Because there’s no harmonized control in the EU on tattoo and permanent make-up inks, ECHA was asked by the European Commission to assess the chemical-related risks associated with the inks, the need for Union-wide action, and the relevant socio economic impacts. As a conclusion to this assessment, the dossier submitters have made the proposal for a restriction.

The proposal suggests restricting the intentional use or concentration limit of approximately 4 000substances when contained in tattoo inks, including those substances already banned in cosmetic products, such as carcinogens or skin sensitizers. Most of the substances are also covered by their commendation by the Council of Europe on tattoo inks (ResAP(2008)1 and its predecessor) on which seven Member States have based their national legislation.

It is expected that the restriction will significantly reduce the potential health risks for people getting new tattoos, such as allergic reactions to tattoo inks and possible long-term effects from exposure to hazardous substances injected under the skin.

ECHA plans to launch a six-month public consultation on the proposed restriction in mid-December 2017. ECHA’s Committees for Risk Assessment and Socio-economic Analysis are expected to give an expert opinion on the proposal by the end of 2018. After that, the European Commission will release a draft decision.