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Our tattoo inks:
REACH compliant.

We work exclusively with the REACH versions of well-known brands. Here you can find out what the EU rules for tattoo inks mean, what must be on the label and where you can check the manufacturers’ information yourself.

What is REACH?

REACH is the EU chemicals regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. Since 4 January 2022 its Annex XVII, entry 75, sets out which substances must not be in tattoo inks and permanent make-up, or only in very small amounts.

  1. 12/2020Regulation (EU) 2020/2081

    The EU adds tattoo inks to Annex XVII of REACH as entry 75.

  2. 04.01.2022Restriction applies

    Around 4,000 substances are banned or strictly limited in tattoo inks – e.g. carcinogenic, mutagenic, allergenic and irritant substances and certain heavy metals.

  3. 01/2023Pigment Blue 15:3 & Green 7

    The transition period for these two pigments ends – manufacturers switch to new formulas.

  4. 09/2025Regulation (EU) 2025/877

    New CMR substances in the Cosmetics Regulation (incl. TPO). Through entry 75 they also apply to tattoo inks 18 months after entry into force – expected from the end of 2026.

  5. 05/2026Regulation (EU) 2026/78 – the latest amendment

    Further CMR substances, incl. silver in massive and nano form. For tattoo inks it applies through entry 75 from August 2027 (18 months after entry into force on 2 February 2026).

Important: REACH is not a certification with a seal. Manufacturers and sellers declare that their inks meet the rules – that is why we link directly to their documents below.

What every bottle must show

Before you are tattooed you have the right to receive this information about the inks used – we are happy to show it to you and note brand, shade and batch number in your record.

„Mixture for use in tattoos or permanent make-up“

Mandatory statement – only inks marked with it may be used.

Batch number (LOT)

Makes every bottle traceable – we note it in your treatment record.

List of ingredients

In descending order of quantity, using the cosmetics glossary names or IUPAC, CAS or EC numbers.

„pH regulator“

Marks substances used only to adjust the pH.

Nickel / chromium(VI) notice

“Contains nickel / chromium (VI). Can cause allergic reactions.” – if present below the limit.

Safety instructions

Instructions for safe use.

Consent form & record

What is in a tattoo ink?

The exact composition is on the label and in the safety data sheet of every ink. Basically, a tattoo ink consists of these building blocks:

01Pigments

Provide the colour – e.g. carbon black (CI 77266) in black or titanium dioxide (CI 77891) in white.

02Carrier

Usually water (aqua), plus e.g. glycerin or alcohol so the pigment spreads evenly.

03Binders & thickeners

Give the right consistency and keep the pigment suspended.

04pH regulators & preservation

In small amounts and only within the REACH limits – some inks contain no preservatives at all.

The brands we work with

Straight to the manufacturers’ official sites – where you will find certificates, safety data sheets and ingredients.

Panthera Ink

Panthera Ink SRL · Trento, Italy · since 2000

Italian manufacturer, “100% Made in Italy”. Black and grey shades in dedicated “REACH Conform” lines.

Official website Certificates

Kuro Sumi

Blythewood, South Carolina, USA · originally from Japan

For the EU there is the dedicated “Kuro Sumi Imperial” line. The EU declarations of conformity are available in 25 languages.

Official website Compliance certificates

Read it yourself

Manufacturer information and legal status: October 2026. All brand and product names are the property of their respective owners. This page is not legal advice.

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