Pigments: one rule for all
Since January 2022, a REACH restriction sets purity limits and bans a long list of hazardous substances (certain azo dyes, aromatic amines, metals, preservatives, solvents) in inks placed on the EU/EEA market, with mandatory labelling ('Mixture for use in tattoos or permanent make-up') and a declared ingredient list. From January 2023, Blue 15:3 and Green 7 are specifically prohibited. Non-compliant stock is illegal to use.
Practitioner and premises rules: national
Training requirements, licensing, hygiene inspection and minimum age are set by each member state (and sometimes region). Some countries treat PMU as a regulated trade with mandatory courses and registers; others are lighter. Cross-border work needs the destination country's authorisation.
Compliance in practice
Buy only REACH-compliant, fully labelled pigments from suppliers who provide a current declaration and SDS; keep batch records; meet your own country's practitioner and facility requirements; and re-verify pigment compliance at every reorder because the restricted list is still being extended.
