Proposed Restriction on Tattoo Inks and Permanent Make-up (PMU)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as the Agency for UK REACH, is proposing to restrict the use of certain substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up. The proposed restriction is similar to the restriction that the European Union (EU) introduced on hazardous substances in tattoo inks. The EU regulation can be accessed here, and further information about the work carried out by the EU on this topic can be found here. 

The HSE would like to invite you to complete a public consultation here. 

What is HSE trying to do?

UK REACH is a regulation that allows the government to limit, ban or set conditions on the manufacture or use of chemical substances. “Restrictions” can be proposed if risks from substances are not properly controlled and measures need to be taken to protect people and/or the environment. HSE is proposing restrictions on the use of hazardous substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up (PMU). As part of the process of putting a restriction in place, HSE would like to hear your views to understand how this restriction could affect your business if it becomes law.

Why is HSE doing this?

The substances used in tattoo inks and PMU may not be made for use in these inks. For example, inks may contain hazardous substances which are banned for use in cosmetics because they have certain hazard classifications (such as they can cause cancer).

What has HSE done so far?

They have looked at the evidence on these inks and summarised this information in a report. HSE has also looked at different options (taking into account what has been done in the EU) to restrict the use of certain substances in inks. In the options, HSE has taken account of concerns expressed by the tattoo industry around certain pigments.

What does HSE need from you?

The report is on HSE’s website for public consultation. This means they are trying to get more information from those who use, manufacture or see the effects of these inks. This will help HSE understand which options they have proposed are the best way forward for controlling the risks. To help them understand how this restriction could affect your business, HSE is asking for your help on costs, information on the inks you use and what adverse reactions you have seen in your experience as a tattooist/PMU practitioner.

HSE would like to find out:

• Has the EU restriction had any impact on you so far – such as the availability of inks, their quality and cost and any other impacts? 
• Are there other substances (including other colourants) which cannot be substituted?
• Information about the numbers of PMU applications you carry out each week, numbers of customers and amount of ink that you use each week
• Information about the number of adverse reactions (e.g. allergies) you see and how you manage this. 

How do I provide information?

Complete the public consultation at the HSE website.