionally, substances prohibited in cosmetics under Annexes 2 and 4 of the Cosmetic Product Regulations are also restricted in tattoo inks and PMU1.
- Labelling Requirements
Mixtures containing restricted substances must include:
- Clear labelling of pH regulators1.
- Allergen warnings for mixtures containing nickel or chromium (VI)1.
- Compliance Timeline
- Stakeholder Engagement
Summary Table of Key Requirements
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK REACH Restriction | Prohibits carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic, skin-sensitising, corrosive, and eye-damaging substances in tattoo inks/PMU1. | December 2028 (suppliers) | DEFRA, HSE |
| GB MCL List | Applies concentration limits to substances classified under GB MCL1. | December 2028 | DEFRA |
| Cosmetic Product Regulations | Prohibits substances listed in Annexes 2 and 4 of the Cosmetic Product Regulations1. | December 2028 | DEFRA |
| Labelling Requirements | Mandates allergen warnings (nickel/chromium VI) and pH regulator labelling1. | December 2028 | DEFRA |
| Phased Compliance | Allows tattoo artists/PMU professionals to use non-compliant inks until December 20291. | December 2029 (professionals) | DEFRA |
Summary Answer
The UK REACH restriction on substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up introduces concentration limits for hazardous substances (e.g., carcinogens, mutagens, and skin sensitisers) and prohibits those listed in the Cosmetic Product Regulations1. Labelling requirements for allergens and pH regulators apply, with compliance deadlines of December 2028 for suppliers and December 2029 for professionals1. Stakeholders may submit comments until 30 May 2026 to the UK TBT Enquiry Point1. The restriction is enforced by DEFRA and aligns with the GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling list1.
Sources
- ↩ UK REACH Restriction on Substances in Tattoo Inks and Permanent Make-up https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN26/GBR118.pdf&Open=True