News Details

On 30 December 2025, the UK government announced its decision to adopt a restriction under UK REACH on hazardous substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up. This measure will amend Annex 17 of UK REACH, thereby restricting the placing on the market and use of affected products in Great Britain.

Scope and rationale

The restriction targets substances that are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction, skin sensitising, skin corrosive, or causing serious eye damage. This reflects concerns relating to intradermal exposure. The measure is primarily classification-based, referring to substances listed on the GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling (GB MCL) list and other relevant regulatory lists when used in tattoo inks or permanent make-up.

Key requirements

Under the adopted approach, the restriction will:

• Set maximum concentration thresholds for substances that meet the specified hazard classifications under the GB MCL framework.
• Require targeted allergen information where tattoo inks or permanent make-up contain nickel or chromium (VI) at levels below the applicable restriction limits.
• Extend the restriction to substances already subject to controls under the Cosmetic Products Regulation when present in tattoo inks or permanent make-up.
• Introduce expanded labelling obligations, including assigning a product-specific reference number, disclosing ingredients and safety-related information, and additional labelling elements for pH-regulating substances.
• Restrict 19 pigments that had previously been considered for derogation, including Pigment Blue 15:3 and Pigment Green 7.

Transitional arrangements

Transitional periods are provided, including a two-year period for formulators and suppliers to place compliant products on the market, followed by an additional one-year period for professional users to use existing stocks.